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Title: Phylogeny, host-associations, and geographic distribution, of the genus Cryptosporella (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales)

Author
item MEJIA, LUIS - RUTGERS UNVIVERSITY
item Castlebury, Lisa
item Rossman, Amy
item WHITE, JAMES - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Mycological Society of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2009
Publication Date: 6/8/2009
Citation: Mejia, L.C., Castlebury, L.A., Rossman, A.Y., White, J.F. 2009. Phylogeny, host-associations, and geographic distribution, of the genus Cryptosporella (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales). Mycological Society of America. Inoculum. 60(3):30

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Species of the genus Cryptosporella (synonyms Ophiovalsa and Winterella) have been reported to occur on branches of trees from the families Betulaceae, Tiliaceae, and Ulmaceae, in Europe and North America. Fungi from this genus are microscopic, and function as dominant endophytes from trees of the family Betulaceae. Species of Cryptosporella appear to have a limited host range and geographic distribution. Here we analyzed morphological and molecular data to define the genus Cryptosporella and to infer its phylogeny. Specimens were collected in North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Asia. Data used for morphological comparisons included arrangement of perithecia and asci and ascospore size. Molecular data included DNA sequences from multiple genes (i.e. ß-tubulin ITS, LSU, RPB2, and Tef-1a). This study defines Cryptosporella as a highly supported and distinctive genus in the Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales). Our data suggest the recognition of at least five new species. Host identity and geographic distribution have played a key role in speciation and diversification of this genus. Furthermore, the distribution of Cryptosporella is expanded to the Neotropics and South America.