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Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea (Ascomycota, Ophiostomatales), two new ophiostomatalean species, associated with ambrosia and bark beetles in Norway and Poland

Summary

Scientists discovered two new species of fungi that live in association with beetles in European forests. These fungi, Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea, were found in infested wood and pine shoots in Norway and Poland. The fungi were identified using microscopic examination and DNA analysis, revealing they belong to distinct groups within their respective fungal families. This discovery adds to our understanding of forest fungal diversity and beetle-fungus relationships.

Background

Ophiostomatalean fungi are flask-shaped fungi commonly associated with bark- and wood-dwelling beetles, many causing significant tree diseases and discoloration. Recent surveys in Central and Northern Europe have revealed extensive diversity and numerous new species within this fungal group. This study describes two new ophiostomatalean species isolated from beetle-infested wood and pine shoots in Norway and Poland.

Objective

To characterize and formally describe two novel ophiostomatalean fungi based on morphological characters and multigene phylogenetic analyses. The study aims to identify and classify Ophiostoma babimostense from Scots pine pruned by Tomicus beetles and Sporothrix europaea from hardwoods infested by ambrosia and bark beetles.

Results

Ophiostoma babimostense belongs to the O. ulmi species complex and produces pesotum-like and sporothrix-like asexual morphs without sexual morphs in culture. Sporothrix europaea belongs to the S. gossypina complex and is characterized by both sexual and asexual morphs with distinctive ascomatal features and two conidial types. Both species are phylogenetically distinct from known species in their respective complexes.

Conclusion

Two new ophiostomatalean fungal species are formally described, expanding knowledge of beetle-associated fungi in Europe. These discoveries demonstrate continued taxonomic and ecological diversity of Ophiostomatales and suggest broader host ranges for some species than previously recognized.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study, Taxonomic Description,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.123.155588, PMID: 41127501
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