Three new species of Teunia (Cryptococcaceae, Tremellales) identified through phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses.

Teunia, belonging to the family Cryptococcaceae of the order Tremellales, is a genus of plant-inhabiting fungi distributed across the globe. Its members form associations with different plant parts, including flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and twigs. Recent efforts have aimed to explore the diversity of Teunia in China, however, many geographical regions have not yet been explored. In this study, we included results of five Teunia yeast strains that were isolated from plant materials collected in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan provinces, with descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses of three new species: T.acericola, T.mussaendrae isolated from leaf surfaces in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan Provinces, and T.qingyuanensis obtained from rotting wood in Fujian Province.

Pichia kurtzmaniana f.a. sp. nov., with the transfer of eight Candida species to Pichia.

Three yeast strains belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Pichia were isolated from two soil samples from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and a marine water sample from Liaoning province, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit(LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicate that these three strains, together with 12 additional strains isolated from various substrates collected in different regions or countries of the world, represent a novel species of the genus Pichia, for which the name Pichia kurtzmaniana sp. nov. (holotype: strain CGMCC 2.7213) is proposed. The novel species differs from its close relatives Candida californica by eight (1.5 %) and 26 (11.1 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively; and from Pichia chibodasensis by 11 (2.1 %) and 20 (8.7 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively. In addition, eight Candida species which belong to the Pichia clade are transferred to the genus Pichia, resulting in the proposal of the following new combinations: Pichia cabralensis comb. nov., Pichia californica comb. nov., Pichia ethanolica comb. nov., Pichia inconspicua comb. nov., Pichia phayaonensis comb. nov., Pichia pseudolambica comb. nov., Pichia rugopelliculosa comb. nov., and Pichia thaimueangensis comb. nov.

Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov., a new ascomycetous yeast species from soil and rotten wood.

A yeast strain (CGMCC 2.6937T) belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Saturnispora was recently isolated from soil collected in Xinghuacun, Shanxi Province, PR China. The strain produces one or two ellipsoid or spherical ascospores in asci formed by the conjugation between a cell and its bud. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene suggest that this strain is conspecific with strains NYNU 14639 isolated from rotten wood collected in Funiu Mountain, Henan province and ES13S05 from soil collected in Nantou County, Taiwan. The CGMCC 2.6937T group is most closely related to Saturnispora dispora and Saturnispora zaruensis. However, strain CGMCC 2.6937T differs from S. dispora by 17 (3.2 %, 13 substitutions and four gaps) and 77 (18.8 %, 52 substitutions and 25 gaps) mismatches, and from S. zaruensis by 15 (2.9 %, 12 substitutions and three gaps) and 64 (15.6 %, 44 substitutions and 20 gaps) mismatches, in the D1/D2 domain and ITS region, respectively. The results suggest that the CGMCC 2.6937T group represents an undescribed species in the genus Saturnispora, for which the name Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype strain is CGMCC 2.6937T.

Three new Dioszegia species (Bulleribasidiaceae, Tremellales) discovered in the phylloplane in China.

The genus Dioszegia is comprised of anamorphic basidiomycetous yeasts and is classified in the family Bulleribasidiaceae of the order Tremellales. Currently, 24 species have been described and accepted as members of the genus, although its diversity and global distribution have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, yeasts were isolated from plant leaves collected in the Guizhou and Henan Provinces of China and identified through a combination of morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS and LSU sequences coupled with morphological studies revealed three novel species, D.guizhouensissp. nov., D.foliicolasp. nov., and D.aurantiasp. nov., proposed here. Additionally, our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the recently discovered species D.terrae is a synonym of D.maotaiensis. This study presents detailed descriptions and illustrations of three new Dioszegia species and highlights distinctions between them and their close relatives. The findings of this study contribute to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Dioszegia, offering a foundation for future research.

Two new Erythrobasidium species inhabiting the phyllosphere discovered in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in China.

The genus Erythrobasidium is kind of species-scarce and undersampling basidiomycetes. Currently, only six species have been accepted into the genus and the diversity still remains incompletely understood. In this study, five Erythrobasidium strains were isolated in the surface of plant leaves collected from the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analyses of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) gene coupled with morphological studies were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result of these, two new species, namely E. turpiniae sp. nov. and E. nanyangense sp. nov., were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as their differences with the close relatives in the genus are provided. An identification key for Erythrobasidium species is also provided. This study provides further insights into our understanding of Erythrobasidium species.

