Phylogeny, taxonomy and geographic distribution of novel and known fungi with holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis in Rhamphoriales and Pleurotheciales (Sordariomycetes)
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 10/1/2025
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Summary
Researchers have discovered and described four new fungal species that live in decaying wood and soil, particularly in temperate forests. These fungi share a unique way of producing spores (conidiogenesis) that helps scientists classify and understand their relationships. Using genetic sequencing and environmental DNA data from around the world, scientists mapped where these fungi are found and learned that different species prefer different climates. This research improves our understanding of fungal diversity and how these decomposer organisms are distributed globally.
Background
Lignicolous saprobic fungi within the class Sordariomycetes displaying holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis represent distinct evolutionary lineages despite morphological similarities in culture. This study investigates fungal taxa from Rhamphoriales and Pleurotheciales orders that share this distinct developmental process for conidium formation.
Objective
To investigate and characterize novel and known fungi with holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis through integrative analysis combining morphological examination, phylogenetic reconstruction using five nuclear markers, and biogeographical pattern analysis using environmental DNA data from the GlobalFungi database.
Results
Four new species are described: Echinodenticula allantospora (new genus), Phaeoisaria parallela, Rhamphoriopsis cuprea, and Rh. denticulata. The rarely encountered Rhamphoria separata is reported with its previously undocumented asexual morph. Protein-coding genes rpb2 and tef1 effectively distinguish closely related Phaeoisaria species, and high-quality draft genomes were sequenced for six reference strains.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the phylogenetic significance of holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis as a diagnostic feature in Rhamphoriales and Pleurotheciales. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals distinct biogeographical patterns, with most species showing temperate to tropical distributions, while E. allantospora and M. curvata remain poorly understood geographically.
- Published in:Persoonia,
- Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
- Source: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.08; PMID: 41551220