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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #308122
Title: A taxonomic and phylogenetic re-appraisal of the genus Curvularia

Author
item MANAMGODA, DAMUTHA - Mae Fah Luan University
item ROSSMAN, AMY - Retired ARS Employee
item Castlebury, Lisa
item CROUS, PEDRO - Central Office For Fungal Cultures (CBS)
item MADRID, HUGO - Central Office For Fungal Cultures (CBS)
item CHUKEATIROTE, EKACHAI - Mae Fah Luan University
item HYDE, KEVIN - Mae Fah Luan University

Submitted to: Phytotaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2015
Publication Date: 6/8/2015
Citation: Manamgoda, D., Rossman, A.Y., Castlebury, L.A., Crous, P.W., Madrid, H., Chukeatirote, E., Hyde, K.D. 2015. A taxonomic and phylogenetic re-appraisal of the genus Curvularia. Phytotaxa. 212(3):175-198.

Interpretive Summary: Fungi in the genus Curvularia are important plant worldwide and are found in many different habitats in nature. Species of Curvularia on staple crops such as maize and sorghum often produce mycotoxins that could affect human or animal health. Many species in this genus have similar microscopic appearancesand this has led to much confusion about the identities of a these fungi. In addition many species in this group of fungi were previously misidentified as species of Bipolaris, a similar looking genus of fungi. Using DNA sequences and spore characteristics, we were able to accurately identify 49 species of Curvularia on a large number of host plants. One species new to science was described and modern descriptions and illustrations are included for four of these species. This research will be used by extension agents, plant breeders, plant pathologists, and plant quarantine officials to implement management strategies for diseases caused by these species and to accurately determine the presence of these species in the United States and other countries.

Technical Abstract: Species of Curvularia are important plant and human pathogens worldwide. In this study, the genus Curvularia is re-assessed based on molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations of available isolates and specimens. A multi-gene phylogenetic tree inferred from ITS, TEF and GPDH genes is used to re-define species limits in the genus. According to the phylogenetic analysis of this study, eleven Bipolaris species including Bipolaris australis, B. buchloës, B. cylindrica, B. indica, B. kusanoi, B. neergardii, B. nicotiae, B. nodulosa, B. miyakei, B. papendorfii, B. subpapendorfii and B. sesuvii are placed the genus Curvularia. Nomenclatural amendments are made based on the phylogenetic placement and morphological observations. A new species, Curvularia boedjinii, is introduced with full descriptions and illustrations. Modern descriptions and illustrations are provided for novel combinations of Curvularia buchloës, C. cylindrica, C. nodulosa and C. subpapendorfii.