Volume 10


Introduction to fungal succession
This volume of Fungal Diversity is devoted to fungal succession. The term fungal succession is used loosely throughout the volume. A precise definition of fungal succession is "the sequential occupation of the same site by thalli (usually mycelia)", but the term can be used more loosely to refer to "the sequential occurrence of fungal fruiting bodies on substrata as it decays". This volume brings together various studies on fungal succession including the traditionally studied macrofungi and the less well-studied microfungi. In this way we have brought together much of the data available on fungal succession. The final paper in this volume discusses the problems associated with studying fungal succession, especially in microfungi, and discusses possible methods to overcome these problems.

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Fungal succession or sequence of fruit bodies
Succession is one of the most widely known ecological concepts. It is intuitive and yet extremely complex. There have been many fungal succession studies on a wide diversity of substrates and yet we still know very little about the mechanisms that drive succession. Direct methods of observing fungal succession (change in occupation of space by thalli) use destructive techniques and therefore change in mycelia in a point in space over time cannot be observed. However, these direct destructive methods, with appropriate replication, are extremely useful for discovering general patterns of succession. Indirect methods often observe only the fruit body sequence on a substrate. These studies can also be extremely useful, but need to be interpreted with caution. In addition the underlying assumption that sporulation reflects changes in mycelial occupation of space in the substrate needs to be considered carefully.

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Fungal succession at different scales
Fungal succession can be considered at the macro- or micro-scale levels. Macro-scale succession can be recognized as the integration of different kinds of seres of fungi associate with a plant community. On the other hand, micro-scale succession can be recognized as substratum succession or fungal succession associated with plant succession at the patch level. Succession of pyrophilous fungi following forest fire is categorized as macro-scale succession, but succession of pyrophilous fungi following bonfires and that of ammonia fungi following addition of ammonia are categorized as micro-scale succession. Nutrient cycling in the areas disturbed by local burning or the addition of ammonia is maintained the activities of existing microbes including fungi such as pyrophilous fungi and ammonia fungi (These fungi are present in small numbers in undisturbed areas, but quickly increase in biomass following the disturbances). This paper explores the concept of macro- and micro-scale succession in fungi.

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Seasonality and sequential occurrence of fungi on wood submerged in Tai Po Kau Forest Stream, Hong Kong
The effects of seasonality on freshwater lignicolous fungi in Tai Po Kau Forest Stream was investigated by examining the fungal communities on naturally occurring submerged wood. Fungal succession (sequential occurrence of sporulating fungi) was also investigated by studying changes of fungal communities on wood baits of Machilus velutina and Pinus massoniana over 21 months. Higher species richness, fewer dominant fungi and more infrequent fungi were found on naturally occurring submerged wood during the hot wet season, as compared to the cool dry season. Fungal communities were variable on collections made over different hot wet seasons, but the communities were consistent during the cool dry season collections. Aniptodera chesapeakensis, Massarina ingoldiana and Sporoschisma nigroseptatum dominated the fungal communities during the cool dry season, while Nectria cf. byssicola was dominant during the hot wet season. During 21 months submersion of wood baits of Machilus velutina and Pinus massoniana, three distinct types of fungal communities were observed, i.e. pioneer, early and later successional groups. Higher species richness and more dominant fungi were found on both wood types during the early successional stage. Differences in successional groups were more prominent on wood baits of Pinus massoniana. Fungal communities on wood baits of Machilus velutina and Pinus massoniana were similar during both pioneer and early successional stages, but differed at the later successional stage. Nectria cf. byssicola, Sporoschisma nigroseptatum and S. uniseptatum were early colonisers on both wood types. Savoryella lignicola was a later coloniser on Machilus velutina, while Dictyosporium digitatum, Massarina bipolaris and M. ingoldiana were later colonisers on Pinus massoniana. A total of 175 fungi, including 56 ascomycetes, 1 basidiomycete, 115 anamorphic fungi, 2 myxomycetes and 1 zygomycete, were recorded in this study.

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Fungi colonising and sporulating on submerged wood in the River Severn, UK
Test blocks of Fagus sylvatica and Pinus sylvestris were submerged in the River Severn, England, UK, for 92 weeks and recovered at frequent intervals. Recovered samples were incubated in moist chambers and sporulating fungi on the test blocks were recorded. Fifty fungi consisting of 35 anamorphic species, 13 Ascomycota and 2 Basidiomycota were identified. Species diversity (40) was greatest on the beech test blocks, while only 28 species occurred on the Scots pine test blocks. The most common fungi on beech were Camposporium pellucidum, Dictyochaeta parva, Pseudohalonectria lignicola (each with 95% occurrence) and Trichocladium lignicola (89%). On Scots pine T. lignicola occurred on 95% of the test blocks. A succession of sporulating fungi was observed on the wood over a 3 month incubation period in the laboratory. The results are compared with other studies on lignicolous aquatic fungi from temperate and tropical locations. These indicate that different fungal communities occur in different geographical locations.

