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Taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of nine species of Hypocrea with anamorphs assignable to Trichoderma section Hypocreanum

Summary

This research focused on classifying and understanding the relationships between different species of fungi in the genus Hypocrea. Using both physical characteristics and DNA analysis, the scientists identified several new species and clarified how different fungal species are related to each other. This type of research is important for several practical reasons: • Helps scientists accurately identify different fungi species, which is crucial for both research and practical applications • Improves our understanding of fungal diversity and evolution • Aids in the development of biological control agents, as some of these fungi are used to control plant diseases • Contributes to the discovery of new compounds that could have medical or industrial applications • Helps in monitoring and preserving fungal biodiversity

Background

Nine species of Hypocrea Fr. (Ascomycetes, Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) with effused stromata from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, and Central America are newly described or redescribed. Their anamorphs are morphologically similar, having acremonium- or verticillium-like conidiophores with hyaline conidia, and are assignable to Trichoderma sect. Hypocreanum Bissett.

Objective

The objectives were to: (1) determine whether H. sulphurea, H. subcitrina, and H. egmontensis are distinct species; (2) verify the phylogenetic relationship between H. subsulphurea and H. sulphurea; (3) verify the relationship between H. corticioides and H. sulphurea; (4) determine the relationships of two new hyphal species to Protocrea farinosa; (5) investigate the phylogenetic boundaries of Hypocrea with anamorphs in Trichoderma sect. Hypocreanum; and (6) describe the phylogenetic species delineated according to criteria developed by Taylor et al.

Results

The combined phylogenetic analyses showed that Hypocrea sulphurea, H. subsulphurea, H. victoriensis, H. farinosa, and H. eucorticioides represent phylogenetically distinct species. Species with anamorphs assignable to Trichoderma sect. Hypocreanum did not form a monophyletic group. Four new species were described: H. victoriensis, H. eucorticioides, H. alcalifuscescens, and H. parmastoi. H. egmontensis was determined to be a facultative synonym of H. subcitrina.

Conclusion

The study established clear phylogenetic boundaries between several Hypocrea species and demonstrated that species with anamorphs referable to Trichoderma sect. Hypocreanum are polyphyletic. The relationship between sect. Hypocreanum and sect. Pachybasium could not be resolved. The LEtef1 gene region proved better suited for phylogenetic studies than the previously used tef1 region.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.3114/sim.2006.56.02
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