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Multigene Phylogenetic Analyses to Establish New Valsaria Species and Taxonomic Significance of Spore Ornamentation

Summary

This research describes a newly discovered species of fungus found on dead tree branches in Italy. The study used both physical characteristics and DNA analysis to prove it was different from known species. Understanding fungal diversity and classification is important for several reasons: • Helps track and monitor biodiversity in different environments • Provides foundation for understanding plant diseases and forest health • Contributes to discovery of potentially useful compounds from fungi • Aids in understanding evolution and relationships between different fungal species • Supports conservation efforts by documenting species diversity

Background

The genus Valsaria occurs primarily on woody parts of ornamental plants and is distributed across a wide range of hosts. Species taxonomy has been historically based on morphological characteristics, with recent work using molecular methods to help resolve generic delimitation and classification. Previous studies have examined over 100 collections of Valsaria sensu lato to understand relationships between species.

Objective

To describe and characterize a new species of Valsaria (V. ostryae) isolated from dead branches of Ostrya carpinifolia, and to investigate its phylogenetic relationships with other Valsaria species. Additionally, to evaluate the taxonomic significance of spore ornamentation and other morphological characteristics in species delineation.

Results

A new species Valsaria ostryae was identified and characterized, distinguished by unique spore ornamentation and guttule characteristics. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses showed it is basal to V. lopadostomoides and V. rudis but phylogenetically distinct. The study confirmed spore ornamentation as a significant taxonomic character for species delineation within Valsaria. Analysis revealed 5.31% base pair differences in ITS regions between V. ostryae and V. rudis, and 6.60% differences with V. lopadostomoides.

Conclusion

The study established Valsaria ostryae as a new species based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The research demonstrated that spore ornamentation and guttule characteristics are valuable taxonomic features for species delineation in Valsaria, while other morphological characters like stromatal characteristics show less phylogenetic significance. The findings suggest Valsaria could be more species-rich than currently known and requires further sampling across diverse hosts.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217982
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