Discoveries of Dothideomycetes (Fungi) associated with pteridophytes in China

Pteridophytes are iconic symbols of the Earth’s biodiversity and harbor diverse fungal communities. In this study, an investigation of saprobic fungi associated with pteridophytes in China identified several fascinating taxonomic groups within Dothideomycetes. A polyphasic approach based on morphology, along with multi-gene phylogenetic analysis using combined LSU, RPB 2, SSU, and tef 1-α sequence data, revealed nine new collections representing five species in Pleosporales and five new collections representing two species in Muyocopronales.

Consequently, six new genera (Cyatheomyces, Microlepicola, Neoberkleasmium, Pseudopalawaniella, Synnematospora, and Xenopleopunctum), six new species (Cyatheomyces synnematosus, Microlepicola guizhouensis, Pseudopalawaniella woodwardiae, Synnematospora pronephrii, Xenopleopunctum guizhouense, and X. sporodochiale), and five new combinations, viz., Neoberkleasmium micronesiacum (≡ Berkleasmium micronesiacum), N. nigroapicale (≡ B. nigroapicale), Xenoberkleasmium crinisium (≡ B. crunisia), X. pandani (≡ B. pandani), and X. typhae (≡ B. typhae), are proposed.

Additionally, phylogenetic analysis reveals that four species of Xenoberkleasmium form a distinct lineage within Pleosporales, and they are evolving in a newly proposed family, Xenoberkleasmiaceae. Detailed morphological descriptions and a phylogenetic tree revealing the taxonomic placements of these new taxa are provided.