Research Articles (Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI))

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Identification of Botryosphaeriaceae species in the South African National Collection of Fungi, including a novel species of Oblongocollomyces
Jami, Fahimeh; Truter, Mariëtte; Pavlic, Draginja; Chen, ShuaiFei; Roux, Jolanda (South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2026-07-06)
The Botryosphaeriaceae is a diverse group of fungi that includes several important plant pathogens. This study aimed to identify the 201 Botryosphaeriaceae isolates deposited at the South African National Collection of Fungi (NCF). The isolates were revived and phylogenetic analyses, based on multiple loci (ITS, tef1-α, rpb2, tub2), revealed several distinct clades, leading to the identification of 15 known species from Botryosphaeria, Lasiodiplodia, Neofusicoccum and a new species of Oblongocollomyces. This study expands the known diversity and host ranges of the Botryosphaeriaceae in South Africa and China, significantly contributing to our understanding of this family. The results highlight the importance of national collections as valuable resources for fungal biodiversity research. Further research is needed to explore the pathogenicity and distribution of these species in local agricultural ecosystems.
Kosakonia beeri sp. nov. and Phytobacter cepae sp. nov. isolated from onion (Allium cepa)
Jordan, Sara; Pothier, Joel F.; Rezzonico, Fabio; Kvitko, Brian H.; Coutinho, Teresa A.; Smits, Theo H.M. (Microbiology Society, 2026-01)
Please read abstract in the article.
Urban green spaces as emerging hotspots for Phytophthora diversity : a global synthesis of host associations, distribution and management gaps
Vettraino, Anna Maria; Bose, Tanay (Frontiers Media, 2026-07)
Urban green spaces are increasingly recognised as interfaces for plant health, yet their role in shaping the diversity and spread of Phytophthora remains poorly synthesised globally. We compiled 166 records of Phytophthora–host associations from 16 peer-reviewed studies (2005–2025) across botanical gardens, parks, street trees, and managed urban landscapes. Only confirmed pathogenic interactions were included. The dataset comprised 28 Phytophthora taxa and 96 host taxa from 11 countries, yielding 133 unique associations. Diversity was highly uneven, with a few taxa dominating urban systems. Phytophthora multivora was the most frequently recorded taxon and had the broadest host range, followed by P. nicotianae, P. cinnamomi and P. ramorum. Associations were concentrated in angiosperms, especially Ericales, Myrtales, and Fagales, with Ericaceae, Myrtaceae, and Theaceae prominent. Nearly 60% of hosts were non-native, reflecting ornamental horticulture and global plant trade. Records were geographically biased, with Spain and South Africa accounting for over two-thirds of observations, while many regions remain underrepresented. A median 6-year lag between sampling and publication may delay recognition of emerging risks. Urban environments support structured Phytophthora communities shaped by host composition, environment, and human-mediated plant movement, functioning as reservoirs and sources of inoculum for surrounding ecosystems. To address management limitations, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates prevention, detection, response, and recovery into an adaptive cycle for urban green spaces, supporting pathway-based biosecurity, risk prioritisation, and coordinated surveillance. Our study highlights the need for more balanced global surveillance and coordinated management of Phytophthora in urban and peri-urban landscapes to improve urgently needed resilience and biosecurity outcomes globally.
The Moringa value chain in Ethiopia and the socio-economic impact of pests and diseases
Fitawek, Wegayehu Bogale; Anjulo, Agena; Healey, Madaline; Lawson, Simon; Hurley, Brett Phillip (CAB International, 2026-05-20)
BACKGROUND : Moringa is a multipurpose tree, and the demand for Moringa products is growing significantly. It has gained popularity in southern Ethiopia, where the tree is cultivated for its nutritious food, medicinal properties, cultural significance, and economic value. However, there is limited research examining how pests and diseases affect the Moringa value chain. The aims of this study were to examine the socio-economic factors influencing the level of pest severity among Moringa growers and to estimate the impact of Moringa production on the income of value chain actors. METHODS : The study used primary data collected from Moringa value chain actors in the Arba Minch and Derashe districts of the southern Ethiopia Region, encompassing 507 households involved in the Moringa value chain. The study employed value chain mapping to analyse the entire chain and applied a multinomial endogenous switching regression model to address selection bias and assess the impact of Moringa production on the income of value chain actors. Results: Results show that younger individuals, women, singles, and cooperative members are more likely to participate in distribution and processing, while larger households with land and more Moringa plants tend to remain growers. Pest severity varies by location and household age, with Arba Minch growers more likely to experience medium pest severity, likely due to lower insecticide use than in Derashe. Distributors earn significantly less than growers, while processors earn similar incomes. Pest impacts on income were not statistically significant, likely because infestation periods were brief and Moringa is mainly grown for household consumption. CONCLUSIONS : The findings provide new insights into the impact of pests and diseases on the Moringa value chain and on the income of actors. The results identify key socio-economic and locational factors associated with pest severity among growers and estimate income differences across value chain actors. This highlights how participation in different stages of the value chain and pest dynamics influence economic outcomes in Moringa production systems. Given Moringa’s importance as a staple vegetable for food security, employment opportunities, and medicinal and cultural benefits, support from the government and NGOs is essential to strengthen the Moringa value chain. In addition, raising awareness of the impacts of insecticides and promoting integrated pest management is crucial for sustainable and resilient Moringa production and should inform policy and technical interventions.