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The macrofungal community and fire in a Mountain Ash forest in southern Australia
Changes in the occurrence of macrofungi with time following forestry activities and fire were studied at 14 sites in Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) dominated forests, in the Eastern Central Highlands, Victoria, Australia. Forests of 0-57 years after fire were used to compare macrofungal communities. Pattern analysis through classification and ordination showed that there was a distinct change in the macrofungal community over time since disturbance. Three phases were apparent in the process of recolonisation after fire: (1) immediate post-fire (0-year), (2) an intermediate phase (2- and 4-year-old), and (3) a mature phase (7-year-old and older). The macrofungi evident in the Mountain Ash forest during the first year after fire were the most distinctive. The change in the suite of macrofungi closely reflected the changes in macrofungal substrates in the forests of different ages. Macrofungi found to be specific to certain stages of regeneration after fire will provide a subset of indicator taxa suitable for use in further surveys.

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The effect of pre-inoculation of balsa wood by selected marine fungi and their effect on subsequent colonisation in the sea
A field study was undertaken in order to examine the effect of pre-incubation of test blocks of balsa with marine fungi and their subsequent effect on colonisation when submerged in the sea. Four marine ascomycetes, Ceriosporopsis halima, Corollospora maritima, Halosphaeriopsis mediosetigera and Marinospora calyptrata, were pre-inoculated onto balsa test blocks before submergence in the sea. Control and pre-inoculated test blocks were submerged in the sea at Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, England, and recovered at 2, 6, 9 and 15 months and the fungi colonising them were recorded. The fungi pre-inoculated on the test blocks were the only species sporulating; there was no sporulation of native marine fungi. The control test blocks were heavily colonised by numerous sporulating marine fungi, and these were similar to those reported in previous studies in Langstone Harbour. These results are discussed in relation to inhibition of sporulation and colonisation and interference competition.

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Fungal succession on senescent leaves of Manglietia garrettii in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, northern Thailand
Twenty-two fungal taxa were identified on decaying senescent leaf baits of Manglietia garrettii during a 56 day study. Most of the taxa were the same as those occurring on naturally decaying leaves in the same forest area collected at the same time. Distinct fungal communities were observed to occur in sequence on the leaves, with the dominant species on the leaves being different at each succession stage. There was no noticeable effect on fungal communities whether the upper or lower leaf surface was in contact with the forest floor. The greatest fungal diversity occurred between day 4 and 40 (mature community stage), with most species being present on day 40. On day 56, leaves were found to be skeletonised, so the fungal communities had decreased in number.

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The coprophilous succession
This paper reviews the background to studies of the coprophilous succession, presents some data from observations made on samples collected for a study of the occurrence and diversity of coprophilous fungi, and suggests where further studies might help to elucidate the functional aspects of the succession.

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Fungal colonisation of wood in a freshwater stream at Tad Ta Phu, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
A study of the fungus colonisation of two timbers (Dipterocarpus alatus and Xylia dolabriformis) was initiated in a freshwater stream at Tad Ta Phu at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Wood was exposed and recovered every month for 12 months, then incubated in moist chambers and fungal colonisation recorded. Data on sequence of fungal sporulation, the frequency of occurrence of the fungi and percentage cover on the test blocks are presented. Seventy-three species were recorded: 48 on D. alatus and 47 on X. dolabriformis. Fungi were categorised into 3 groups: Group 1 those present on over 60% of the test blocks: with Helicomyces roseus and Halosarpheia aquadulcis on D. alatus and Helicomyces roseus on X. dolabriformis. Group 2 fungi were those present on more than 20% of the test blocks and numbered 8 each on D. alatus and X. dolabriformis. Group 3 fungi constituted those present on less than 20% of the test blocks. Fungi could also be grouped into those that appeared early on the wood: Bombardia sp., Cancellidium applanatum, Dictyochaeta sp. 1, H. roseus, Pycnidial sp. 1, Sporidesmiella hyalosperma var. novae-zelandiae, Sporoschisma saccardoi and unidentified hyphomycete sp. 05 on D. alatus; and with Chaetopsina fluva, Dictyochaeta sp. 1, H. roseus, Cosmospora chaetopsinae, Stilbella holubovae and Trematosphaeria sp. 2 on X. dolabriformis. Intermediate colonisers included: Aquasphaeria dimorphospora, Eluviespora bipolaris, Hymenoscyphus varicosporoides, Sirosphaera sp. 1, Tricladium anamorph of Hymenoscyphus varicosporoides on D. alatus, and Biflagellospora gracilis, B. japonica, B. papillata, B. siamensis, Cancellidium applanatum, Halosarpheia aquadulcis and Thozetella nivea on X. dolabriformis. Late colonisers were Massarina sp. 3 and Vargamyces aquaticus on D. alatus and Helicosporium vegetum, Savoryella verrucosa and Tricladium anamorph of Hymenoscyphus varicosporoides on X. dolabriformis. The data shows a clear difference in the dominant species on each timber and is compared with other studies from tropical and temperate regions.

