Catalogue of fungi in China 6: Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron
Tsinghua University Press
image:
Morphology of ascomata of Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron spp.
view moreCredit: Cheng-Lin Hou,College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
Rhytismatales M.E. Barr ex Minter (Leotiomycetes, Ascomycota) is an order mostly consists of plant-associated ascomycetes, some of its members are plant pathogens that can cause significant economic losses, while others are important in biological control, ecological cycles, and pharmaceutical production. Numerous studies have shown that Rhytismatales species have distinct host specificity, among which Rhododendron is one of the most preferred hosts of Rhytismatales species, and it has an extremely high species diversity in China, accounting for about 60% of the global Rhododendron species. The diversity of host plants often breeds a high degree of fungal diversity.
In this research, a sum of 46 specimens were collected from the twigs of Rhododendron species in China. Subsequently, based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses using molecular sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU), and the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), and morphological characteristics, three new genera were proposed (Neolophodermium, Truncomyces, and Virgamyces), and 21 species residing in 11 genera of Rhytismataceae were delimited, which include 18 new species and three new combinations. This study complements the diversity of Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron. An integrated taxonomic approach includes the evidence for morphological characteristics, the ecological data, and the phylogenetic analyses based on multiple loci, were demonstrated that can be defined a natural classification of Rhytismataceae on the genus level.
The morphological and molecular characterization of Rhytismataceae on Rhododendron spp. is further systematic in this study. The results of this investigation showed the ecological, morphological, and taxonomic variety of Rhytismataceae linked to several Rhododendron species in China. In addition to broadening our understanding of the hosts and genetic diversity of Rhytismataceae on Rhododendron, it offered vital information for comprehending the ecology of the Rhytismataceae linked to Rhododendron.
The study solved some polyphyletic problems and provided a basis for the establishment of a natural classification system of Rhytismatales in the future. It also offers a significant theoretical basis for the prevention and control of major forest tree diseases caused by Rhytismatales species and for the breeding of disease-resistant forest trees.
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Catalogue of fungi in China 6: Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron
Journal
Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology
Article Title
Catalogue of fungi in China 6: Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron
Ten new species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus from Beijing: Revealing rich diversity in temperate regions
Tsinghua University Press
This study is led by Dr. Jia-Xin Li and Dr. Rui-Lin Zhao (Institute of Microbiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences). Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and are widespread globally. Most species within these two genera act as important saprophytic fungi, playing a vital role in the material cycling of ecosystems by facilitating the decomposition of organic matter. Existing molecular phylogenetic studies indicate a close evolutionary relationship between these two genera, and there is ongoing debate regarding their taxonomic classification. Currently, 232 species from these two genera are known worldwide, with 41 species reported in China.
Recently, the research group led by Zhao Rui-Lin conducted a systematic survey of large fungi in urban green spaces in Beijing, collecting 88 specimens of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus for morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. Through morphological examination and phylogenetic trees constructed based on ITS + nrLSU sequence data, as well as ITS + nrLSU + rpb2 + tef1-α gene sequence data, 22 species were identified. Among these, 12 species are known from China (Figure 3), while 10 represent new species (8 new species of Leucoagaricus and 2 new species of Leucocoprinus) (Figure 4). Additionally, three new combinations for Leucocoprinus were proposed, and four species names from this genus were reinstated.
The species discovered in this study are primarily concentrated in areas with high human activity, such as park green spaces. The 12 known species identified in Beijing exhibit varied geographical distributions. In addition to species from the northern temperate region, tropical or subtropical species were found for the first time in Beijing. It is hypothesized that these tropical or subtropical species may have entered Beijing as a result of human activities, such as the introduction of plants and organic fertilizers. Another possibility is that these species possess a previously unrecognized broad adaptability.
In summary, parks and other green spaces provide diverse microhabitats that promote the diversity and richness of fungal communities. Therefore, urban environments may have a positive impact on the biodiversity of specific fungal groups, indicating a continual improvement in the urban ecological environment of Beijing from another perspective.
See the article:
Ten new species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus from Beijing: Revealing rich diversity in temperate regions
Journal
Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology
Article Title
Ten new species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus from Beijing: Revealing rich diversity in temperate regions
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