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Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered four new species of endophytic fungi called Diaporthe living inside plant tissues without causing visible disease. Using genetic testing and microscopic examination, they identified D. caryae, D. phoenicicola, D. stewartii, and D. unshiuensis as previously unrecorded in Korea. These fungi can potentially produce compounds with medicinal properties or help manage plant diseases. This discovery helps scientists better understand the hidden fungal diversity in Korean ecosystems.

Background

Diaporthe is a genus within Sordariomycetes containing over 1,200 taxa with diverse ecological roles as pathogens and endophytes. Endophytic fungi reside within plant tissues without causing visible symptoms and represent high biodiversity with potential for bioactive compound production. Traditional isolation and culturing methods remain important for discovering secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical applications.

Objective

To isolate and characterize endophytic fungi from various plant species across Korea using morphological and molecular analyses. The study aimed to identify previously unrecorded Diaporthe species and expand knowledge of fungal diversity and distribution in Korea.

Results

Four previously unrecorded Diaporthe species were identified in Korea: D. caryae, D. phoenicicola, D. stewartii, and D. unshiuensis. Phylogenetic analyses showed high sequence similarity (97-100%) with reference sequences. Detailed morphological descriptions revealed species-specific characteristics in colony morphology, conidiomata structure, and conidial dimensions for each isolate.

Conclusion

The discovery of four endophytic Diaporthe species enriches understanding of fungal biodiversity in Korea and demonstrates the ecological adaptability of the genus. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive endophytic fungal studies for taxonomy, understanding host interactions, and exploring potential applications in biotechnology, biocontrol strategies, and discovery of bioactive compounds.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2435096, PMID: 39845180
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