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Fungal diversity and succession on pods of Delonix regia (Leguminosae) exposed in a tropical forest in Thailand
The succession of fungi on pods of Delonix regia has been investigated at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. The fungi colonising Delonix regia pods were dominated by anamorphic fungi. Succession of fungi begins with colonisation by classical seed fungi, e.g. Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Penicillium and Rhizopus species, when pods were dry and attached to the tree. As soon as the pods fall on the forest, the classical seed fungi are replaced rapidly by litter fungi, e.g. Dictyochaeta, Helicosporium, Phaeoisaria, Phoma and Sporoschisma species. The moisture content of the pods may be an important factor in determining the mycota they support.

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Experimental analyses of successive occurrence of ammonia fungi in the field
Sequential appearance of the ammonia fungi after urea treatment (800 g/m2) was observed in the field and following 20 C incubation of soils from L-A1 horizons collected at different days after the treatment. The results indicate that successive occurrence of saprobic ammonia fungi in the field results from the combination of sequential propagation (colonisation) of ammonia fungi and the time needed for each fungus to produce reproductive structures. The sequential propagation and the fruiting time of each ammonia fungus may be explained by their degree of tolerance to high concentrations of NH4-N under alkaline to neutral conditions. The duration of occurrence of saprobic ammonia fungi in the field was shortened by interactions between organism(s) and changes in soil conditions, especially pH and NH4-N concentration, resulting from activities of soil organisms including ammonia fungi. Two hundred soil core samples (5 × 5 × 5 cm) collected from a plot (50 × 100 cm) were separately placed in sterilized flasks. Twenty-two mg urea/g dry soil was added to each flask and the water content was adjusted to 60%. Following incubation at 20 C, migrule (spores and mycelia, etc.) frequencies plotted for Amblyosporium botrytis, Ascobolus denudatus, Tephrocybe tesquorum, and Coprinopsis phlyctidospora were estimated as 4/200, 38/200, 52/200 and 9/200, respectively. These four ammonia fungi showed no specific co-existence between each other.

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A new approach to studying microfungal succession on decaying pine needles in an oceanic subtropical region in Japan
The sequence of fungal succession on decaying pine needles was evaluated using a novel approach. Twenty-two microfungal community data sets were obtained from individual surveys in an oceanic subtropical region and were rearranged and modified. The constancy and the abundance values for individual species were calculated by selecting the dominant species among the 122 species recorded. Three succession stages were recognized and characteristic species at each stage are considered. The results of this novel approach are compared with the orthodox method based on determining the vertical distribution of microfungal communities at a single site.

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Fungal succession on fronds of Phoenix hanceana in Hong Kong
Seventy-three fungal taxa were identified during the decomposition process of frond baits of Phoenix hanceana, comprising leaves, rachis-tips, mid-rachides and rachis-bases. Pioneer, mature and impoverished communities were observed in sequence on the frond baits. Fungal communities on different frond parts reached pioneer, mature and impoverished communities at different rates. Fungal communities on leaves and rachis-tips matured more slowly than other parts, but became impoverished rapidly thereafter, and samples were completely decayed at month 13. On the contrary, fungal communities on mid-rachides and rachis-bases matured earlier at month 1, but became impoverished at month 13. Naturally occurring fronds were also examined at the same time. Only half of the fungi were common to baits and naturally occurring fronds. Thus, examination of both frond baits at different stages of decomposition and naturally occurring fronds is recommended to obtain a better estimation of biodiversity.

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Fungal succession on bamboo in Hong Kong
Fungal succession on Bambusa tuldoides has been studied in Hong Kong. Fungal communities changed over time during the decay process. Based on sporulation of fungi, the fungal communities on bamboo baits can be categorized into early colonisers, middle-stage colonisers, later colonisers, regular inhabitants and sporadic inhabitants. Fungal communities on naturally dead bamboo and baits comprised rare species and mainly middle-stage colonisers. Seasonality had an effect, as more fungi were present during the wet season. Rainfall positively impacted on fungal occurrence, but temperature and relative humidity appeared to have little influence. Anthostomella species are regular inhabitants of bamboo, being dominant throughout the observation period and probably play a dominant role in its decomposition.

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Infection sequence and pathogenicity of Ophiostoma ips, Leptographium serpens and L. lundbergii to pines in South Africa
Three exotic bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), Hylastes angustatus, Hylurgus ligniperda, and Orthotomicus erosus, infest Pinus spp. in South Africa. These beetles are generally considered as secondary pests, but can also act as vectors of ophiostomatoid fungi. In South Africa, at least 12 ophiostomatoid fungi are associated with the three beetle species, of which Ophiostoma ips, Leptographium serpens, and L. lundbergii, occur most frequently. The aim of this study was to test the pathogenicity of the three fungi to pines in South Africa. Two isolates of each fungus were inoculated on various species of pines in different areas of South Africa. The inoculated fungi caused resin exudation and sapwood discoloration around inoculation points. There were significant differences in lesion length between species inoculated, times of inoculation and plantation areas. Although Ophiostoma ips gave rise to longer lesions than L. serpens and L. lundbergii, our results suggest that none of these species should be considered as serious pathogens.

