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A Novel Phaeoacremonium Species Isolated from Galls on the Chinese Magnolia-Vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered a new fungal species living inside galls (abnormal growths) on Chinese magnolia-vine plants. The fungus, named Phaeoacremonium schisandrae, was found inside larvae of gall-midges using genetic testing and microscopy. This discovery brings the total number of known Phaeoacremonium species to 73 and marks the first time this fungus has been found associated with gall-midge insects, expanding our understanding of fungal diversity in Korea.

Background

Phaeoacremonium is a fungal genus that includes 72 described species, with some species known as plant and human pathogens. This study reports the first isolation of a Phaeoacremonium species from gall-midge larvae on Chinese magnolia-vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea.

Objective

To isolate and characterize fungi from gall-midge larvae and their galleries found in stem galls of Chinese magnolia-vine fruit trees in Korea using morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Five fungal strains (KNUF-24-9L1a, KNUF-24-9L2b, KNUF-24-10L1c, KNUF-24-10L2b, and KNUF-24-15Wb) showed identical morphological characteristics and occupied a distinct phylogenetic position separate from other Phaeoacremonium species. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses revealed significant differences in colony color, conidial size, and phialide morphology compared to closely related species.

Conclusion

The novel species Phaeoacremonium schisandrae sp. nov. represents the 73rd recognized species in the genus and the first report of a Phaeoacremonium species isolated from gall-midge larvae. This finding expands understanding of fungal diversity in Korea and the ecological interactions between fungi, gall-midges, and host plants.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2438463, PMID: 40098943
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