The genus Ophionectria (Ascomycetes, Hypocreales)

A taxonomic study of the genus Ophionectria Saccardo is presented. The genus is described and the only remaining species, the type species, Ophionectria trichospora, is described and figured. Ophionectria trichospora is compared with Nectria haematococca to define relationships between the two genera. All other species formerly placed in Ophionectria are reviewed and found to belong in other genera. A key to these species is presented. The disposition of excluded Ophionectria species is based on an examination of the type specimen of each species. One new species is described: Barya byssicola. Twelve new combinations are proposed: Calonectria hendrickxii, C. muscivora, C. vernoniae, Torrubiella lloydii, Lasiosphaeria glabra, L. rufula, Podonectria coccorum, P. larvaespora, Tubeufia hidakaeana, T. palmarum and T. paludosa. Several species excluded from the genus Ophionectria could not be placed in existing genera

Taxonomy of mayapple rust: the genus Allodus resurrected

Mayapple rust is a common, disfiguring disease that is widespread in temperate eastern North America wherever the host, Podophyllum peltatum, occurs. Puccinia podophylli, the etiological agent of this rust, has been shown to be distantly related to both Puccinia and Uromyces as exemplified by their types. A systematic study was made to determine the generic classification of P. podophylli. Phylogenetic analyses of two rDNA loci from multiple specimens support the recognition of this taxon as a separate genus of Pucciniaceae. Based on historical literature and type material, P. podophylli was found to represent the type of the forgotten genus Allodus and it is correctly named Allodus podophylli. A neotype is designated for Puccinia podophylli Schwein. (; Allodus podophylli) and a lectotype is designated for Aecidium podophylli

New species, phylogeny, host-associations and geographic distribution of genus Cryptosporella (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales)

The phylogeny of Cryptosporella is revised to include recently discovered species. Eight species new to science are described and two new combinations are proposed, raising the total number of species accepted in Cryptosporella to 19. The species delimitation and phylogeny for Cryptosporella are determined based on analyses of DNA sequences from three genes (btubulin, ITS and tef1-a), comparative morphology of sexual structures on their host substrate, and host associations. The inferred phylogeny suggests that Cryptosporella has speciated primarily on Betulaceae with 16 species occurring on hosts in that plant family. The host range of most species seems to be narrow with nine species reported from a single host species or subspecies and seven species occurring on plants within a single host genus. A key to species is provided. The known distribution of Cryptosporella is expanded to mountain cloud forests of the provinces of Chiriquı´ in Panama and Tucuma´n in Argentina.The phylogeny of Cryptosporella is revised to include recently discovered species. Eight species new to science are described and two new combinations are proposed, raising the total number of species accepted in Cryptosporella to 19. The species delimitation and phylogeny for Cryptosporella are determined based on analyses of DNA sequences from three genes (btubulin, ITS and tef1-a), comparative morphology of sexual structures on their host substrate, and host associations. The inferred phylogeny suggests that Cryptosporella has speciated primarily on Betulaceae with 16 species occurring on hosts in that plant family. The host range of most species seems to be narrow with nine species reported from a single host species or subspecies and seven species occurring on plants within a single host genus. A key to species is provided. The known distribution of Cryptosporella is expanded to mountain cloud forests of the provinces of Chiriquı´ in Panama and Tucuma´n in Argentina

Not as Ubiquitous as We Thought: Taxonomic Crypsis, Hidden Diversity and Cryptic Speciation in the Cosmopolitan Fungus Thelonectria discophora (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

