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Phialomyces koreanus sp. nov., A Novel Soil Fungus from Korea

Summary

Scientists in Korea discovered a new species of fungus in forest soil and named it Phialomyces koreanus. Using both microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they determined this fungus was distinctly different from previously known species in the same genus. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse fungi living in Korean soils and may have potential applications in pest control and environmental cleanup. This is the first Phialomyces species ever documented from Korea.

Background

The genus Phialomyces is a rare genus within the family Aspergillaceae with only five recognized species, all isolated from forest soils and high-altitude environments. Molecular sequence data are available for only three of these species, limiting comprehensive phylogenetic understanding. This study describes a novel Phialomyces species isolated from Korean soil.

Objective

To characterize and describe a previously undocumented fungal strain (KNUF-23-295) isolated from forest soil in Korea using morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, Cct8, and RPB2 gene regions to determine its species status within the genus Phialomyces.

Results

Strain KNUF-23-295 showed 97.3% ITS sequence similarity to P. macrosporus but formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage in concatenated LSU, Cct8, and RPB2 trees. The strain exhibited unique morphological characteristics including pink pigmentation, smaller conidiophores (6.5-20.0 × 2.5-3.9 μm), and distinctive conidial arrangements. Two phylogenetic trees consistently placed the strain as a novel and well-supported lineage within Phialomyces.

Conclusion

Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic data, strain KNUF-23-295 represents a novel species for which the name Phialomyces koreanus sp. nov. is proposed. This discovery expands the known species diversity within the genus Phialomyces and contributes to understanding of indigenous fungal diversity in Korea, representing the first documented Phialomyces species from Korea.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2535782; PMID: 40792180
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