Drechslerella daliensis and D. xiaguanensis (Orbiliales, Orbiliaceae), two new nematode-trapping fungi from Yunnan, China

Nematode-trapping fungi are a highly specialised group in fungi and are essential regulators of natural nematode populations. At present, more than 130 species have been discovered in Zygomycota (Zoopagaceae), Basidiomycota (Nematoctonus), and Ascomycota (Orbiliaceae). Amongst them, nematode-trapping fungi in Orbiliaceae have become the research focus of carnivorous fungi due to their abundant species. During the investigation of carnivorous fungi in Yunnan, China, four fungal strains isolated from burned forest soil were identified as two new nematode-trapping species in Drechslerella (Orbiliaceae), based on multigene phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters.New information Drechslerella daliensis sp. nov. is characterised by its ellipsoid, 1-2-septate macroconidia, clavate or bottle-shaped, 0-1-septate microconidia and unbranched, simple conidiophores. D. xiaguanensis sp. nov. is characterised by fusiform or spindle-shaped, 2-4-septate conidia and unbranched, simple conidiophores. Both of them produce constricting rings to capture nematodes. The phylogenetic analysis, based on combined ITS, TEF1-alpha and RPB2 sequences, determined their placement in Drechslerella. D. daliensis forms a basal lineage closely nested with D. hainanensis (YMF1.03993). D. xiaguanensis forms a sister lineage with D. bembicodes (1.01429), D. aphrobrocha (YMF1.00119) and D. coelobrocha (FWY03-25-1).

Automated summary

Nematode-trapping fungi are highly specialized fungi that play an essential role in regulating natural nematode populations. This study identified two new nematode-trapping species in Orbiliaceae from burned forest soil in Yunnan, China, through multigene phylogenetic analysis and morphological characterization. These findings contribute to the understanding of carnivorous fungi.