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Succession: where do we go from here?
Various aspects of fungal succession, and interactions between fungi, are reviewed and the problems encountered highlighted. Suggestions for future research are presented, outlining some of the techniques currently available. Particular attention is focused on the need to understand the chemical interactions involved in succession.

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Volume 12

Phyllachora xanthii: redescription and designation of a new type
A tar-spot fungus found in the state of Paraná, Brazil on living leaves of Xanthium strumarium was identified as probably belonging to the previously known species Phyllachora xanthii. Available descriptions of this fungus are incomplete and the type material could not be located. A full description with illustrations and designation of a neotype is therefore provided.

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New spinose species of Mycena in sections Basipedes and Polyadelphia from Thailand
Three new species of Mycena with spinose pilei are described from material collected recently in Thailand. Mycena pseudoseta and Mycena mimicoseta are provisionally accepted in sect. Basipedes, and have recurved pileus spines formed from agglutinated, cylindrical, spinulose hyphae. Mycena dermatogloea is provisionally accepted in sect. Polyadelphia and has pileus spines formed from exudative gloeocystidia. Illustrations and comparisons with allied taxa are provided.

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Treehole fungal communities: aquatic, aero-aquatic and dematiaceous hyphomycetes
Hyphomycete communities in water-filled treeholes, a microhabitat in woodland ecosystems are discussed. Thirteen treeholes in four mountainous and forested areas of Hungary were examined for hyphomycetes. Eleven treeholes were detected in beech (Fagus sylvatica) and one each in oak (Quercus sp.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Forty-five hyphomycete species were detected in the treeholes. The species number per treehole ranged from 3 to 10, as seen after litter incubation, but reached 19 when membrane filtration of treehole-water was included. The most frequent species was Alatospora acuminata (over 80% of treeholes). Distribution of Colispora cavincola appears to be restricted to treeholes. Conidia belonging to lesser known taxa, such as Arborispora, Dwayaangam, Trifurcospora and Trinacrium are discussed and illustrated. Membrane filtration of treehole-water suggests in situ sporulation of some aquatic hyphomycete species. Treeholes in SW Hungary were re-examined after 25 years and results suggest that they are long-lasting rather than ephemeral fungal microhabitats in woodland ecosystems.

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Effect of nitrogen resources and pH on growth and fruit body formation of Coprinopsis phlyctidospora
Following 3 weeks of cultivation of Coprinopsis phlyctidospora the final pH of NO3-N, asparagine-N (Asp-N) and Urea-N media increased, the final pH of NH4-N media decreased, and high nitrogen concentrations induced a high final pH. The changes in reduction oxidation potential were opposite to that of pH. Most mycelial biomass was generated in Asp-N media, while least biomass was generated in NH4-N media; high nitrogen levels promoted increased growth. During growth, NO3-N was produced by the utilization of Asp-N, Urea-N and NH4-N. The maximum yield of NO3-N was found in the NH4-N media. Under light, fruit bodies were formed in Urea-N, Asp-N and NO3-N media. In darkness, fruit bodies were formed in Urea-N media only. Addition of urea and NH4Cl to unsupplemented growth medium promoted the formation of fruit bodies.

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Induction of antibiotic production of freshwater fungi using mix-culture fermentation
Antibiotic activities of culture filtrates from twenty filamentous fungi, isolated from wood submerged in tropical freshwater habitats, were tested against a pathogenic strain of Candida albicans. These taxa were fermented separately in liquid medium in pure culture, while another set was fermented with the addition of a fluconazole-sensitive strain of Candida albicans in mix-culture. Fermentation was performed using potato dextrose broth at 25°C for 28 days, with diffuse day light and 240 rpm agitation. Culture filtrates were tested against a fluconazole-sensitive and two fluconazole-resistant strains of C. albicans. Anti-fungal activities against strains of C. albicans were not exhibited by any culture filtrates obtained from pure culture fermentation. In mix-culture fermentation, the culture filtrates of an undescribed species of Chloridium and Sporoschisma mirabile produced anti-fungal activities against all three strains of C. albicans tested.

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An evaluation of the fungal 'morphotype' concept based on ribosomal DNA sequences
In studies of fungal endophyte communities, mycelia sterilia are commonly isolated from plant substrates and grouped into morphotypes on the basis of cultural characteristics. In Polygonum multiflorum one hundred and sixty-nine strains of mycelia sterilia were isolated and grouped into 27 morphotypes. Six randomly selected morphotypes, each with 2-3 representatives, were subsequently subjected to ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. Nucleotide sequence similarities of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the 5.8S gene were compared using UPGMA cluster analysis. Comparison of nucleotide sequences revealed high levels of similarity (ca. 91.63-99.53%) among strains within morphotypes. ITS and 5.8S sequences of species within various genera from GenBank were obtained to estimate levels of nucleotide similarity within and between well-established genera and species. This study verifies on the basis of ribosomal DNA sequence analysis the validity of these 'morphotypes' as taxonomic groups. A dendogram, illustrating relatedness of the morphotypes and reference taxa from GenBank is also presented.

