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Leaf-inhabiting genera of the Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales

Summary

This research examined and reclassified an important group of plant-pathogenic fungi that commonly infect leaves of trees and other plants. The study used DNA analysis along with traditional methods of studying fungal characteristics to better understand how these fungi are related to each other and how they should be classified. This work helps scientists better understand and identify these plant pathogens, which is crucial for managing plant diseases they cause. Impacts on everyday life: • Improved ability to identify and monitor fungal pathogens that cause diseases in important trees and crops • Better understanding of host-specificity helps predict which plants may be susceptible to particular pathogens • More accurate classification systems help track the spread of plant diseases • Enhanced knowledge aids in developing disease management strategies • Provides foundation for future research on fungal evolution and plant-pathogen interactions

Background

The Gnomoniaceae are characterized by ascomata that are generally immersed, solitary, without a stroma, or aggregated with a rudimentary stroma, in herbaceous plant material especially in leaves, twigs or stems, but also in bark or wood. The ascomata are black, soft-textured, thin-walled, and pseudoparenchymatous with one or more central or eccentric necks. The asci usually have a distinct apical ring. Traditional classification of genera based on characteristics of the ascomata and ascospores have resulted in genera that are not monophyletic.

Objective

To reevaluate the concepts of leaf-inhabiting genera in the Gnomoniaceae using multiple genes, specifically nrLSU, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2).

Results

Six genera of leaf-inhabiting Gnomoniaceae were defined based on placement of their type species within the multigene phylogeny. A new monotypic genus Ambarignomonia was established. The study provided a key to 59 species of leaf-inhabiting Gnomoniaceae and described 22 species. Traditional morphological characters used to define genera had to be re-evaluated as they did not align with molecular phylogenetic relationships.

Conclusion

The molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that traditional classification based on single morphological characteristics does not reflect natural relationships. Host specificity was found to be an important character in circumscription of genera and species. The study redefined generic concepts and species relationships within the Gnomoniaceae based on molecular and morphological evidence.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3114/sim.2008.62.01
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