Preserving the biologically coherent generic concept of Phytophthora, “plant destroyer”
Brasier, Clive M.; Grünwald, Niklaus J.; Bourret, Tyler B.; Govers, Francine; Scanu, Bruno; Cooke, David E.L.; Bose, Tanay; Hawksworth, David L.; Abad, Gloria; Albarracin, M. Victoria; Alsultan, Wael; Altamirano-Junqueira, Astrid E.; Arifin, Arild R.; Arnet, Matthew J.; Aumentado, Herbert Dustin R.; Bakonyi, József; Belisle, Wei H.; Benigno, Alessandra; Bienapfl, John C.; Bilodeau, Guillaume J.; Blair, Jaime E.; Botella, Leticia; Brandano, Andrea; Cacciola, Santa Olga; Carbone, Ignazio; Castroagudin, Vanina L.; Chaendaekattu, Narayanan; Consford, Jonathan D.; Corcobado, Tamara; Covey, Paul A.; Daniels, Hazel A.; Deidda, Antonio; Dorrance, Anne E.; Dort, Erika N.; Drenth, André; Drizou, Fryni; Evangelisti, Edouard; Fajardo, Sebastian N.; Fang, Yufeng; Ference, Christopher M.; Frankel, Susan J.; Goss, Erica M.; Guest, David I.; Hardy, Giles E.S.J.; Harris, Anna R.H.; Hawku, Mehari Desta; Heungens, Kurt; Hong, Chuanxue; Horner, Ian J.; Jung, Marília Horta; Iyanda, Olumayowa J.; Jamieson, Brittney-Aidan; Jeffers, Steven N.; Judelson, Howard S.; Junaid, Muhammad; Kalogeropoulou, Eleni; Kamoun, Sophien; Kang, Seogchan; Kasuga, Takao; Kudlácek, Tomáš; LeBoldus, Jared; Lee, Christopher A.; Li, DeWei; Llanos, Alejandro K.; Lopez-Nicora, Horacio D.; Machado, Helena; Di San Lio, Gaetano Magnano; Maia, Cristiana; Mandal, Kajal; Manosalva, Patricia; Martin, Frank N.; Matson, Michael E.H.; McDougal, Rebecca L.; McDowell, John M.; Michelmore, Richard W.; Milenkovi´c, Ivan; Moricca, Salvatore; Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa, Reza; Nagy, Zoltán Á.; Nikolaeva, Ekaterina V.; Ortega-López, Paula; Paap, Trudy; Parada-Rojas, Camilo H.; Peduto Hand, Francesca; Pérez-Sierra, Ana; Pettersson, Martin; Prasad, Pramod; Puig, Alina S.; Raco, Milica; Rajput, Nasir A.; Ristaino, Jean B.; Rooney-Latham, Suzanne; Seidl, Michael F.; Shamoun, Simon F.; Solla, Alejandro; Spies, Christoffel F. J.; Sudermann, Martha A.; Swiecki, Tedmund J.; Tian, Miaoying; Tripathy, Sucheta; Uematsu, Seiji; Van Poucke, Kris; Vichou, Aikaterini E.; Walter, Monika; Webber, Joan F.; Williams, Nari M.; Wingfield, Michael J.; Yadav, Dhananjay; Yang, Xiao; Jung, Thomas (American Phytopathological Society, 2025-06)
Phytophthora is a long-established, well-known, and globally important genus of plant pathogens. Phylogenetic evidence has shown that the biologically distinct, obligate biotrophic downy mildews evolved from Phytophthora at least twice. Because, cladistically, this renders Phytophthora “paraphyletic,” it has been proposed that Phytophthora evolutionary clades be split into multiple genera (Crous et al. 2021; Runge et al. 2011; Thines 2023, 2024). In this letter, we review arguments for the retention of the generic name Phytophthora with a broad circumscription made by Brasier et al. (2022) and by many delegates at an open workshop organized by The American Phytopathological Society. We present our well-considered responses to the genus splitting proposals, both in general terms and in terms of the specific proposals for new genera, alongside new information regarding the biological properties and mode of origin of the Phytophthora clades. We consider that the proposals are mostly non-rigorous and not supported by the scientific evidence. Further, given (i) the apparent lack of any distinguishing biological characteristics (synapomorphies) between the Phytophthora clades; (ii) the fundamental monophyly of Phytophthora in the original Haeckelian sense (Haeckel 1877); (iii) the fact that paraphyly is not a justification for taxonomic splitting; and (iv) the considerable likely damage to effective scientific communication and disease management from an unnecessary breakup of the genus, we report that workshop delegates voted unanimously in favor of preserving the current generic concept and for seeking endorsement of this view by a working group of the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi.
Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes in the Ceratocystidaceae reveals highly conserved gene organization despite substantial genome size variation
Viljoen, Anien; Duong, Tuan A.; Kanzi , Aquillah M.; Wingfield, Brenda D. (BMC, 2026-03-19)
BACKGROUND : Comparative studies of mitochondrial genomes can assist in determining evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships. In the Ceratocystidaceae fungal family, mitochondrial genomes from only two genera are publicly available. In this study, mitochondrial genomes from 10 genera in Ceratocystidaceae were characterised and comparatively analysed. RESULTS : Mitochondrial (mt) genomes were fully assembled and characterized for 18 species and 10 genera of the Ceratocystidaceae. These mt genomes displayed a remarkable level of diversity owing to the variation in the intergenic regions and intron, both in size and number. Despite large variation in size, these mt genomes displayed high levels of synteny and sequence conservation in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes and the ribosomal RNA and tRNA genes. The genes are found in identical order and orientation in all mt genomes characterized and the coding sequence of all the OXPHOS genes are highly conserved. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences reveals significant differences in evolutionary relationships among species and genera of Ceratocystidaceae. CONCLUSION : The remarkable variation in mt genome sizes in species of the Ceratocystidaceae is due to the variation observed in the intergenic regions and intron size and number in the conserved protein-coding genes. The gene order and content are identical across all species investigated.
The critically endangered geophyte Gladiolus aureus threatened by a wilt disease associated with Fusarium libertatis
Balocchi, Felipe; Duncan, Graham; Yilmaz, Neriman; Wingfield, Michael J.; Paap, Trudy (Springer, 2026-05)
Gladiolus aureus is a geophyte species endemic to the South African Cape Peninsula. Pressures including land-use change and invasion by alien plants have caused severe population declines, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered (CR). Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (NBG) maintains the largest ex situ collection of this species. During plant health surveys conducted as part of a sentinel plant research project, a recurring wilt disease was observed in the ex situ collection. Symptomatic plants were sampled and fungal isolations consistently yielded a Fusarium species, identified as F. libertatis, as confirmed through DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Dormant corms donated by Kirstenbosch NBG for pathogenicity tests were asymptomatically colonised by the same fungus, suggesting that F. libertatis may be widespread in the collection and may be moved through contaminated planting material as well as growing media. This study highlights the challenges posed by plant pathogens to the conservation of threatened plant taxa and underscores the limited disease management tools available in ex situ collections.
Baseline sensitivity of South African Fusarium circinatum to tebuconazole
Masuku, Sicelo K.; De Vos, Lieschen; Motaung, Thabiso Eric; Steenkamp, Emma Theodora; Wingfield, Brenda D. (Springer, 2026-05)
Pine pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, is among the most destructive forest diseases worldwide, leading to growth suppression, wilting, and root disease in pine seedlings. Infections result in canker formation, contributing to significant losses in wood quality and yield in pine plantations. In South Africa, the sensitivity of F. circinatum to fungicides has not been investigated, representing a critical knowledge gap, particularly because fungicides are widely used to control other Fusarium species. This study aimed to establish the baseline sensitivity of a South African F. circinatum population to tebuconazole (TBZ), a sterol biosynthesis inhibitor. A total of 86 isolates, collected from various pine species across different geographic regions and years, were tested in vitro for their response to increasing concentrations of TBZ. Sensitivity was assessed by measuring mycelial growth inhibition and calculating the mean effective concentration (EC50). The population-wide EC50 was 0.039 ± 0.012 µg mL− 1, establishing a baseline sensitivity to TBZ. No significant differences in EC50 values were observed across years of isolation, provinces, host species, or mating types. These results provide an important reference for future resistance monitoring and inform the strategic use of TBZ in South African forestry. Interestingly, less sensitive isolates observed in a subset of older isolates may reflect historical exposure to fungicides in nursery environments or the introduction of less sensitive strains later on through trade, infected planting material, or other propagative sources.