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Biodiversity assessment of myxomycetes from two tropical forest reserves in Mexico
This paper presents the results of surveys carried out in two tropical forest reserves, El Edén (Quintana Roo) and Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz), in Mexico. A total of 857 collections of myxomycetes yielded 99 different taxa. One of these (Diderma yucatanensis) is described as a new species, two (Licea poculiformis and Stemonitis lignicola) are new records for the Neotropics, and 14 species and 2 varieties are new records for Mexico. Our data support the presence of a distinct assemblage of myxomycetes in tropical regions and substantiate the value of using the moist chamber technique as a complement to fieldwork in biodiversity studies. These same data also suggest that a number of different niches are exploited by myxomycetes in the tropics.

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Growth and fatty acid production of thraustochytrids from Panay mangroves, Philippines
Optimization of culture conditions with regard to the combined effects of salinity and temperature on biomass and fatty acid production of four thraustochytrid isolates were undertaken. Two strains of Schizochytrium mangrovei (IAo-1 and IXm-6), and one isolate each of Schizochytrium sp. (BSn-1) and Thraustochytrium sp. (IRa-8), isolated from fallen mangrove leaves, were used in this study. Results of the physiological study show that the best growth condition for Schizochytrium isolates was at a salinity range of 15-30 ‰ at 20-30°C, while that for Thraustochytrium sp. was at 22.5-30 ‰ at 25°C. Highest biomass production was 350 mg 50 mL-1 for Schizochytrium spp., and 133 mg 50 mL-1 for Thraustochytrium sp. Total lipid content (% freeze-dried biomass) ranged from 16.0-33.2% for S. mangrovei, 13.0-39.1% for Schizochytrium sp., and 11.4-37.5% for Thraustochytrium sp. Highest lipid production was observed at 15-22.5 ‰ salinity (25°C) for S. mangrovei, and at 15 ‰ (25°C) for Schizochytrium sp. and Thraustochytrium sp. Palmitic acid (16:0) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) were the major components of the total fatty acid (TFA) content, comprising about 39-42% and 24-35%, repectively.

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A new cyanescent species of Gyroporus from China
A new bolete species discovered from Guangdong Province of China, Gyroporus brunneofloccosus, is formally described and illustrated. Type (HMIGD 4920) is deposited in the Herbarium of Guangdong Institute of Microbiology (HMIGD), Guangzhou.

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Several rare entopathogenic fungi from the Western Sichuan mountains
Two new species of Cordyceps and a new species of Paecilomyces were collected from Dujiangyan Forest Park, Huanglong Nature Reserve and Xilin Jokul respectively. These new species are C. sichuanensis which parasitizes the adults of Pentatomitae (Hemiptera), C. dayiensis which has a very thin ascus cap and Paecilomyces rariramus with synnemata consisting of a few branchlets and subglobose conidia.

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An integrated approach to taxonomical identification of the novel filamentous fungus strain producing extracellular lipases: morphological, physiological and DNA fingerprinting techniques
A new filamentous fungal strain was isolated into pure culture and initially named as strain L-1. The strain was found to secrete a high level of extracellular lipase at high temperatures. The identification of the isolate was performed by the combination of conventional morphological-physiological methods, scanning electron microscopy and RAPD. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the L-1 strain were compared to reference strains. The morphological characteristics, radial growth rate at different temperatures and surface ornamentation of sporangiospores of the isolate almost completely match the reference strain Rhizopus [= microsporus var. rhizopodiformis VKM F-3693. The strain L-1 was characterized by high growth rate and the spore maturation abilities at 50°C. These characteristics are unique among all other strains of Rhizopus. The results of RAPD-diagnosis indicate the high degree of genetic similarity between strains L-1 and F-3693. We therefore identified strain L-1 as Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis. The strain has been submitted and included in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms as VKM F-3688.

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Typification of Spirodecospora
A new collection of Anthostomella melnikii was made in Kunashir Island, Russia and was found to be identical to Spirodecospora bambusicola. Anthostomella melnikii therefore becomes the type of Spirodecospora. This information is formally published with notes on Anthostomella melnikii and Spirodecospora bambusicola.

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Anhellia verruco-scopiformans sp. nov. (Myriangiales) associated to scaby brooms of Croton migrans in Brazil
The new fungal species of Anhellia, Anhellia verruco-scopiformans associated with scaby brooms of Croton migrans from a montane grassland site in Brazil, is described and illustrated.

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First contribution to the study of Cryptosphaeria from Argentina
A new species of Cryptosphaeria, from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, C. sulcata, is described. The representation of this genus in Argentina is low; only C. lignyota and the present species are known. Cryptosphaeria populicola, described by Spegazzini, is a later synonym of Eutypella scoparia. Cryptosphaerina heterospora and C. cumingii, proposed by Spegazzini, are excluded from the Diatrypaceae. Observations of asci with fluorescence microscopy are presented.

