Culturable fungi from urban soils in China II, with the description of 18 novel species in Ascomycota (Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Leotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes)

As China's urbanisation continues to advance, more people are choosing to live in cities. However, this trend has a significant impact on the natural ecosystem. For instance, the accumulation of keratin-rich substrates in urban habitats has led to an increase in keratinophilic microbes. Despite this, there is still a limited amount of research on the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in urban areas. Fortunately, our group has conducted in-depth investigations into this topic since 2015. Through our research, we have discovered a significant amount of keratinophilic fungi in soil samples collected from various urban areas in China. In this study, we have identified and characterised 18 new species through the integration of morphological and phylogenetic analyses. These findings reveal the presence of numerous unexplored fungal taxa in urban habitats, emphasising the need for further taxonomic research in urban China.

Automated summary

As urbanisation in China continues to grow, more people are opting to live in cities, causing significant impacts on the natural ecosystem. One particular consequence is the increase of keratinophilic microbes due to the accumulation of keratin-rich substrates in urban habitats. Although there is limited research on the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in urban areas, our group has conducted comprehensive investigations since 2015, revealing a significant presence of keratinophilic fungi in soil samples collected from various urban areas in China. In this study, we have identified and characterised 18 new species through morphological and phylogenetic analyses, highlighting the need for further taxonomic research in urban China.