Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of Pseudodiploospora (Hypocreales, Pseudodiploosporeaceae) Associated with White Mold Disease of Cultivated Morels in China
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: White mold disease (WMD) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting cultivated morels ( Morchella spp.) in China, yet the taxonomy and diversity of its associated pathogens remain poorly resolved. During targeted surveys of WMD from major morel-growing regions in 2023–2024, we obtained 518 isolates belonging to the genus Pseudodiploospora. Although these isolates had historically been treated as a single species, P. longispora, marked morphological variation and preliminary phylogenetic signals indicated the presence of a species complex. To reassess species boundaries, we employed multilocus phylogenetic analyses integrated with coalescent-based species delimitation and detailed morphological examination. Five distinct species were resolved, comprising P. longispora and four novel taxa: P. aequatospora , P. crassispora , P. curvispora , and P. tenuispora . Our results also support a taxonomic revision of Pseudodiploospora , refining generic limits and improving nomenclatural stability. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of species diversity within Pseudodiploospora associated with WMD and establishes a robust taxonomic framework for future ecological and pathogenicity research.
Authors: Chunlan Zhang, Yongwei Wang, Shujing Li, Frederick Sossah, Luzhen Wang, Muqing Bai, Qi Zhao, Jize Xu
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4417450233
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