Unveiling the hidden virome of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum : new tools and discoveries in mycovirus detection
Bornman, Simoné; Read, David Alan; Wingfield, Brenda D.; Wilken, Pieter Markus (Elsevier, 2026-10)
Mycoviruses are widespread in fungi and can influence fungal physiology, pathogenicity, and ecological interactions. In the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, increasing attention has been directed toward understanding the diversity and functional roles of its associated viruses. This review synthesizes current knowledge on mycovirus detection methods and summarizes the diversity of viruses reported in S. sclerotiorum. Early detection strategies based on double-stranded RNA profiling, virion purification, and RT-PCR laid the foundation for mycovirus discovery but were limited in their ability to detect low-abundance or highly divergent viruses. The emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metatranscriptomic approaches has transformed the field, enabling large-scale in silico mining of fungal transcriptomes and facilitating the discovery of numerous novel viruses. To date, more than 270 mycoviruses have been reported from S. sclerotiorum, spanning over 30 viral families and representing diverse genome types. Many of these viruses occur in mixed infections and some are associated with hypovirulence, a phenotype characterized by reduced fungal growth and pathogenicity that holds potential for biological control. Despite rapid advances in virus discovery, significant gaps remain in understanding the functional consequences of infection, transmission dynamics, and ecological interactions within fungal populations. Integrating classical molecular techniques with high-throughput sequencing and functional studies will be essential for translating mycoviral diversity into mechanistic insights and applied strategies for disease management. HIGHLIGHTS • Advances in sequencing reveal extensive mycovirus diversity in fungi • Over 270 mycoviruses reported in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum • NGS enables detection of low-abundance and novel viral sequences • Many mycoviruses linked to hypovirulence in fungal pathogens • Mycoviruses show promise for biological control of plant diseases
Constitutive foliar metabolite variation in conifers shapes their susceptibility to the invasive herbivore Lymantria dispar asiatica
Cui, Mingming; Iyiola, Ebenezer A.; Chen, Chen; Hammerbacher, Almuth; Audet, Pierre; Blackburn, Gwylim S.; Keeling, Christopher I.; Stoehr, Michael; Bird, Keith; Degner, Jonathan; El-Kassaby, Yousry A.; Bernier, Louis; Keena, Melody; Porth, Ilga M. (Canadian Science Publishing, 2026-05-28)
Forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by invasive pests due to global trade and changing environmental conditions. Improving tree resilience through selective breeding represents an effective management strategy. We used a combination of Lymantria dispar asiatica insect rearing, host metabolomic profiling, and full-sib family effect parameter evaluation of metabolites to identify defenses with greatest genetic potential. Among conifers studied for larval development, coastal Douglas-fir was the most and Norway spruce the least favorable host. Phenolics in foliage grouped conifer species phylogenetically, whereas terpenes reflected feeding behavior of the larvae better. Analysis of Douglas-fir full-sib families revealed moderate to high family effects of phytochemicals, suggesting potential for direct improvement of resistance. However, terpene profiles of nursery versus field grown Douglas-fir and Norway spruce were highly dissimilar, illustrating environmental and ontogenetic variability of biochemical traits. Insect bioassays thus need to be directly linked to terpene profiles of tested trees and data cannot be extrapolated to the species level. This integrated framework proposes a way for identifying targeted defenses and assessing their genetic potential, supporting evidence-based strategies for developing pest-resistant forest trees under increasing biological invasions. Follow-up work is needed to enhance phenotyping capacities of targeted resistance traits and obtain breeding values for these.
Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses reveal patterns of divergence among isolates of Ceratocystis manginecans
Lynn, Kira Mary Theresa; Wingfield, Michael J.; Oliveira, Leonardo S.S.; Alfenas, Acelino C.; Alfenas, Rafael Ferreira; Marincowitz, Seonju; Barnes, Irene (Wiley, 2026-05)
The taxonomic boundaries of Ceratocystis species related to C. manginecans have remained contentious due to limited morphological variation, interfertility in laboratory mating studies, and the application of different species concepts. However, recent studies have highlighted significant differences among species recently reduced to synonymy with C. manginecans, including host associations and biological traits, all with important implications for disease management. We examined the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity and population structure of isolates considered broadly as Ceratocystis manginecans, specifically those treated as C. eucalypticola and C. manginecans in various previous studies. The study included a comprehensive dataset of isolates from multiple hosts and regions, including both historical and recent outbreaks of Ceratocystis canker and wilt disease. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, supported by genotyping at 16 SSR loci, resolved two genetically distinct lineages: Lineage 1 (previously treated as C. eucalypticola) and Lineage 2 (previously treated as C. manginecans). These lineages showed structured genetic differentiation across geographic regions and host associations, consistent with previously reported differences in aggressiveness and infection biology. Detailed morphological comparisons also provided support for the two groupings. Although the results revealed the existence of two lineages among isolates currently treated as C. manginecans, discordance among loci and signals of admixture in a subset of isolates were consistent with evidence for mixed ancestry and/or incomplete lineage sorting. This suggests incomplete reproductive isolation that is contributing to current taxonomic ambiguity and confusion. The results support treating the isolates in the two groups as distinct lineages (Lineage 1 and 2) within C. manginecans, recognising their differences while maintaining a conservative taxonomic approach and thus facilitating important quarantine considerations and future studies focused on disease management.