Diversity of Wickerhamomyces (Wickerhamomycetaceae, Saccharomycetales) in China with the description of four new species.

Wickerhamomyces is a well-known genus of the family Wickerhamomycetaceae in the class Ascomycetes. These fungi can survive in a variety of substrates and environments and perform many valuable roles in both industrial processes and the natural ecosystems. During our investigation of yeast diversity associated with plant materials, 53 Wickerhamomyces isolates were obtained from rotting wood and plant leaves collected in Fujian, Guizhou, Henan, and Yunnan Provinces of China. Isolates were identified as 14 Wickerhamomyces species, including 1 species known previously to occur in China (W. anomalus), 9 new record species in China (W. arborarius, W. ciferrii, W. edaphicus, W. lynferdii, W. pijperi, W. subpelliculosa, W. xylosica, W. strasburgensis, and W. sydowiorum), and 4 novel species (W. guiyangensis sp. nov., W. paramyanmarensis sp. nov., W. quanzhouensis sp. nov., and W. phyllophilus sp. nov.). This study presents a detailed account of these new species, illustrating their morphology and analyzing their phylogenetic relationships with other Wickerhamomyces species. Our study is the first comprehensive study on Wickerhamomyces species associated with plant materials from tropical and subtropical China. The results of this study update our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships, systematics, and ecology of Wickerhamomyces.

Two new phyllospheric species of Colacogloea (Colacogloeaceae, Pucciniomycotina) identified in China.

During our ongoing survey of basidiomycetous yeasts associated with plant leaves in virgin forest, five Colacogloea strains were isolated in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phenotypes from cultures and a phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result, two new species, namely Colacogloeaceltidissp. nov. and C.pararetinophilasp. nov., are introduced herein. In the phylogeny of combined ITS and LSU dataset, the new species C.celtidissp. nov. formed a clade with the unpublished Colacogloea strain (KBP: Y-6832), and together these formed the sister group to C.armeniacae, while C.pararetinophilasp. nov. was retrieved as a sister to C.retinophila. A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as the differences between them and their closest relatives in the genus are provided. Results from the present study will add to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Colacogloea in China.

Spencermartinsiella henanensis fa., sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Two yeast strains (NYNU 211162 and NYNU 211275) were isolated from rotting wood collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that the strains represent a phylogenetically distinct species within the genus Spencermartinsiella. The name Spencermartinsiella henanensis fa., sp. nov. is proposed for this species with holotype CICC 33543T (Mycobank MB 851142). S. henanensis sp. nov. differed by only 3 nt (~0.5 %) substitutions from the closest known species S. europaea NCAIM Y.01817T in the D1/D2 domain, but by 33 nt (~6 %) substitutions, 34 nt (~3.8 %) substitutions, 30 nt (~5.6 %) substitutions and 75 nt (~9.9 %) substitutions in the ITS region and the partial TEF1, COXII and RPB2 genes. Additionally, S. henanensis sp. nov. can be physiologically distinguished from S. europaea by its ability to assimilate inulin, inability to assimilate ethylamine and cadaverine, and incapability of growth at 30 °C.

Danielozyma pruni sp. nov., an asexual yeast species isolated from insect frass.

Two strains (NYNU 218101 and NYNU 218104) of an asexual yeast species were isolated from insect frass collected in insect tunnels of red leaf plum trees in the Henan Province, central China. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region showed that these two strains belonged to the genus Danielozyma, with Danielozyma litseae as the closest known species. They differed from the type strain of D. litseae by 0.6 % substitutions (three substitutions and one gap) in the D1/D2 domain and by 5.1 % substitutions (19 substitutions and six gaps) in the ITS region, respectively. When compared with the partial ACT1, TEF1 and RPB1 gene sequences, they differed by 3 % (26 substitutions), 2.7 % (25 substitutions) and 9 %(54 substitutions) from D. litseae NRRL YB-3246T in these regions. Physiologically, they also differed from its closest known species D. litseae based on the ability to assimilate inulin and galactitol, as well as to grow in 0.1 % cycloheximide and its inability to ferment maltose and raffinose. In order to classify the two new isolates based on morphological and molecular evidence, we proposed the description of a novel species Danielozyma pruni sp. nov. with strain JCM 35735T as holotype (Mycobank MB 849101).

