Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal two new species of Tubeufia (Tubeufiales, Tubeufiaceae) from freshwater habitats in China

Summary

Scientists have discovered two previously unknown fungal species in freshwater streams in Hainan Province, China. These fungi, named Tubeufia yanuodaensis and Tubeufia yinggelingensis, belong to a group called helicosporous hyphomycetes that break down decaying wood in water. The researchers identified these new species by comparing their DNA sequences and physical characteristics with existing known species.

Background

Tubeufia is a genus of helicosporous hyphomycetes with high morphological variation in its asexual morphs. Currently, the genus comprises 86 species, with 27 found in freshwater habitats, primarily in tropical and temperate regions of China and Thailand.

Objective

To identify and characterize two new Tubeufia species isolated from submerged decaying wood in Hainan Province, China using multigene phylogenetic analyses and morphological examination.

Results

Two novel species, Tubeufia yanuodaensis and T. yinggelingensis, were identified and described. The phylogenetic analyses showed these species formed distinct sister lineages with 100% ML/1.00 BYPP support, distinguished by differences in conidial size and morphology.

Conclusion

Two new Tubeufia species from freshwater habitats in China are formally described based on molecular phylogenetic evidence and morphological characteristics. These findings contribute to the understanding of Tubeufia diversity in tropical and freshwater ecosystems.
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