Orders of ascomycota
Thiyagaraja , V.; Hyde , K.D.; Piepenbring , M.; Davydov , E.A.; Dai , D.Q.; Abdollahzadeh, J.; Bundhun , D.; Chethana , K.W.T.; Crous, Pedro W.; Gajanayake , A.J.; Gomdola , D.; Haelewaters , D.; Johnston , P.R.; Mardones , M.; Perera , R.H.; Senanayake , I.C.; Tibpromma , S.; Yasanthika , W.A.E.; Abbasi , M.W.; Abdel-Wahab , M.A.; Absalan , S.; Acharya , K.; Afshari , N.; Aouali , S.; Aptroot , A.; Apurillo , C.C.S.; Armand , A.; Avasthi , S.; Bao , D.F.; Bhat , D.J.; Blondelle , A.; Boonmee , S.; Boonyuen , N.; Braun , U.; Čadež , N.; Calabon , M.S.; Cazabonne , J.; Chakraborty , N.; Cheewangkoon , R.; Chen , K.-H.; Coleine , C.; Darmostuk , V.; Daroodi , Z.; Dasgupta , D.; De Groot , M.D.; De Hoog , S.; Deng , W.; Dissanayake , A.J.; Dissanayake , L.S.; Doilom , M.; Dong , W.; Dong , W.; Ertz , D.; Fortuna , J.L.; Gautam , A.K.; Gorczak , M.; Groenewald , M.; Groenewald , J.Z.; Gunarathne , A.; Han , Y.; Hongsanan , S.; Hou , C.L.; Htet , Y.M.; Htet , Z.H.; Huang , Q.; Huang, S.K.; Huanraluek, N.; Jayalal , R.G.U.; Jayasiri , S.C.; Jayawardena , R.S.; Jiang , S.H.; Jones , E.B.G.; Karimi , O.; Karunarathna , S.C.; Khuna , S.; Kossmann , T.; Kularathnage, N.D.; Lestari , A.S.; Li , C.J.Y.; Li , J.F.; Lin , C.G.; Liu , J.K.; Liu , X.; Liu , Y.; Lu, L.; Lu, Y.; Luo, Z.L.; Ma, J.; Madagammana, A.S.; Maharachchikumbura , S.S.N.; Marasinghe, D.S.; Martzoukou, E.; Marin-Felix, Y.; Miller, A.N.; Monkai, J.; Noorabadi, M.T.; Norphanphoun, C.; Olariaga, I.; Opiña , L.A.D.; Pang, K.L.; Peng, X.; Péter, G.; Phillips, A.J.L.; Pineda, M.M.; Prieto, M.; Quan, Y.; Quandt, A.; Rajeshkumar, K.C.; Rambold , G.; Raymundo , T.; Raza, M.; Réblová, M.; Samaradiwakara, N.P.; Sarma, V.V.; Schultz, M.; Seifollahi, E.; Selbmann, L.; Su , H.; Sun, Y.R.; Tehler, A.; Tennakoon, D.S.; Thambugala, K.M.; Tian, W.H.; Tsurykau, A.; Valenzuela, R.; Verma , R.K.; Wang, J.; Wang , W.P.; Wang , X.Y.; Wang, Y.; Wang, Z.; Wei , D.P.; Wen, T.; Wijayawardene, N.N.; Wimalasena, M.K.; Worthy , F.R.; Wu , H.X.; Xu , L.; Yakovchenko, L.S.; Yu, F.M.; Zeng, X.Y.; Zhang, S.N.; Zhang, Z.Y.; Zhao, Q.; Wanasinghe , D.N. (Maximum Academic Press, 2025-05-18)
Ascomycota, the most speciose phylum of fungi, is a complex entity, comprising three diverse subphyla: Pezizomycotina, Saccharomycotina, and Taphrinomycotina. The largest and most diverse subphylum, Pezizomycotina, is a rich tapestry of 16 classes and 171 orders. Saccharomycotina, the second largest subphylum, is a diverse collection of seven classes and 12 orders, while Taphrinomycotina, the smallest, is a unique assembly of six classes and six orders. Over the past decade, numerous taxonomic studies have focused on the generic, family, and class classifications of Ascomycota. These efforts, well-documented across various databases, are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the classification. However, the study of taxonomy at the ordinal level, a crucial tier in the taxonomic hierarchy, has been largely overlooked. In a global collaboration with mycologists and lichenologists, this study presents the first comprehensive information on the orders within Pezizomycotina and Taphrinomycotina. The recent taxonomic classification of Saccharomycotina has led to the exclusion of this subphylum from the present study, as an immediate revision is not necessary. Each order is thoroughly discussed, highlighting its historical significance, current status, key identification characteristics, evolutionary relationships, ecological and economic roles, future recommendations, and updated family-level classification. Teaching diagrams for the life cycles of several orders, viz. Asterinales, Helotiales, Hypocreales, Laboulbeniales, Meliolales, Mycosphaerellales, Ophiostomatales, Pezizales, Pleosporales, Phyllachorales, Rhytismatales, Sordariales, Venturiales, Xylariales (Pezizomycotina) and Pneumocystidales, Schizosaccharomycetales and Taphrinales (Taphrinomycotina) are provided. Each diagram is explained with a representative genus/genera of their sexual and asexual cycles of each order. Within Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes contains the highest number of orders, with 57, followed by Sordariomycetes (52 orders), Lecanoromycetes (21 orders), Eurotiomycetes and Leotiomycetes (12 orders each), Laboulbeniomycetes (3 orders), and Arthoniomycetes and Xylonomycetes (2 orders each). Candelariomycetes, Coniocybomycetes, Geoglossomycetes, Lichinomycetes, Orbiliomycetes, Pezizomycetes, Sareomycetes, and Xylobotryomycetes each contain a single order, while Thelocarpales and Vezdaeales are treated as incertae sedis within Pezizomycotina. Notably, the classes Candelariomycetes, Coniocybomycetes, Geoglossomycetes, Sareomycetes, and Xylonomycetes, all recently grouped under Lichinomycetes, are treated as separate classes based on phylogenetic analysis and current literature. Within Lecanoromycetes, the synonymization of Sporastatiales with Rhizocarpales and Sarrameanales with Schaereriales is not supported in the phylogenetic analysis. These orders are retained separately, and the justifications are provided under each section as well as in the discussion. Within Leotiomycetes, the order Medeolariales, which was once considered part of Helotiales, is treated as a distinct order based on phylogenetic evidence. The classification of Medeolariales may change as more data becomes available from different gene regions. Lahmiales (Leotiomycetes) is not included in the phylogenetic analysis due to a lack of molecular data. Sareomycetes and Xylonomycetes are treated as separate classes. Spathulospora mixed with Lulworthiales and the inclusion of Spathulosporales within Lulworthiomycetidae is supported and extant molecular sampling is important to resolve the phylogenetic boundaries of members of this subclass. The majority of the classes of Pezizomycotina and Taphrinomycotina formed monophyletic clades in the phylogenetic analysis conducted based on SSU, LSU, 5.8S, TEF and RPB2 sequence data. However, Arthoniomycetes nested with the basal lineage of Dothideomycetes and formed a monophyletic clade also known as the superclass, Dothideomyceta. In Taphrinomycotina, a single order is accepted within each class.
