Myrothecium-like new species from turfgrasses and associated rhizosphere

Abstract

<i>Myrothecium</i> sensu lato includes a group of fungal saprophytes and weak pathogens with a worldwide distribution. <i>Myrothecium</i> s.l. includes 18 genera, such as <i>Myrothecium</i>, <i>Septomyrothecium</i>, <i>Myxospora</i>, all currently included in the family Stachybotryaceae. In this study, we identified 84 myrothecium-like strains isolated from turfgrasses and their rhizosphere. Five new species, i.e., <i>Alfariapoae</i>, <i>Alf.humicola</i>, <i>Dimorphisetaacuta</i>, <i>D.obtusa</i>, and <i>Paramyrotheciumsinense</i>, are described based on their morphological and phylogenetic distinctions. Phylogenies were inferred based on the analyses of sequences from four DNA loci (ITS, <i>cmdA</i>, <i>rpb2</i> and <i>tub2</i>). The generic concept of <i>Dimorphiseta</i> is broadened to include a third type of seta, i.e. thin-walled, straight with obtuse apices.