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Berkleasmium typhae sp. nov., a new hyphomycete on narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) from Thailand
Berkleasmium typhae, collected from a decaying leaf of Typha angustifolia from Thailand is illustrated and described as a new species and compared with related taxa.

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Two new Meliola species from China
Meliola fabri parasitic on Castanopsis fabri, and Meliola hosagoudarii parasitic on Tutcheria microcarpa are described and illustrated as new species.

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The smut fungi (Ustilaginomycetes) of Hyparrhenia (Poaceae)
Twelve species of smut fungi are recognised on the grass genus Hyparrhenia. Detailed descriptions and synonyms with authors and place of publication are given for all recognised species. Each species is illustrated by line drawings of the habit and by LM and SEM pictures of the spores. New species described: Sporisorium niariense Vánky. New name proposed: Sporisorium leelingianum Vánky, replacing Ustilago tumefaciens Henn. New combinations proposed: Sporisorium congense (Syd. & P. Syd.) Vánky, based on Ustilago congensis; S. dembianense (Bacc.) Vánky, based on Sorosporium dembianense; S. ischaemoides (Henn.) Vánky, based on Ustilago ischaemoides; S. maranguense (Henn.) Vánky, based on Sorosporium maranguense. The following names are considered to be synonyms: Sorosporium tembuti Henn. & Pole-Evans is Sporisorium leelingianum Vánky; Ustilago nyassae Syd. & P. Syd. is Sporisorium transfissum (Tul. & C. Tul.) G. Deml; Ustilago puellaris Syd. is Sporisorium vanderystii (Henn.) Vánky. A further ten synonymies, established by L. Ling, are confirmed. Lectotypes are designated for Ustilago congensis Syd. & P. Syd. [= Sporisorium congense (Syd. & P. Syd.) Vánky], Ustilago tumefaciens Henn. (= Sporisorium leelingianum Vánky), and Sphacelotheca ruprechtii Syd. [= Sporisorium vanderystii (Henn.) Langdon & Full.]. A key to the species and a host-parasite list are provided to facilitate the identification of the smut fungi of Hyparrhenia.

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Microfungi on the Pandanaceae: Zygosporium, a review of the genus and two new species
Zygosporium pacificum sp. nov. and Z. pandanicola sp. nov. are introduced based on specimens identified on Pandanus leaves collected in the Pacific island nations of Niue and Vanuatu, and the Philippines, respectively. Both species are compared with presently accepted species and a key to the genus is provided. Specimens of Z. echinosporum, Z. gibbum, Z. minus and Z. oscheoides were also collected from members of Pandanaceae.

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Obeliospora minima sp. nov. and four other hyphomycetes with conidia bearing appendages
Five dematiaceous hyphomycetes with conidia bearing setulae, Obeliospora minima sp. nov., O. basispira, Bahusutrabeeja dwaya, Nawawia filiformis and Phialosporostilbe setosa, are described and illustrated. Obeliospora minima differs from the two known species of the genus, O. basispira and O. triappendiculata, by its smaller conidia with only 3 setulae. All these genera and species are reported for the first time from China.

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Volume 14



New microlichens from Taiwan
As a result of a three week field trip to Taiwan in 2001, 288 species of microlichens and related ascomycetes are reported. All are new to Taiwan, and most are so far unknown from mainland China as well. Of these, 83 species are new to East Asia, and 41 have never been reported from Asia. This includes the following species new to science: Arthonia parantillarum, Rimularia gyromuscosa, Rinodina placynthielloides, R. pluriloculata (described from mainland China), R. punctosorediata and Vezdaea flava.(View PDF)

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Identification of Armillaria biological species in Iran
Thirty-four isolates of Armillaria were collected from a variety of hosts in fruit orchard and forest regions in Iran. From each basidiocarp, monospore cultures were obtained. Haploid and diploid cultures were paired in all possible "haploid-haploid" and "diploid-haploid" combinations. Sexual compatibility was determined after 25-35 days based on differences in culture morphology of haploid colonies from white, with aerial mycelium (fluffy) to brownish, without aerial mycelium (crustose) which is characteristic of diploid cultures. Six compatibility groups named Iranian intersterility groups (IISG) were identified: IISG1 included one isolate, IISG2 seventeen isolates, IISG3 eight isolates, IISG4 one isolate, IISG5 two isolates and IISG6 five isolates. Haploid and diploid isolates from Iranian intersterility groups of Armillaria were paired with European and two Japanese haploid tester strains. Six intersterility groups were authenticated as A. mellea, A. cepistipes, A. gallica, A. borealis, Armillaria sp. (IISG5) and Armillaria sp. (IISG6). Two groups (IISG5 and IISG6) were, however, not compatible with any of tester strains representing different species.(View PDF)

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Xenosporium amomi sp. nov. from Zingiberaceae in Thailand
Xenosporium thaxteri and an undescribed species of Xenosporium were found as saprobes on dead pseudostems of Alpinia malaccensis and Amomum siamense in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The new species, X. amomi is described, illustrated and compared with similar Xenosporium species. The diagnostic characters of the 14 accepted species of Xenosporium are provided and the genus is reviewed based on the literature.(View PDF)

