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From seagrass roots to saline soils: discovery of two new genera in Lulworthiales (Sordariomycetes) from osmotically stressed habitats

Summary

Scientists discovered two previously unknown types of fungi living in extreme salty environments: one in the roots of a seagrass species from Mauritius and another in salt-affected soils in Czechia. Through DNA analysis and microscopic examination, these fungi were formally named as new genera and species belonging to a group of fungi specialized in living in salty conditions. The findings suggest these fungi are more widespread and adaptable than previously thought, challenging the idea that they live only in ocean environments.

Background

Marine fungi in the order Lulworthiales are specialized inhabitants of brackish and saline habitats with important ecological roles in nutrient cycling. While traditionally associated with marine environments, recent environmental DNA studies suggest their presence in inland saline soils, challenging their marine exclusivity.

Objective

To characterize two previously unknown fungi isolated from distinct osmotically stressed habitats: seagrass roots of Thalassodendron ciliatum from Mauritius and saline soils from Czechia. The study aimed to determine their phylogenetic placement, morphological characteristics, and ecological distribution.

Results

Two new genera and species were identified: Thalassodendromyces purpureus gen. et sp. nov. from seagrass roots and Halomyrma pluriseptata gen. et sp. nov. from saline soils. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed both as distinct lineages within Lulworthiales, with T. purpureus forming dark brown monilioid hyphae and H. pluriseptata producing holoblastic conidiogenesis with multicellular conidia.

Conclusion

The discovery expands the ecological and phylogenetic scope of Lulworthiales, bridging marine and terrestrial fungal communities. Seagrass roots represent an important source of novel symbiotic marine fungi, and findings highlight the ecological plasticity and adaptive strategies of lulworthialean fungi to osmotically stressed environments.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Descriptive/Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/imafungus.16.157688, PMID: 40842674
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