Funding for Open Access provided by the UMD Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund.The distribution of microbial species, including fungi, has long been considered cosmopolitan. Recently, this perception has been challenged by molecular studies in historical biogeography, phylogeny and population genetics. Here we explore this issue using the fungal morphological species Thelonectria discophora, one of the most common species of fungi in the family Nectriaceae, encountered in almost all geographic regions and considered as a cosmopolitan taxon. In order to determine if T. discophora is a single cosmopolitan species or an assemblage of sibling species, we conducted various phylogenetic analyses, including standard gene concatenation, Bayesian concordance methods, and coalescent-based species tree reconstruction on isolates collected from a wide geographic range. Results show that diversity among isolates referred as T. discophora is greatly underestimated and that it represents a species complex. Within this complex, sixteen distinct highly supported lineages were recovered, each of which has a restricted geographic distribution and ecology. The taxonomic status of isolates regarded as T. discophora is reconsidered, and the assumed cosmopolitan distribution of this species is rejected. We discuss how assumptions about geographically widespread species have implications regarding their taxonomy, true diversity, biological diversity conservation, and ecological functions.This study was funded by a grant from United States National Science Foundation (PEET program, grant number DEB-0925696: “Monographic Studies in the Nectriaceae, Hypocreales: Nectria, Cosmospora, and Neonectria” http://www.nsf.gov/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

New reports of rust fungi (uredinales) from nigeria

Five species of rust fungi from Nigeria are treated. Coleosporium plumeriae and Puccinia mogiphanis (originally from tropical America) are reported for the first time from África. Hemileia chlorocodonis is reported for the first time in Nigeria and on a new host, Tacazzea apiculata (Apocynaceae). Descriptions and comments are provided for the relatively rare species Dietelia codiaei and Endophyllum cassiae

Phylogeny and taxonomy of Ophiognomonia (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales), including twenty-five new species in this highly diverse genus

Species of Ophiognomonia are leaf-inhabiting endophytes, pathogens, and saprobes that infect plants in the families Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Platanaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, and Sapindaceae. Based on extensive collecting, this speciesrich genus is now known to have a world wide distribution in primarily temperate areas, although some species are known from the subtropics. Analyses of DNA sequences from three markers including guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-like protein (MS204), translation elongation factor 1α (tef-1α), and the ITS region including ITS1, 5.8 S rDNA and ITS2 regions (ITS) were used to define phylogenetic species in Ophiognomonia. Host plant association correlated with these species. Twenty-five new species of Ophiognomonia and two new combinations are proposed with descriptions and illustrations. In addition, descriptions and illustrations are provided for 12 other species of Ophiognomonia. A key is provided to the 45 currently accepted species of Ophiognomonia. The disposition of additional names in Ophiognomonia is also discussedSpecies of Ophiognomonia are leaf-inhabiting endophytes, pathogens, and saprobes that infect plants in the families Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Platanaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, and Sapindaceae. Based on extensive collecting, this speciesrich genus is now known to have a world wide distribution in primarily temperate areas, although some species are known from the subtropics. Analyses of DNA sequences from three markers including guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-like protein (MS204), translation elongation factor 1α (tef-1α), and the ITS region including ITS1, 5.8 S rDNA and ITS2 regions (ITS) were used to define phylogenetic species in Ophiognomonia. Host plant association correlated with these species. Twenty-five new species of Ophiognomonia and two new combinations are proposed with descriptions and illustrations. In addition, descriptions and illustrations are provided for 12 other species of Ophiognomonia. A key is provided to the 45 currently accepted species of Ophiognomonia. The disposition of additional names in Ophiognomonia is also discusse

Occultocarpon, a new monotypic genus of Gnomoniaceae on Alnus nepalensis from China

