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Title: LSU rDNA phylogeny for Entomophthoromycotina

Author
item GRYGANSKYI, A. - Duke University
item Humber, Richard
item VILGALYS, R. - Duke University

Submitted to: Inoculum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/25/2009
Publication Date: 7/25/2009
Citation: Gryganskyi, A., Humber, R.A., Vilgalys, R. 2009. LSU rDNA phylogeny for Entomophthoromycotina. Inoculum. 60(3):19.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The recently elevated subdivision Entomophthoromycotina Humber (D.S. Hibbett et al., 2007) includes zygomycetous parasites of many diverse arthropod hosts and saprotrophs. Species in this group are of special interest as agents of biological control for the populations of economically important insects. Over 300 described species are known, however, the actual number of species of this group is likely to be much greater. In this study we report on ongoing research aimed at resolving phylogenetic relationships within the Entomophthorales and other zygomycetous fungi. Preliminary analysis of LSU rDNA was performed using likelihood method which showed pretty consistent results for the studied group of 30 taxa. Such analyses divides all studied entomophthoralean fungi in 2 clades: Basidiobolus and the rest. Isolates of genus Basidiobolus build a separate group. Genus Conidiobolus is polyphyletic. Its species belong to two or three distinctive groups. One of them, consisting from C. coronatus, C. lamprauges and C. osmodus is separated from the "core" Entomophthorales and possibly close to Basidiobolus clade. Other species of this genus are distributed among "entomopathogenic part" of Entomophthoromycotina. Thus, genus Conidiobolus needs a thorough revision. "Core" Entomophthorales build pretty distinct groups with main genera. However, many species have some doubtful location. Perhaps many species boundaries and species concepts may not be clearly defined, particularly in genera Pandora, Erynia and Entomophthora. Analyses of more specimens, more loci, and re-examination of morphological characters are needed to help resolve these inconsistencies.