Cladosporium from caves of the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado) and the description of six new species
Felix-Oliveira, Pedro H.; Prazeres, Jose F.S.A.; Ferro, Layanne O.; Antunes, Ana C.A.; Lima, Caroline F.; Neves, Dominnyke S.S.; Fonseca, Emily O.; Miranda, Lorena S.; Momoli, Renata S.; Souza-Motta, Cristina M.; Bensch, Konstanze; Crous, Pedro W.; Bezerra, Jadson D.P. (Pensoft Publishers, 2026-06-03)
Caves are important but understudied reservoirs of fungal diversity, particularly for genera such as Cladosporium (Cladosporiales, Dothideomycetes). This study aimed to characterise the richness of Cladosporium species from six caves in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado) using an integrative approach combining morphology and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ACT, ITS, RPB2, TEF1-α, and TUB). To improve species recognition in Cladosporium, selected ex-type strains were studied, for which RPB2 and TUB barcodes were also sequenced. Species were delimited using morphology and phylogenetic inferences, supplemented by the pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test to evaluate species boundaries. Twenty-three species were identified among 94 Cladosporium isolates. The polyphasic approach resulted in the description of six new species: five in the C. cladosporioides complex (C. carsi, C. lacerdae, C. mambaiense, C. nogueirae, and C. propiciense) and one in the C. sphaerospermum complex (C. mesquitapaivae). Additionally, analyses based on morphology, genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR), and the PHI test resulted in the synonymisation of C. ribis and C. speluncae under C. bambusicola, C. brigadeirense under C. puris, and C. marinisedimentum under C. sphaerospermum. Among the previously known species identified, 11 represent new records for cave environments, with C. bambusicola being the most frequent (29.17%). These findings substantially expand the known diversity of Cladosporium in Neotropical caves, highlighting the Brazilian Cerrado as a hotspot of mycodiversity. Furthermore, ACT, RPB2, TEF1-α, and TUB are proposed as the primary phylogenetic barcodes for distinguishing closely related Cladosporium species, particularly within the C. cladosporioides complex. This study further emphasises the necessity of using a polyphasic approach to achieve accurate taxonomic resolution among Cladosporium species, trace their distribution in caves, and help to understand their ecology.
Novel associations among insect herbivores and trees : patterns of occurrence and damage on pines and eucalypts
Stazione, Leonel; Corley, Juan C.; Allison, Jeremy D.; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Lawson, Simon A.; Lantschner, M. Victoria (Wiley, 2025-03)
Globalization has led to a significant increase in the establishment of forest plantations with exotic species and to the accidental introduction of forest insects worldwide. Cumulatively, these factors contribute to the increased occurrence of novel associations between phytophagous insects and trees, leading to new interactions between species that have not historically co-occurred. Here, we reviewed the patterns of novel associations between herbivorous insects and pines and eucalypts at a global scale and identified factors that could favor the occurrence of novel associations and their impacts on forestry. We recorded 766 novel associations of insects with pines and 356 with eucalypts, involving 852 species of herbivorous insects. Most of the novel associations occurred in the Neotropic, Austro-Pacific, and Palearctic regions. In all biogeographic regions, novel associations involved mostly native insects on exotic trees, except for the Nearctic, where exotic insects were dominant. Generalist insects were more frequently involved in novel associations, but specialist ones caused higher damage levels. Foliage feeders and wood and phloem feeders were the most frequent feeding guilds involved in new associations, while sap feeders, shoot feeders, and fruit and seed feeders were rare. For pines, non-native insects were more frequently associated with trees phylogenetically related to hosts in their native range, and native insects were more frequently associated with unrelated hosts. However, for both exotic and native insects, novel associations with eucalypts primarily involved hosts that are unrelated to hosts in their native range. The significance of extensive forest plantations with non-native species and the biogeographic context are emphasized as factors associated with the occurrence of novel associations between insects and trees. This study highlights the importance of international collaboration in forest insect monitoring and surveillance programs to facilitate the early detection of novel associations as an important first step toward minimizing their impact.
