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Four new species of Beltraniella (Amphisphaeriales, Beltraniaceae) revealed by morphology and phylogenetic analyses from China

Summary

Scientists discovered four new species of fungi called Beltraniella in southern China. These tiny fungi help break down dead leaves and plant matter in forests, playing an important role in maintaining ecosystem health. The researchers identified these new species by examining their physical characteristics under microscopes and analyzing their DNA sequences. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse fungal communities found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Background

Beltraniella is a widely-distributed genus of dematiaceous hyphomycetes with relatively limited abundance. These fungi play a crucial ecological role in breaking down lignin and cellulose in natural ecosystems. Currently, 33 epithet records of Beltraniella have been documented, though their diversity in specific regions remains understudied.

Objective

To identify and characterize new species of Beltraniella through morphological comparison and phylogenetic analysis using molecular barcodes. The study aimed to enrich the species diversity of the genus and improve understanding of fungal diversity in Hainan and Sichuan Provinces, China.

Results

Four new species of Beltraniella were identified and characterized: B. dujiangyanensis, B. jianfengensis, B. myristicae, and B. xinglongensis. Phylogenetic analyses with high confidence support values (MLBS and BPP) were obtained for each species. B. myristicae was found parasitizing diseased leaves of Myristica fragrans, while the other three species were found on decaying leaves.

Conclusion

Through combined phylogenetic and morphological analysis, four new Beltraniella species were successfully identified and thoroughly characterized. The findings enhance understanding of fungal diversity in southern China and expand the known species range of Beltraniella fungi. Further targeted collection efforts are expected to reveal additional Beltraniella species.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Descriptive/Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.116.140506, PMID: 40248651
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