Hanseniaspora menglaensis f.a., sp. nov., a novel apiculate yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Two apiculate strains (NYNU 181072 and NYNU 181083) of a bipolar budding yeast species were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, southwest PR China. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and the results of phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the actin (ACT1) gene, the two strains were found to represent a single novel species of the genus Hanseniaspora, for which the name Hanseniaspora menglaensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33364T; MycoBank MB 847437) is proposed. In the phylogenetic tree, H. menglaensis sp. nov. showed a close relationship with Hanseniaspora lindneri, Hanseniaspora mollemarum, Hanseniaspora smithiae and Hanseniaspora valbyensis. H. menglaensis sp. nov. differed from H. lindneri, the most closely related known species, by 1.2 % substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, 2.5 % substitutions in the ITS region and 5.4 % substitutions in the ACT1 gene, respectively. Physiologically, H. menglaensis sp. nov. can also be distinguished from H. lindneri by its ability to assimilate d-gluconate.

Spencerozyma pingqiaoensis sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from the external surface of rice leaves in China.

Four strains (NYNU 178247, NYNU 178251, DMKU-PAL160 and DMKU-PAL137) representing a novel yeast species were isolated from the external surfaces of rice and pineapple leaves collected in China and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the novel species belonged to the genus Spencerozyma. The D1/D2 sequence of the novel species differed from its closest relative, Spencerozyma acididurans SYSU-17T, by 3.2 % sequence divergence. The species also differed from Spencerozyma crocea CBS 2029T and Spencerozyma siamensis DMKU13-2T, by 3.0-6.9 % sequence divergence in the D1/D2 sequences out of 592 bp. In the ITS regions, the novel species displayed 19.8-29.2% sequence divergence from S. acididurans SYSU-17T, S. crocea CBS 2029T and S. siamensis DMKU13-2T out of 655 bp. Furthermore, the novel species could also be differentiated from the closely related species by some physiological characteristics. The species name of Spencerozyma pingqiaoensis sp. nov. (Holotype CBS 15238, Mycobank MB 844734) is proposed to accommodate these four strains.

Multi-gene phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Bannoa with the addition of three new species from central China.

The genus Bannoa is a small group of ballistoconidium-forming yeasts in the family Erythrobasidiaceae (Cystobasidiomycetes). Prior to this study, seven species belonging to this genus have been described and published. In this study, phylogenetic analyzes of Bannoa based on the combined sequences of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene (LSU) and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α) were conducted. Three new species, namely B. ellipsoidea, B. foliicola, and B. pseudofoliicola, were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. B. ellipsoidea was found to be closely related to the type strains of B. guamensis, B. hahajimensis, and B. tropicalis, but with 0.7-0.9% divergence (4-5 substitutions) in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 3.7-4.1% divergence (19-23 substitutions and one-two gaps) in the ITS regions. B. foliicola was found to belong to the same clade as B. pseudofoliicola from which it differed by 0.4% divergence (two substitutions) in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 2.3% divergence (13 substitutions) in the ITS regions. The distinguishing morphological characteristics of the three new species, with respect to closely related taxa, are discussed. The identification of these new taxa significantly increases the number of Bannoa that have been described on the surface of plant leaves. Additionally, a key for the identification of Bannoa species is provided.

Barnettozyma menglunensis f.a., sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

A novel yeast species is described based on three strains isolated from rotting wood samples from Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, PR China. Strain NYNU 1811121 was isolated in Menglun, Mengla, while strains NYNU 18982 and NYNU 181096 were recovered in Mengyang, Jinghong. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) revealed that the novel strains were closely related to the type strain of [Candida] sanyiensis, but with 6.9 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and 8.2 % substitutions in the ITS region. The three novel strains can also be distinguished from C. sanyiensis in terms of the ability to assimilate trehalose and d-gluconate and to grow at 35 °C, as well as the inability to ferment glucose. Based on molecular analyses and phenotypic characteristics, the name Barnettozyma menglunensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed with the holotype CBS 16011T (MycoBank 845375).

Corrigendum: Phylogenetic and genomic analyses of two new species of Clavispora (Metschnikowiaceae, Saccharomycetales) from Central China.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1019599.].

Breeding of High Daptomycin-Producing Strain by Streptomycin Resistance Superposition.