Microfungi in the Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales, Ascomycetes) comprise species commonly reported as pathogens and endophytes on trees and herbaceous hosts primarily from temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Japan. The diversity of Gnomoniaceae in China is poorly known, although several plant families that occur there specifically the Betulaceae are considered important hosts. An exploratory trip to Yunnan, China, resulted in the discovery of several members of the Gnomoniaceae. In this paper a new monotypic genus, Occultocarpon and its species, O. ailaoshanense, are described and illustrated. A phylogeny based on three genes (LSU, rpb2, tef1-α) reveals that O. ailaoshanense belongs to the Gnomoniaceae and forms a branch distinct from the currently known genera. Occultocarpon ailaoshanense is characterized by perithecia with thin, central to eccentric necks in groups embedded in a stroma and oblong elliptical-elongated, one-septate ascospores. Occultocarpon ailaoshanense occurs on the bark of branches of Alnus nepalensis (Betulaceae) in Yunnan, ChinaMicrofungi in the Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales, Ascomycetes) comprise species commonly reported as pathogens and endophytes on trees and herbaceous hosts primarily from temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Japan. The diversity of Gnomoniaceae in China is poorly known, although several plant families that occur there specifically the Betulaceae are considered important hosts. An exploratory trip to Yunnan, China, resulted in the discovery of several members of the Gnomoniaceae. In this paper a new monotypic genus, Occultocarpon and its species, O. ailaoshanense, are described and illustrated. A phylogeny based on three genes (LSU, rpb2, tef1-α) reveals that O. ailaoshanense belongs to the Gnomoniaceae and forms a branch distinct from the currently known genera. Occultocarpon ailaoshanense is characterized by perithecia with thin, central to eccentric necks in groups embedded in a stroma and oblong elliptical-elongated, one-septate ascospores. Occultocarpon ailaoshanense occurs on the bark of branches of Alnus nepalensis (Betulaceae) in Yunnan, Chin

Competing sexual-asexual generic names of Pezizomycetes and recommendations for use

Following the change that eliminated dual naming of sexual and asexual morphs of fungi, generic names of Pezizomycetes have been evaluated to determine which of the competing names should be recommended for use. Evaluation is based on congruence of type species to determine if the names are congeneric and which name is most commonly cited as well as priority. In the Pezizomycetes six pairs of generic names were determined to compete. In all cases the older name, representing the sexual morph, is recommended for use, specifically Caloscypha rather than Geniculodendron, Desmazierella rather than Verticicladium, Miladina rather than Actinosporella, Morchella rather than Costantinella, Sarcoscypha rather than Molliardiomyces, and Trichophaea rather than Dichobotrys

Development of a novel motivational interviewing (MI) informed peer-support intervention to support mothers to breastfeed for longer

Background: Many women in the UK stop breastfeeding before they would like to, and earlier than is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Given the potential health benefits for mother and baby, new ways of supporting women to breastfeed for longer are required. The purpose of this study was to develop and characterise a novel Motivational Interviewing (MI) informed breastfeeding peer-support intervention. Methods: Qualitative interviews with health professionals and service providers (n=14), and focus groups with mothers (n=14), fathers (n=3), and breastfeeding peer-supporters (n=15) were carried out to understand experiences of breastfeeding peer-support and identify intervention options. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Consultation took place with a combined professional and lay Stakeholder Group (n=23). The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) guided intervention development process used the findings of the qualitative research and stakeholder consultation, alongside evidence from existing literature, to identify: the target behaviour to be changed; sources of this behaviour based on the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) model; intervention functions that could alter this behaviour; and; mode of delivery for the intervention. Behaviour change techniques included in the intervention were categorised using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy Version 1 (BCTTv1). Results: Building knowledge, skills, confidence, and providing social support were perceived to be key functions of breastfeeding peer-support interventions that aim to decrease early discontinuation of breastfeeding. These features of breastfeeding peer-support mapped onto the BCW education, training, modelling and environmental restructuring intervention functions. Behaviour change techniques (BCTTv1) included social support, problem solving, and goal setting. The intervention included important inter-personal relational features (e.g. trust, honesty, kindness), and the BCTTv1 needed adaptation to incorporate this. Conclusions: The MI-informed breastfeeding peer-support intervention developed using this systematic and user-informed approach has a clear theoretical basis and well-described behaviour 3 change techniques. The process described could be useful in developing other complex interventions that incorporate peer-support and/or MI