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Phylogenomic, Morphological, and Phylogenetic Evidence Reveals Five New Species and Two New Host Records of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales) from China

Summary

Researchers identified five new species of fusarioid fungi (Fusarium and Neocosmospora) found in China by combining morphological observations with advanced genetic analysis of 4,941 genes. These fungi are important because they can be beneficial endophytes, harmless decomposers, or disease-causing pathogens. The study used modern genomic techniques to clearly distinguish between closely related species and confirmed fundamental differences between the two main genera. These findings will help scientists better identify and manage diseases caused by these fungi in agriculture and medicine.

Background

Fusarium and Neocosmospora are widely distributed fusarioid fungi within the Nectriaceae family that exhibit diverse ecological roles as endophytes, saprotrophs, and pathogens. Their overlapping morphological and ecological characteristics have made species delimitation and identification challenging. These genera are significant in agriculture, medicine, and biodiversity studies.

Objective

To clarify the taxonomic positions and phylogenetic relationships of 22 fungal isolates from diverse hosts using an integrative polyphasic approach. To provide phylogenomic evidence confirming the distinct taxonomic boundaries between Fusarium and Neocosmospora genera.

Results

Five new species were described: F. dracaenophilum, F. puerense, F. wenshanense, N. alboflava, and N. fungicola. Two known species (F. qiannanense and N. solani) were recorded from new host species. Phylogenomic tree topology was highly congruent with multilocus phylogeny, robustly supporting the taxonomic distinction between Fusarium and Neocosmospora.

Conclusion

The study provides new insights into fusarioid fungal taxonomy and species delimitation through phylogenomic evidence. Findings have important implications for plant disease management, biodiversity conservation, and understanding fungal evolution within the Nectriaceae family.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40723428, DOI: 10.3390/biology14070871
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