Daptomycin is a cyclolipopeptide antibiotic produced by Streptomyces roseosporus. It is widely used to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections; however, daptomycin yield in wild strains is very low. To improve the daptomycin production by the strain BNCC 342432, a modified method of ribosome engineering with superposition of streptomycin resistance was adopted in this study. The highest-yield mutant strain SR-2620 was obtained by increasing streptomycin resistance of BNCC 342432, and achieved daptomycin production of 38.5 mg/l in shake-flask fermentation, 1.79-fold higher than the parent strain and its heredity stability was stable. The morphological characteristics of the two strains were significantly different, and the 440th base G of the rpsL gene in the mutant strain was deleted, which resulted in a frameshift mutation. Our results demonstrate that gradually increasing strain resistance to streptomycin was an effective breeding method to improve daptomycin yield in S. roseosporus.

Phylogenetic and genomic analyses of two new species of Clavispora (Metschnikowiaceae, Saccharomycetales) from Central China.

Species in the genus Clavispora have previously been reported primarily in the northeast and northwest regions of China; the species diversity of Clavispora in central China is not currently clear. In this study, phylogenetic inferences of Clavispora based on sequences of a single-locus (LSU D1/D2) and a two-locus (LSU D1/D2 and ITS) were conducted. Two new species isolated from rotting wood in central China, namely Clavispora xylosa sp. nov. and Clavispora paralusitaniae sp. nov., were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. Cl. xylosa was closely related to C. thailandica CBS 10610T, but with 11.5% divergence in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 11.5% divergence in the ITS regions. Cl. paralusitaniae was a sister to Cl. lusitaniae CBS 6936T from which it differs with 4.7% divergence in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 5.4% divergence in the ITS regions. Description of Cl. xylosa sp. nov. and Cl. paralusitaniae sp. nov. was also supported by morphological comparisons and genomic analyses between the two new species and their closest relatives, C. thailandica CBS 10610T and Cl. lusitaniae CBS 6936T. These results indicate a potentially great diversity of Clavispora spp. inhabiting rotting wood in central China, ripe for future discovery.

Hyphopichia xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast species isolated from plant leaves.

Two strains representing a novel yeast species were isolated from plant leaves collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the novel species belonged to the genus Hyphopichia, although the formation of ascospores was not observed. The novel species was related most closely to Hyphopichia paragotoi CBS 13913T but they differed by 0.9 % sequence divergence (five substitutions) in the D1/D2 domain and by 3.7 % sequence divergence (seven substitutions and eight gaps) in the ITS region. Furthermore, the novel species can also be differentiated from the closely related species in some biochemical and physiological characteristics. The species name of Hyphopichia xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov. (Holotype CBS 16668, Mycobank MB 842425) is proposed to accommodate strains NYNU 20899T and NYNU 20914.

Torulaspora jiuxiensis sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Two strains of a novel ascomycetous yeast species were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Jiuxi Mountain Forest Park in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Both strains formed one or two spherical ascospores in persistent asci. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the novel strains represented a phylogenetically distinct species belonging to the genus Torulaspora. This novel species differed from the type strains of the closest known species, Torulaspora nypae and Torulaspora maleeae, by 0.9 and 1.2 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and 5.3 and 6 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region, respectively. The novel species can also be distinguished from T. nypae and T. maleeae in terms of the ability to assimilate ribitol, succinate and citrate, and its ability to grow at 37 °C. The species name of Torulaspora jiuxiensis sp. nov. is proposed with holotype CBS 16004T (Mycobank MB 844535).

Four new species of Trichomonascaceae (Saccharomycetales, Saccharomycetes) from Central China.

Trichomonascaceae is the largest family of ascomycetous yeast in the order Saccharomycetales. In spite of the extensive body of research on Trichomonascaceae in China, there remain new species to be discovered. Here, we describe four new species isolated from several rotting wood samples from Henan Province, Central China. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined ITS and nrLSU dataset with morphological studies revealed four new species in the Trichomonascaceae: Diddensiellaluoyangensis, Sugiyamaellacylindrica, Su.robnettiae, and Zygoascusdetingensis. Clustering in the Diddensiella clade, D.luoyangensis' closest neighbour was D.transvaalensis. Meanwhile, Su.cylindrica clustered in the Sugiyamaella clade closest to Su.marilandica and Su.qingdaonensis. Also clustering in the Sugiyamaella clade, Su.robnettiae was most closely related to Su.chuxiongensis. Finally, Z.detingensis occupied a distinct and separated basal branch from the other species of the genus Zygoascus. These results indicate a high species diversity of Trichomonascaceae.