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Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

Summary

Scientists discovered two previously unknown fungal species from the genus Periconia in China. One species was found growing on decaying wood in a freshwater stream in Guangxi Province, while the other was isolated from dead corn leaves in Yunnan Province. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic testing, the researchers confirmed these are distinct new species with unique characteristics that set them apart from similar known species.

Background

Periconiaceae was formally established in Pleosporales and includes the genus Periconia with 238 epithets listed. Recent taxonomic revisions have clarified the genus, with Periconia species exhibiting diverse ecological roles as saprobes, endophytes, and plant pathogens globally distributed in temperate and tropical regions.

Objective

To identify and characterize two interesting hyphomycetes collected from freshwater streams and corn leaves in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces through morphological analysis and multigene phylogenetic inference to confirm their classification within Periconia.

Results

Two new Periconia species were identified: P. guangxiense sp. nov. with micronematous to semi-macronematous branched conidiophores, and P. xishuangbannaensis sp. nov. with macronematous conidiophores and dark brown conidia. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed P. guangxiense clustered sister to P. variicolor with 92% ML/1.00 PP support, while P. xishuangbannaensis formed a distinct lineage.

Conclusion

Two new saprobic Periconia species were described, expanding the known ecological range of the genus to freshwater habitats. The study highlights the role of unique habitats in driving fungal diversity and contributes to taxonomic refinement of Periconia, with continued research needed for improved phylogenetic resolution.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.125.173913
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