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A New Species and a New Record of Graphium from Freshwater Environment in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered two types of fungi from Graphium genus in freshwater rivers and streams. One was identified as Graphium carbonarium, previously unknown in Korea, while the other two isolates represent an entirely new species named Graphium aquaticum. This finding is significant because Graphium fungi were previously thought to live only on wood and in association with insects, making freshwater an unexpected and new habitat for these organisms.

Background

The genus Graphium belongs to order Microascales and comprises known wood pathogens causing sapstain in timbers. While Graphium species have been primarily associated with bark beetles and wood environments, their presence in freshwater habitats has not been previously studied. This study investigates the genus Graphium in freshwater environments in Korea as a new habitat.

Objective

The study aimed to identify and characterize Graphium species isolated from freshwater samples in Korea using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of ITS and TEF-1α gene sequences.

Results

One strain (CNUFC PYW4-15) was identified as Graphium carbonarium, representing a new record for Korea. Two strains (CNUFC BCW49 and CNUFC BCW48) were identified as a novel species, named Graphium aquaticum sp. nov. Both species represent the first report of Graphium from freshwater environments.

Conclusion

This study establishes freshwater as a new habitat for Graphium species and describes a novel species with distinct morphological and phylogenetic characteristics. The findings expand understanding of Graphium ecology and contribute to knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Korean freshwater environments.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study, Species Description,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2450892, PMID: 40321623
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