MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Diversity of Sordariales Fungi: Identification of Seven New Species of Naviculisporaceae Through Morphological Analyses and Genome Sequencing

Summary

Scientists discovered seven new species of fungi in the Naviculisporaceae family by combining DNA sequencing with traditional microscopic examination. They collected samples from soil and animal dung around the world and sequenced the genomes of 25 fungal strains. By comparing genetic information and growing the fungi in laboratory conditions to observe their reproductive structures, they could definitively identify which fungi were new species. This research greatly expands our understanding of fungal diversity.

Background

Naviculisporaceae is a family within Sordariales with limited genomic data, containing only one previously published genome sequence. The family’s diversity remains largely unexplored despite its wide distribution in soil and dung environments. This study addresses the gap in genomic knowledge of this fungal family.

Objective

To characterize the diversity of Naviculisporaceae through comprehensive sampling, genome sequencing, and morphological analysis. To identify new species and expand the genomic database available for the family using next-generation sequencing technologies combined with phylogenetic and morphological approaches.

Results

Seven new Naviculisporaceae species were identified and formally described: Pseudorhypophila gallica, P. guyanensis, Rhypophila alpibus, R. brasiliensis, R. camarguensis, R. reunionensis, and R. thailandica. Two new combinations were established for previously described species. Eight additional strains without in vitro fruiting may represent additional new species. Phylogenomic analysis and mating-type locus organization were studied across all sequenced strains.

Conclusion

This work significantly expands the known diversity of Naviculisporaceae and provides complete genome sequences for 25 strains, greatly enlarging the genomic data available for the family. The combination of genomic analysis with morphological characterization proved effective for accurate species delimitation. These findings establish a robust foundation for future studies of Sordariales diversity and evolution.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41440705, DOI: 10.3390/jof11120880
Scroll to Top