Sporoschismopsis angustata sp nov., a new holomorph species in the Reticulascaceae (Glomerellales), and a reappraisal of Sporoschismopsis

A holomorph species, Sporoschismopsis angustata, is described. It represents the second known and experimentally proven teleomorph-anamorph link in the genus. In the multigene analysis, based on sequences of small and large subunits of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nc18S and nc28S rDNA) combined with the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2), Sporoschismopsis is positioned in the Reticulascaceae of the Glomerellales (Hypocreomycetidae). In keeping with the tenets of the new International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants, the oldest generic name Sporoschismopsis is used for the holomorph. The teleomorph genus Porosphaerellopsis is formally transferred to the synonymy of Sporoschismopsis, and a new combination of P. sporoschismophora in Sporoschismopsis is proposed. Porosphaerellopsis bipolaris is not accepted in Sporoschismopsis. A key to the species accepted in Sporoschismopsis is provided. Sporoschismopsis is compared with the morphologically similar Sporoschisma of the Chaetosphaeriales (Sordariomycetidae). Their delimitation is re-evaluated in the light of changes to the genus concept suggested by Goh et al. (Mycol Res 101: 1295-1307, 1997). The characters of percurrently regenerating conidiophores and the shape of the phialide venter are not accepted as the main diagnostic criteria at the genus level. Instead, the original concepts of both genera are followed, and Sporoschismopsis is most readily distinguished from Sporoschisma by the absence of capitate setae and the anatomy of the conidia. Sporoschismopsis australiensis is transferred to Sporoschisma. The capitate setae are discussed and linked as a diagnostic character with members of the Chaetosphaeriales.