Morphophylogenetic evidence reveals four new fungal species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) from tropical and subtropical forest in China

Summary

Scientists discovered four new species of fungi in the tropical and subtropical forests of southern China. These fungi belong to the Tetraplosphaeriaceae family and were found on decaying wood and bamboo. The researchers identified them using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis, comparing them with similar known species.

Background

Tetraplosphaeriaceae is a family of saprobic fungi widely distributed on various hosts, especially bamboo and grasses. The southwestern part of China, including Guizhou, Hainan, and Yunnan provinces, is characterized by high fungal diversity in tropical and subtropical forest regions.

Objective

To characterize and describe novel anamorphic fungal species collected from tropical and subtropical forest regions in Guizhou, Hainan, and Yunnan provinces of China using morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Four new fungal species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae were identified and described: Polyplosphaeria guizhouensis, Polyplosphaeria hainanensis, Pseudotetraploa yunnanensis, and Tetraploa hainanensis. Phylogenetic analysis supported these as distinct species with significant nucleotide differences from their closest allies.

Conclusion

The morphophylogenetic characterization establishes four new species in Tetraplosphaeriaceae, contributing to understanding of fungal diversity in China. A comprehensive checklist of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species with ecological details is provided.
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