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The polyphasic approach reveals two new species and two new records of Nigrospora (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) associated with Aquilaria sinensis from China

Summary

Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species and two new host associations of Nigrospora fungi found in Chinese agarwood trees (Aquilaria sinensis) from Guangxi province. Using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis, they identified and characterized these fungi as endophytes living within the plant tissues. These findings add to our understanding of fungal diversity in agarwood trees and may have applications for improving agarwood production in the traditional medicine and fragrance industries.

Background

Nigrospora species are pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes on various plant hosts. Aquilaria sinensis (Chinese agarwood) is an economically important medicinal plant in China, and endophytic fungi play a potential role in agarwood production. This study investigated endophytic Nigrospora species isolated from A. sinensis in Guangxi, China.

Objective

To identify and characterize endophytic fungi of the genus Nigrospora isolated from Aquilaria sinensis through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The study aimed to discover novel species and expand the known host ranges of existing Nigrospora species.

Results

Five Nigrospora strains were identified, including two new species (N. guangxiensis and N. pubeiensis) and two new host records (N. oryzae and N. camelliae-sinensis on A. sinensis). Molecular phylogeny based on combined ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB2 sequences revealed that N. pubeiensis is most closely related to N. chinensis, while N. guangxiensis forms a distinct basal clade. Morphological analysis distinguished the new species by conidial dimensions and conidiogenous structures.

Conclusion

The study enriches the taxonomic framework of Nigrospora with two novel species and expands host records, emphasizing the importance of integrating morphological and molecular approaches in fungal systematics. These findings have significant implications for understanding fungal diversity and ecological roles in agarwood-producing trees, with potential applications in agarwood induction industry.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.121.154055, PMID: 40895210
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