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Taxonomic revision of Bisifusarium (Nectriaceae)

Summary

This study provides a comprehensive update on Bisifusarium fungi, a group that includes species used in cheese production and some that can cause human infections. Researchers examined 116 fungal isolates from around the world and identified 25 distinct lineages using DNA analysis. They formally described 8 new species and provided detailed descriptions and photos of previously poorly documented species. This work doubles the known diversity of this fungal genus and will help scientists and medical professionals better identify and understand these fungi.

Background

Bisifusarium species, previously 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 distinct pionnotal growth in culture and very short macroconidia with 0-2(-3) septa. Only 16 species have been described to date despite their ecological significance.

Objective

This study sought to re-evaluate Bisifusarium taxa by examining 116 isolates from the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute using multi-gene phylogenetic analysis and morphological evaluation. The aim was to resolve phylogenetic lineages and formally describe novel species within this expanding genus.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis resolved 25 lineages with 10 novel lineages identified. Eight novel taxa were formally described as new species: B. africanum, B. australianum, B. cacticola, B. colchici, and four others. Morphological descriptions and photographic illustrations were provided for B. hedylamarriae and B. lovelliae, previously known only from DNA data.

Conclusion

This taxonomic revision significantly increases the number of described Bisifusarium species from 16 to 24 and provides a crucial foundation for understanding the ecology and evolutionary relationships within this genus. The study enhances our ability to identify and classify Bisifusarium species based on molecular and morphological characters.
  • Published in:Persoonia,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
  • Source: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.06
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