MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

A New Species and Eight New Records of Ascomycetes from Freshwater Niches in Korea

Summary

Researchers discovered a brand new species of fungus and identified eight previously unknown fungal species living in freshwater environments across South Korea. These freshwater fungi play important roles in breaking down plant material and producing compounds with antimicrobial properties. The study used DNA analysis and traditional microscopy to identify and describe these fungi in detail, significantly expanding our knowledge of fungal diversity in Korean freshwater habitats.

Background

Freshwater ascomycetes play an important role in the decomposition of submerged plant debris in freshwater habitats. Approximately 3000 species of ascomycetes have been described from freshwater habitats globally, but the fungal diversity in South Korean freshwater environments remains largely unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to expand understanding of the diversity and distribution of freshwater ascomycetes in South Korea through morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses of isolates collected from various freshwater regions.

Results

Three Dothideomycetes and seven Sordariomycetes strains were identified and characterized. One new species, Neopestalotiopsis koreensis, was delimited. Eight species were reported for the first time from South Korea: Chaetocapnodium philippinense, Curvularia plantarum, Engyodontium rectidentatum, Fusarium arcuatisporum, Microdochium yunnanense, Septoriella verrucispora, Stephanonectria chromolaenae, and Trichoderma amoenum.

Conclusion

The discovery of a new species and eight new records significantly expands knowledge of freshwater ascomycete diversity in South Korea. Detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic analyses are provided for all species, contributing to fungal taxonomy and advancing understanding of freshwater fungal ecology in the region.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2546689, PMID: 40904479
Scroll to Top