Genetic diversity of Calonectria reteaudii isolates from infected Eucalyptus leaves and associated soils indicates a phyllosphere origin of the pathogen
Pham, Nam Q.; Liu, FeiFei; Duong, Tuan A.; Wingfield, Brenda D.; Chen, ShuaiFei; Wingfield, Michael J. (Wiley, 2025-08)
Calonectria leaf blight is among the most prevalent diseases affecting planted Eucalyptus in Southeast Asia. Calonectria reteaudii was recently identified as the main causal agent of a localised epidemic in Malaysia, and a number of isolates were collected from diseased leaves and soils associated with symptomatic trees. This provided an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the pathogen ecology, particularly the relationship between soil and phyllosphere inoculum sources. A set of eight polymorphic SSR markers was used to genotype 21 isolates from leaves and 23 isolates from soils collected beneath infected trees. In addition, mating types of all isolates were identified using PCR-based diagnostic mating-type primers. Low genotypic diversity was found in both the leaf and soil populations of C. reteaudii. However, the isolates from diseased leaves exhibited higher levels of genotypic and genetic diversity compared to those from associated soils. All multilocus genotypes identified in the soil isolates were also represented in the leaf population. While all isolates from the soil were of the MAT1-1 mating type, both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 were identified in isolates from the diseased leaves, but the MAT1-1/MAT1-2 ratio deviated significantly from a 1:1 ratio. The high level of clonality observed for the isolates suggests that conidia are most likely the primary source of pathogen dispersal. The results also suggest that isolates of C. reteaudii from the soils collected beneath heavily infected trees likely originated from the phyllosphere and not vice versa.
Novel insights into the phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of preussia-like fungi
Guerra-Mateo, D.; Gonzalez-Menendez, V.; Gené, Josepa; Crous, Pedro W.; Bensch, K.; Genilloud, O.; Cano-Lira, Jose F. (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2026-06-20)
The genus Preussia (Sporormiaceae, Pleosporales) represents one of the most diverse and metabolically active groups of ascomycetes. The genus is characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving the genera Sporormiella and Spororminula, which some authors consider synonyms of Preussia. However, the circumscription of these genera remains controversial, and the status of numerous species is unresolved. The present study aims to characterize strains of Preussia s.l. recovered during diversity surveys on marine and xerophytic substrates, explore their secondary metabolite profiles, and improve our understanding of the diversity within this group. The obtained strains, as well as strains from the CBS culture collection and exsiccata from different fungaria, were characterized morphologically, and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on strains available in culture. Metabolite profiles were developed for representative strains using mass spectrometry data (MS/MS). Molecular alignments comprised the nuclear ribosomal subunits, consisting of partial sequences for the 18S small subunit (SSU) nrDNA, the internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), as well as partial sequences for the 28S large subunit (LSU) nrDNA. Additional regions within protein-encoding genes were used, including the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) regions. These data were used to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic framework for Preussia s.l. and to delineate lineage structure and generic boundaries. Ten well-supported lineages were resolved and integrated with metabolite profiles to inform taxonomic decisions. Our results support the recognition of Preussia and Sporormiella as distinct genera, the re-establishment of Spororminula, and the introduction of four new genera, 11 new species, 18 new combinations, and one new name. Moreover, epi- and lectotypes have been designated to stabilize the taxonomy of some recognized species. This study provides a comprehensive framework for future taxonomic, phylogenetic, and chemical investigations within Sporormiaceae.
Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and A. patriciawiltshireae spp. nov., two new species in Aspergillus sect. Nigri ser. Japonici (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from India
Harikrishnan, Kuniyil; Rajeshkumar, Kunhirraman C.; Patil, Ravindra M.; Jeewon, Rajesh; Visagie, Cobus M. (Magnolia Press, 2025-03-25)
This study introduces two new black Aspergillus species, A. dhakephalkarii and A. patriciawiltshireae, in sect. Nigri ser. Japonici. Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and A. patriciawiltshireae were isolated from soils from the Western Ghats of India. The taxonomy of the new species was determined through a polyphasic approach that included phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and partial beta-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes applying Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR). The main characteristics of A. dhakephalkarii include: fast-growing colonies with the production of pale to dark brown to brown conidia en masse; yellowish white to yellowish orange sclerotia; uniseriate conidiophores splitting into two to three columns; and smooth-walled ellipsoidal conidia. The conidial features of the new species differ from those of closely related species in the series, which typically have spherical conidia and echinulate walls. A. patriciawiltshireae is characterised by fast growing colonies with abundant sclerotia production on Czapek Yeast Autolysate Agar (CYA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and modest sporulation. Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae has echinulate conidia, and uniseriate conidiophores, splitting into more than five columns. Phylogenetically, A. dhakephalkarii is sister to A. saccharolyticus, and A. patriciawiltshireae to A. indologenus, A. japonicus, and A. uvarum. This study also reports the first records of A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceous from India.
