Phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence of Bannoa (Erythrobasidiales, Erythrobasidiaceae) revealing one new genus and four new species in China

Bannoa, a genus within the family Erythrobasidiaceae of the order Erythrobasidiales, consists of blastoconidia-forming yeasts that are widely distributed across the globe. Members of this genus are known to form associations with various plant leaves. Currently, 17 species are described and recognized as valid members of the genus, although the full extent of its diversity and global distribution remains insufficiently explored.

In the present study, yeast strains were isolated from the surface of diverse plant leaves collected in the Guizhou and Henan Provinces of China, and were subsequently identified using a combination of molecular and phenotypic techniques. Phylogenetic analysis, based on concatenated SSU, ITS, LSU, and TEF 1 - α sequences, along with phenotypic characterization, revealed the establishment of a new monotypic genus, Lumyongozyma, as well as the description of four new species: Bannoa dicranopteri sp. nov., B. neixiangensis sp. nov., B. pini sp. nov., and Lumyongozyma fatsiae sp. nov.

This study highlights the novel geographical distribution and significant species diversity of Bannoa in China, contributing valuable data for ongoing research in fungal systematics and evolution.