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Taxonomic revision of Bisifusarium (Nectriaceae)

Summary

Scientists have studied a group of fungi called Bisifusarium and discovered that there are many more species than previously known. These fungi are found in many places including cheese, soil, plants, and can sometimes cause infections in people. By analyzing the DNA and examining the physical characteristics of 116 fungal samples, researchers identified eight new species of Bisifusarium and provided detailed descriptions and pictures of fungi that were previously known only by their genetic information.

Background

Bisifusarium species, formerly known as the Fusarium dimerum species complex, have been associated with cheese fermentation, opportunistic human infections, and are commonly isolated from soils and plant tissues in arid climates. The genus is characterized by distinctive pionnotal growth and very short macroconidia with 0-2(-3) septa. Only 16 species had been described prior to this study.

Objective

This study sought to re-evaluate Bisifusarium taxa by examining 116 isolates from the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute culture collection using multi-gene phylogenetic analysis and morphological characterization. The goal was to clarify species boundaries and significantly expand the taxonomic framework of this important fungal genus.

Results

Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis resolved 25 phylogenetic lineages, with eight novel taxa formally described as new species. Two additional putative novel species were identified but not formally described due to limited data. Morphological descriptions and illustrations were provided for previously DNA-only known species B. hedylamarriae and B. lovelliae, with B. sinense recognized as a synonym of B. hedylamarriae.

Conclusion

This taxonomic revision significantly increases the number of known Bisifusarium species and provides a crucial foundation for future ecological and evolutionary studies of this expanding genus. The expanded species framework will facilitate better understanding of Bisifusarium diversity, distribution, and potential roles as pathogens or decomposers.
  • Published in:Persoonia,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
  • Source: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.06 / 40746712
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