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A review of Spegazzini taxa of Periconia and Sporocybe after over 115 years
Some groups or genera described by Spegazzini have never been re-examined. In this paper the type material of Sporocybe and Periconia species described by Spegazzini are studied. The genus Periconia is represented in Argentina by seven species: P. bromeliicola, P. byssoides, P. circinata, P. lateralis, P. minutissima, P. spegazzinii and P. tirupatiensis. Among Spegazzini's holotypes of Sporocybe, S. bromeliicola is considered a nomen dubium, S. antarctica is a lichen, S. chlorocephala is a synonym of Stromatographium stromaticum, Sporocybe penicillata is a synonym of Melanographium spinulosum and S. sacchari is a synonym of Doratomyces purpureofuscus. Doratomyces is represented by four species: D. asperulus, D. microsporus, D. purpureofuscus and D. stemonitis, three of which are reported under this genus for the first time.(View PDF)

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Pseudocercospora siraitiae sp. nov. (hyphomycetes) on leaves of Siraitia cf. siamensis (Cucurbitaceae) in China
A new species of Pseudocercospora was found on leaves of Siraitia cf. siamensis (Cucurbitaceae) in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The fungus differs from the species known on cucurbitaceous hosts by its curved conidia and long conidiophores arising from superficial mycelium. Species of Siraitia have hitherto not been reported as host plants of any cercosporoid fungi. Therefore, P. siraitiae is proposed as a new species. A key to species of Pseudocercospora on cucurbitaceous hosts is also provided.(View PDF)

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Temporal changes in the prevalence of three species of Trichomycetes (Zygomycota: Zygomycotina) in Dipteran aquatic larvae from Argentina
Trichomycetes (fungi) inhabit the digestive tracts of insects and other arthropods. Three species of Harpellales (Zygomycotina: Trichomycetes) were collected in the field from Dipteran larvae at La Plata, Argentina every 15 days for 1.5 years from 1999 to 2000. Records of the occurrence of the insect larval hosts, Dasyhelea necrophila (Ceratopogonidae), Chironomus sp. (Chironomidae) and Culex pipiens (Culicidae), and the prevalence of their associated Harpellales, Carouxella coemeteriensis, Stachylina platensis and Smittium culisetae, are presented. The fungi were somewhat seasonal, being present during fall, winter and spring. Their abundance appeared to depend on host density. (View PDF)

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The genus Cordyceps and its allies from the Kuankuoshui Reserve in Guizhou III
Four new species in the genus Cordyceps from the Kuankoushui Reserve in Guizhou Province are described. They are Cordyceps furcicaodata, C. dermapterogena, C. cylindrostromata and C. rostrata. In addition, Cordyceps formicarum and C. takaomontana are reported for the first time in Guizhou Province, China. Specimens examined were deposited in the Laboratory of Fungus Resources, Guizhou University (LFRGU).(View PDF)

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Dactylella shizishanna sp. nov., from Shizi Mountain, China
A new species, Dactylella shizishanna, is described from Hubei province, China and compared with the similar species of Dactylella crassa. A key to the species of Dactylella producing adhesive nets is given. (View PDF)

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Diversity of filamentous fungi on woody litter of five mangrove plant species from the southwest coast of India
Fungal diversity on decaying intertidal wood of five mangrove plant species (Acanthus ilicifolius, Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia caseolaris) accumulated on the floor of Udyavara mangrove stand of southwest coast of India was investigated. Wood samples collected during the monsoon and summer season were incubated in moist chambers and observed once every two weeks for up to six months. Ninety-one fungi belonging to 68 genera were recovered. Terrestrial fungi were dominant during the monsoon season, while marine fungi were dominant during the summer. Fungal richness and diversity were higher during the monsoon season than the summer. Rhizophora mucronata showed the highest Simpson's index at both seasons. The Shannon index was highest for Rhizophora mucronata in the monsoon season, while it was highest for Bruguiera gymnorrhiza during the summer. Rarefaction showed the highest expected number of species out of 150 identifications was from Rhizophora mucronata during the monsoon season (43 vs. 27-38 species), while it was highest in Sonneratia caseolaris during the summer (25 vs. 20-23 species). Maximum number of species per sample was observed on Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (monsoon, 2.9; summer, 3). Significant differences in the species diversity and expected number of species between the seasons were seen (t-test). Lignincola laevis, Savoryella lignicola and Trichocladium linderi were found in both seasons on all substrata. Lignincola laevis, Passeriniella mangrovei, Savoryella lignicola, S. paucispora, Trichocladium achrasporum and T. linderi were dominant during the monsoon season (>10%), while Cirrenalia pygmea, Lignincola laevis, Lulworthia grandispora, Nais sp., Savoryella lignicola and Zalerion varium were dominant during the summer. It is likely that terrestrial, freshwater and aero-aquatic fungi find ideal conditions for their development in mangroves during the monsoon season in the west coast of India.(View PDF)