Species of Fusarium and Neocosmospora associated with citrus branch diseases in China
Xiao, X.E.; Cheng, M.J.; Zheng, F.; Ao, Y.J.; Deng, J.R.; Crous, Pedro W.; Jiao, C.; Li, H.Y. (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2025-11-07)
Species of Fusarium and related fusarioid genera are widely distributed and commonly associated with diverse plant hosts, either as saprobes, endophytes, or pathogens. Although fusarioid fungi have been implicated in citrus diseases worldwide, their diversity and pathogenic potential on citrus in China remain poorly characterized. To investigate their species diversity, extensive field surveys were conducted in several citrus-producing regions of China between 2021 and 2024. Symptomatic tissues exhibiting dieback, necrosis, gummosis, canker, and wood decay were collected from twigs, branches, and trunks. Based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and morphological characteristics, 336 fusarioid isolates from eight provinces were assigned to six Fusarium species complexes and the genus Neocosmospora, comprising 21 known species (15 Fusarium spp. and six Neocosmospora spp.) and three novel species, namely F. gummosum, N. reticulatae and N. unshiu. Among the known species, 13 are reported from Citrus spp. for the first time, and two represent new records for China. Pathogenicity tests revealed that most fusarioid isolates were pathogenic to citrus branches, with N. unshiu and F. asiaticum being the most aggressive, inducing gummosis and cortex and xylem necrosis, consistent with symptoms observed in the field. Notably, N. unshiu was found to be the dominant pathogen causing citrus trunk canker in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, where it is widely distributed and causes significant damage to citrus. To our knowledge, this study represents the first comprehensive investigation of fusarioid fungi associated with citrus branch diseases in China and provides a basis for future pathogen monitoring, disease prevention, and management strategies.
Modelling spatiotemporal dynamics of wattle plantations in northwestern Ethiopia using harmonised PlanetScope and RapidEye imagery
Dlamini, Celuxolo Michal; Matongera, Trylee Nyasha; Lawson, Simon; Healey, Madaline; Tanga, Agena; Regasa, Kumela; Kassie, Weldesenbet; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Germishuizen, Ilaria (Elsevier, 2026-05)
Plantation forests within agroforestry systems play a critical role in supporting rural livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa, yet their sustainability is increasingly threatened by land-use change, demographic pressure, and emerging biotic threats. In Awi Zone of Ethiopia, wattle (Acacia spp.) plantations are widely cultivated by smallholders, providing timber, fuelwood, charcoal, and income, while also contributing to soil amelioration and reducing pressure on natural forests. However, their invasive tendencies can also drive biodiversity loss and disrupt ecosystem services beyond intended planting sites. Balancing these benefits against ecological risks remains a global challenge. This study assesses the spatiotemporal dynamics of wattle plantations and associated Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in the Awi Zone from 2013 to 2025, with particular attention given to recent declines potentially linked to the emergence of wattle rust disease (Uromycladium acaciae). PlanetScope (3–5 m) and RapidEye (5 m) satellite images were harmonised and classified on Google Earth Engine (GEE) using a Random Forest classifier to generate LULC maps for five epochs (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025). Classification performance was consistently high [Overall Accuracy (OA) 0.80–0.93; Kappa 0.70–0.91] for all periods. Change detection analysis indicated rapid expansion of wattle plantations between 2013 and 2016 (+181%) followed by a sustained and consistent decline with most pronounced gross loss of 181 km2 (24.8%) between 2019 and 2022, largely driven by conversion to Other vegetation and alternative LULC classes. The trend continued until 2025, with a further 27.7% reduction in wattle plantation area to 527 km2. Although rotational agroforestry practices partly explain cyclical changes, the timing and magnitude of recent declines may indicate that wattle rust reduced plantation viability and encouraged transitions to alternative land uses. This study highlights the value of remote sensing in monitoring disease risks, land-use pressures, and livelihood sustainability.
Managing resistance : evaluating alternative herbicides for glyphosate-resistant smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus) in the Republic of South Africa
Shabangu, Nhlanhla M.; Simelane, Nonduduzo Adelaide; Reinhardt, Carl Frederick (Charlie); Marais, Diana; Vorster, Barend Juan (Cambridge University Press, 2026)
Herbicide resistance poses a significant challenge due to the increasing number of weeds resistant to multiple sites of action (SOAs). Recently, smooth pigweed populations resistant to glyphosate have been confirmed in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in the Republic of South Africa. This study evaluated herbicide products with different SOAs as alternative options for controlling glyphosate-resistant (GR) smooth pigweed populations. Dose-response assays for preemergence and postemergence herbicides were conducted under greenhouse conditions at the University of Pretoria, in South Africa. Seeds of GR smooth pigweed populations from Bergville and Winterton, and a glyphosate-susceptible (GS) population from Hendrina, were used. To evaluate preemergence herbicides (mesotrione, atrazine, imazethapyr, and acetochlor), seeds were sown in pots and herbicides were applied 12 h after sowing. Postemergence herbicides (mesotrione, atrazine, tembotrione and atrazine tank mixture, and chlorimuron-ethyl) were tested on potted plants at the 6-leaf stage. Herbicides were applied at 0×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, and 4×of the field-use rate for the herbicide products representing each SOA. Preemergence herbicides provided >90% control across all populations. Among postemergence herbicides, mesotrione effectively controlled all the GR populations, whereas the GS population exhibited reduced sensitivity (>50% survival). Atrazine was effective when applied to the GR populations at rates higher than the recommended field-use rate. The tank mixture of tembotrione and atrazine had an additive effect compared to sole applications of mesotrione and atrazine. Chlorimuron-ethyl was effective only against the GS population. These results suggest that incorporating effective preemergence and postemergence herbicides into weed management programs could improve control of GR populations of smooth pigweed.

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