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Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of Microascaceae with Emphasis on Synnematous Fungi

Summary

This research helped resolve confusion about how different types of fungi are related to each other by studying their physical features and DNA. The findings help scientists better classify and identify these fungi, which are commonly found in soil and air. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved ability to identify fungi in environmental and clinical samples – Better understanding of fungal diversity in indoor and outdoor environments – More accurate classification system helps track potentially harmful fungi – Enhanced knowledge base for studying fungi that affect agriculture and food storage – Better tools for identifying fungi in medical settings

Background

The taxonomy of synnematous genera Cephalotrichum, Doratomyces and Trichurus, and related genera Gamsia, Wardomyces and Wardomycopsis in the family Microascaceae has been controversial and relies mainly on morphological criteria. These are saprobic fungi mostly found in air and soil worldwide. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that the Microascaceae contains several closely related genera that are difficult to separate morphologically.

Objective

To clarify the taxonomy and delineate generic boundaries within the Microascaceae through morphological, physiological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of 57 isolates including clinical, environmental and available ex-type strains using DNA sequence data from four loci (ITS region, rDNA LSU, translation elongation factor 1α and β-tubulin).

Results

The study demonstrated that Cephalotrichum, Doratomyces and Trichurus are congeneric with Echinobotryum as a synonym under Cephalotrichum. The genera Acaulium and Fairmania were found to be distinct from Microascus and Scopulariopsis. Gamsia was confirmed as distinct from Wardomyces, and Wardomycopsis was validated as a separate genus. Two new species of Cephalotrichum were described (C. brevistipitatum and C. hinnuleum). Nine new combinations were proposed and several type specimens were designated.

Conclusion

The study resolved long-standing taxonomic confusion by demonstrating that several historically separate genera are actually congeneric, while confirming others as distinct lineages. The research established clear morphological and molecular criteria for distinguishing between genera within the Microascaceae, providing an updated taxonomic framework for these fungi.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.simyco.2016.07.002
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