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Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered four types of fungi living inside plants without causing harm, called endophytic fungi. These fungi belong to a genus called Diaporthe and were identified using DNA analysis and microscopic examination. The study helps us understand the hidden diversity of fungi living in Korean plants and could lead to discovering new medicines or ways to control plant diseases.

Background

Diaporthe is a genus of fungi within the class Sordariomycetes with diverse ecological roles ranging from pathogens to endophytes. Endophytic fungi reside within plant tissues without causing visible symptoms and represent a polyphyletic group with high biodiversity. Over 1,200 taxa of Diaporthe and approximately 1,000 taxa of Phomopsis are registered in fungal databases.

Objective

To isolate and characterize four previously unrecorded endophytic Diaporthe species from plant tissues collected across Korea using morphological and molecular analyses. The study aimed to expand knowledge of Diaporthe 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 confirmed species identification with high sequence similarity (97.27-100%) to reference sequences. Detailed morphological descriptions including colony characteristics and conidial measurements were provided for each species.

Conclusion

The discovery of four previously unrecorded endophytic Diaporthe species in Korea enriches understanding of fungal biodiversity in the region and highlights the ecological adaptability of the genus. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive endophytic fungi studies for taxonomic clarification and exploration of biotechnological applications.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2435096; PMID: 39845180
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