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Additions to Diatrypaceae (Xylariales): Novel Taxa and New Host Associations

Summary

This research discovered and documented new species of fungi that live on dead wood in protected forest areas of Thailand. These fungi play important roles in decomposing dead plant material and recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of protected areas for discovering new species and understanding biodiversity. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps understand how dead wood decomposes in forests – Contributes to knowledge of biodiversity conservation – Advances understanding of fungal roles in ecosystem health – Supports protection of natural areas – May lead to discovery of useful compounds or applications

Background

Members of Diatrypaceae have a widespread distribution in aquatic and terrestrial environments with diverse lifestyles, such as saprobes, endophytes, and pathogens, on a wide range of crops and woody plants. Most genera in this family are wood-dwelling, though some cause diseases such as dieback, cankers, and grapevine trunk diseases. Members produce extracellular ligninolytic enzymes that degrade plant cell walls, facilitating wood decomposition.

Objective

This research aimed to explore and document unidentified species within the Diatrypaceae family in protected areas from specific woody plants. The study contributes to phylogeny, morphology, host preference, and biodiversity studies while expanding knowledge of diversity in this family.

Results

The study identified three new species (Allodiatrype dalbergiae, A. eleiodoxae, and Melanostictus chiangraiensis), four new host records (Diatrypella heveae, D. major, Melanostictus thailandicus, and Paraeutypella citricola), and one new geographical record of D. major. Detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic analyses were provided for all new taxa.

Conclusion

The research demonstrates the rich fungal diversity in protected areas of Thailand, particularly for Diatrypaceae species. The findings suggest that species of Allodiatrype can be found in different habitats and do not show strict host preferences. The study emphasizes the need for both morphological and molecular approaches in fungal taxonomy.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof9121151
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