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Two novel species of Neomonodictys and Phaeoisaria (Pleurotheciaceae, Pleurotheciales) from freshwater habitats in China

Summary

Scientists discovered two new species of fungi living on submerged wood in freshwater streams in Guizhou Province, China. These fungi, named Neomonodictys subtropicus and Phaeoisaria guiyangensis, belong to the Pleurotheciaceae family and help break down dead plant material in freshwater ecosystems. The researchers used DNA analysis and microscopic examination to identify and formally describe these previously unknown fungi.

Background

Lignicolous freshwater fungi colonize woody substrates in freshwater habitats and play crucial roles in decomposition of lignocellulosic material and nutrient cycling. Pleurotheciaceae is a family established in 2016 containing 16 genera with over 100 accepted species, most occurring as saprobes on plant substrates in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Asia, particularly China and Thailand, is an active region for freshwater fungal research with numerous novel species documented.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and characterize two fungal specimens collected from submerged woody substrates in Guizhou Province, China. Comprehensive morphological examinations combined with multi-locus phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine if these specimens represented previously undescribed taxa within Pleurotheciaceae.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed two novel species: Neomonodictys subtropicus forming a sister clade with N. muriformis (96% ML, 1.00 BYPP support) and Phaeoisaria guiyangensis clustering with P. fasciculata, P. loranthacearum, and P. sparsa. Neomonodictys subtropicus possesses sporodochial conidiomata, cylindrical hyaline conidiophores, and aseptate conidia. Phaeoisaria guiyangensis features erect synnemata, polyblastic conidiogenous cells, and shorter conidia and conidiogenous cells compared to related species.

Conclusion

Two novel freshwater fungal species from Guizhou Province are formally described based on molecular and morphological evidence. These discoveries expand the known diversity of Pleurotheciaceae and contribute to understanding of freshwater fungal ecology in Southwest China, demonstrating the potential for discovering novel fungal lineages in underexplored regions.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.122.164339
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