molecular taxonomy – Page 3

Two new species and a new host record of Hyphomycetes associated with decaying wood in Yunnan Province, China

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown fungal species and found an existing species on a new plant host in Yunnan Province, China. These fungi, belonging to the Sporidesmiaceae family, were found on decaying wood in freshwater environments. The researchers used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA analysis to identify and describe these organisms, adding to our knowledge of fungal diversity in this region.

Four new species of Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Hypocreales) discovered in the staple food bamboo of pandas

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Scientists discovered four new species of beneficial fungi living in the bamboo forests where giant pandas feed. These fungi were found in decomposing bamboo litter and were identified using DNA analysis and microscopic examination. The discovery highlights the rich fungal diversity in panda habitats and suggests these fungi play important roles in maintaining healthy bamboo forests that giant pandas depend on.

New Tricoderma Species and Six Unrecorded Species of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from Lichens

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Researchers in South Korea discovered seven species of fungi living inside lichens, including one completely new species to science. By examining the fungi’s physical characteristics and analyzing their genetic material, scientists confirmed the identity of each species. These fungi, particularly those in the Trichoderma genus, show promise for producing useful compounds that could have applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

New records of powdery mildew fungi on stone fruits from India

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Researchers in Kashmir have identified three types of powdery mildew fungi that infect peach, plum, and apricot trees. These are new diseases documented in India and Asia for these important fruit crops. Scientists used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing to identify the fungi, providing farmers with accurate information needed to manage these plant diseases effectively.

The addition of six novel species and a new record of Amphisphaeria from northern Thailand

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Scientists discovered six new species of fungi called Amphisphaeria in northern Thailand, all found on dead wood. These fungi play an important role in decomposing woody materials in nature. By examining both their physical characteristics and genetic material, researchers confirmed these are distinct species previously unknown to science. One previously known species was also found on a new type of host plant.

Genetic Clarification of Auricularia heimuer Strains Bred and Cultivated in Korea Using the ITS and IGS1 rDNA Region Sequences

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Researchers in Korea discovered that Auricularia mushrooms grown there are actually a different species than previously thought. By analyzing the genetic code of different mushroom strains, scientists confirmed they are all the species A. heimuer rather than A. auricula-judae. They also found that using specific genetic markers (IGS1 sequences) could tell apart different mushroom varieties and identify which strains were produced through breeding.

A Novel Subspecies of Didymella acutilobae Causing Leaf Spot in East Asian Hogweed

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Researchers identified a new fungal disease affecting East Asian hogweed, an edible herb used in traditional medicine. The disease, called leaf spot, was caused by a previously unknown subspecies of fungus named Didymella acutilobae subsp. heraclei. Using genetic analysis and laboratory testing, scientists confirmed this fungus is responsible for infecting hogweed plants in Korean fields. Understanding this pathogen is important for protecting this valuable medicinal plant.

Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum and Phaeoacremonium indicum sp. nov. associated with subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis

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Researchers identified two cases of rare fungal skin infections caused by Phaeoacremonium species. One case involved a new fungal species named Phaeoacremonium indicum discovered in an Indian patient, while the second case from Australia represented the first documented human infection with P. tuscanicum. Both patients were successfully treated through surgical removal of the infected tissue, though one patient was immunocompromised from a kidney transplant. This study highlights how genetic testing helps identify rare fungal species that cause human infections.

First isolation of Prototheca bovis from a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

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A 13-year-old bottlenose dolphin at a Japanese aquarium developed a stomach infection caused by Prototheca bovis, a type of alga rarely found in marine animals. The dolphin initially received treatment with itraconazole for a suspected fungal infection, but this was ineffective. When doctors identified the actual culprit as P. bovis through genetic testing, they switched to fos-ravuconazole, which successfully resolved the infection and returned the dolphin to good health.

Multi-locus molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals four new species and a new record of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) on dipteran hosts in Thailand

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Researchers studying fungi in Thai forests discovered four previously unknown species of Ophiocordyceps that parasitise different types of flies. Using DNA analysis combined with microscopic examination, scientists confirmed these fungi are distinct species, each specialising on particular fly types like houseflies, fruit flies, and robber flies. This research expands our understanding of the remarkable diversity of fungi that naturally control insect populations, which could have implications for biological pest control.

Research Keyword: molecular taxonomy