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Abundance and diversity of marine fungi on intertidal woody litter of the west coast of India on prolonged incubation
Intertidal wood was collected from four coastal locations of the west coast of India during the post-monsoon season over two consecutive years. Samples were assessed for occurrence of filamentous marine fungi at different intervals of incubation in the laboratory (0, 2, 6, 12 and 18 months). Of the 59 taxa identified, 43 were ascomycetes, three basidiomycetes and 13 anamorphic fungi. Six months incubation yielded up to 66% of the total taxa encountered. The taxa found exclusively during specific incubation periods were highest during the 6 or 12 months incubation. Overall, Torpedospora radiata was the predominant fungus (11.6-21.5%), while Aniptodera chesapeakensis, Antennospora quadricornuta, Caryosporella rhizophorae, Corollospora intermedia, C. maritima, Crinigera sp., Dictyosporium pelagicum, Didymosphaeria sp., Halocyphina villosa, Periconia prolifica and Zalerion varium were frequent (>5%). These fungi attained the highest frequency of occurrence following 12 or 18 months of incubation period. Fungal richness and diversity were highest following six months of incubation. The decrease in the Jaccard's similarity index from two months to 18 months of incubation indicates that additional taxa occur on prolonged incubation. Incubation of intertidal wood of tropical beaches up to 18 months appear to be adequate period for reasonable assessment of marine fungal diversity. (View PDF)

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Two new species of Dactylaria (anamorphic fungi) and an update of species in Dactylaria sensu lato
The new species Dactylaria belliana and D. ficusicola were isolated from leaf litter of an Australian tropical rainforest. Dactylaria belliana differs from other species within this genus in having narrowly fusiform, uniseptate conidia and pigmented, denticulate conidiophores. Dactylaria ficusicola is similar in morphology to D. hemibeltranioidea but differs in producing only cylindrical narrow conidia while the latter species also has fusiform and naviculate conidia. The new species are described and illustrated here. A synopsis of species described in Dactylaria sensu de Hoog since the review by Goh and Hyde (1997) is provided based on the literature.(View PDF)

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Four new Asterina species from Yunnan, China
Asterina flacourtiaceicola parasitic on Flacourtiaceae indet., Asterina horsfieldiicola parasitic on Horsfieldia glabra (Myristicaceae), Asterina phoebicola parasitic on Phoeba lanceolata (Lauraceae), and Asterina stixis parasitic on Stixis suaveolens (Capparidaceae) are described and illustrated as new species.(View PDF)

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Diversity of fungi on wild fruits in Hong Kong
Eighteen species of wild fruits were examined for fruit-decaying fungi in nature. Surface-sterilized and non-sterilized fruits were incubated for 1-4 weeks and the fruiting bodies were identified. A total of 540 samples and 495 microfungi from 102 taxa were identified. Colletotrichum and Phomopsis were the most frequently recorded fungal genera. Ilex cinerea had the most diverse fungal species, while Wikstroemia nutans had the lowest diversity. Fifty-eight percent of fungal genera found in this survey have not been recorded on cultivated fruits. The fungal community that developed on non-sterilized fruits after incubation was generally more diverse than on surface-sterilized fruits, but both were colonized mostly by non-specific fungi. Related fruit species did not, in general, have more similar fungal communities than unrelated species. The ability of detached fruits to resist fungal infection under incubation varied greatly, with 77% of fruits of Wikstroemia nutans still not infected after 4 weeks. Fungi were classified into three types: pathogens, latent opportunists and fast-colonizing opportunists. Fast-colonizing opportunists, such as Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium, were the most important taxa on wild fruits. (View PDF)

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Endophytes in Southeast Asia and Japan: their taxonomic diversity and potential applications
Endophytes were isolated by placing plant parts on agar following extensive washing in running tap water and sterilization by dipping in 75% ethanol and 5.3% sodium hypochlorite. Four hundred and two plants, including endemic plants, collected in Hokkaido, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia were subjected to this treatment. At least one taxon was isolated from each healthy surface-sterilized stem from each plant examined, indicating that more than one microorganism live together inside a single plant. In total, 1133 strains of endophytic fungi and 678 strains of bacteria were isolated and are stored at -80ºC. These isolates were screened for useful products. Many endophytic fungi and bacteria strains produced useful extracellular enzymes that degrade xylan and mannan, common constituents of plant cells, into xylo-oligosaccharides and manno-oligosaccharides. About 10-30% of endophytes showed antifungal or antibacterial activities in their supernatants. Some fungal strains produced bioactive substances which showed testosterone-5-a-reductase inhibition or promotion in proliferation of mouse hair follicle cells in vitro. Some fungal and bacterial strains isolated from Indonesian plants also produced amylolytic enzymes and/or mannanase. These results demonstrate that endophytes are potential sources for discovering useful metabolites, such as oligosaccharides, antibiotics, and enzymes. Phylogenetic analyses of amplified 18S rDNA and the ITS reg