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Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

Summary

Scientists discovered two new fungal species belonging to the genus Periconia in China. These fungi were collected from freshwater streams and corn plants in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. Using genetic analysis and microscopy, researchers confirmed these as previously unknown species and named them Periconia guangxiense and Periconia xishuangbannaensis. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and shows that many fungal species remain yet to be discovered.

Background

Periconiaceae is a fungal family that was formally established in Pleosporales based on phylogenetic analyses. The genus Periconia includes hyphomycetous species that are globally distributed and occupy diverse ecological roles as saprobes, endophytes, and plant pathogens. Recent taxonomic revisions have synonymized several genera with Periconia, expanding the genus significantly.

Objective

To identify and classify two interesting hyphomycetes collected from freshwater habitats in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, China. The study employed morphological characterization and multigene phylogenetic inference using LSU, ITS, SSU, and tef1-α sequences to confirm their classification and establish them as new species.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses placed two collections within Periconia as distinct taxa. Periconia guangxiense formed a well-supported monophyletic lineage sister to P. variicolor, distinguished by branched, micronematous to semi-macronematous conidiophores. Periconia xishuangbannaensis formed a distinct lineage with macronematous conidiophores and dark brown conidia, showing 7.5-7.96% ITS sequence divergence from related species.

Conclusion

Two new Periconia species are formally described and contribute to understanding fungal diversity in unique habitats in China. The discovery of P. guangxiense in freshwater habitats expands the known ecological range of the genus and highlights the role of unique habitats in driving fungal diversity.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.125.173913, PMID: 41356276
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