Three New Species of Fusicolla (Hypocreales) from China

To explore the species diversity of the genus Fusicolla, specimens from Henan, Hubei and Jiangsu Provinces in China are examined, and three undescribed taxa are encountered. The morphological characteristics and DNA sequence analyses of the combined acl1, ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2 regions support their placement in Fusicolla and their recognition as new species. Fusicolla aeria sp. nov. is distinguished by the formation of abundant aerial mycelia on PDA, falcate, (1-)3-septate macroconidia 16-35 x 1.5-2.8 mu m and subcylindrical, aseptate microconidia 7.5-13 x 0.8-1.1 mu m. Fusicolla coralloidea sp. nov. has a coralloid colony on PDA, falcate, 2-5-septate macroconidia 38-70 x 2-4.5 mu m and rod-shaped to ellipisoidal, aseptate microconidia 2-7 x 1-1.9 mu m. Fusicolla filiformis sp. nov. is characterized by filiform, 2-6-septate macroconidia 28-58 x 1.5-2.3 mu m and lacking microconidia. Morphological differences between these novel species and their close relatives are compared in detail. The previously recorded species of the genus in China are listed and a key to these taxa is provided.

Automated summary

This study examines specimens from Henan, Hubei, and Jiangsu Provinces in China to explore the species diversity of the genus Fusicolla, and identifies three undescribed taxa. By analyzing the morphological characteristics and DNA sequences of multiple regions, these new species are confirmed to belong to Fusicolla. The morphological features, such as aerial mycelia formation, macroconidia and microconidia characteristics, distinguish Fusicolla aeria sp. nov., Fusicolla coralloidea sp. nov., and Fusicolla filiformis sp. nov. from their close relatives. A list of previously recorded Fusicolla species in China is provided, along with a key to these taxa.