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Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea (Ascomycota, Ophiostomatales), two new ophiostomatalean species, associated with ambrosia and bark beetles in Norway and Poland

Summary

Scientists have identified two new fungal species that live with beetles in European forests. These fungi, Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea, were found in pine and hardwood trees infested by various beetle species in Norway and Poland. The study used DNA analysis and microscopy to confirm these are entirely new species. This discovery helps us better understand the complex relationships between fungi and insects in European forest ecosystems.

Background

Ophiostomatalean fungi are flask-shaped perithecia-forming fungi associated with bark- and wood-dwelling beetles. They are important for forestry due to plant diseases and blue-stain discoloration. Extensive surveys in Central and Northern Europe have revealed numerous new species from these fungal orders.

Objective

To characterize and formally describe two undescribed ophiostomatalean fungal species isolated from Norway and Poland using morphological analysis and multigene phylogenetic methods, establishing them as novel taxa.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: Ophiostoma babimostense from Scots pine, belonging to the O. ulmi species complex with pesotum-like and sporothrix-like asexual morphs, and Sporothrix europaea from hardwoods, belonging to the S. gossypina complex with sexual and asexual morphs. Both species were phylogenetically distinct from known species with strong statistical support.

Conclusion

The study expands knowledge of ophiostomatalean diversity in Europe and demonstrates that some O. ulmi complex species can colonize conifer hosts, suggesting broader host ranges than previously documented. These findings contribute to understanding beetle-fungus associations in European forest ecosystems.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.123.155588
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