Fungal root endophytes from natural vegetation in Mediterranean environments with special reference to Fusarium spp.

Surveys (in 2002 and 2003) were performed for fungal endophytes in roots of 24 plant species growing at 12 sites (coastal and inland soils, both sandy soils and salt marshes) under either water or salt stress in the Alicante province (Southeast Spain). All plant species examined were colonized by endophytic fungi. A total of 1830 fungal isolates were obtained and identified by morphological and molecular [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor-1alpha gene region (TEF-1alpha) sequencing] techniques. One hundred and forty-two fungal species were identified, belonging to 57 genera. Sterile mycelia were assigned to 177 morphospecies. Fusarium and Phoma species were the most frequent genera, followed by Aspergillus, Alternaria and Acremonium. Fungal root endophytic communities were influenced by the soil type where their respective host plants grew, but not by location (coastal or inland sites). Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria chlamydospora contributed most to the differences found between endophytic communities from sandy and saline soils. Host preference was found for three Fusarium species studied. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani were especially isolated from plants of the family Leguminosae, while Fusarium equiseti showed a preference for Lygeum spartum (Gramineae). In some cases, specificity could be related to intra-specific variability as shown by sequencing of the TEF-1alpha in the genus Fusarium.

A synopsis of the aero-aquatic genus Pseudaegerita and description of two new species.

Two new species of the aero-aquatic anamorph genus Pseudaegerita, P. conifera sp. nov. and P. websteri sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Both species were found on submerged plant material in Spain. The new species are compared morphologically with the seven species now accepted in the genus.

Janetia obovata and Stachybotryna excentrica, two new hyphomycetes from submerged plant material in Spain.

Janetia obovata and Stachybotryna excentrica, two new hyphomycetes from submerged litter collected in different Mediterranean localities in Spain, are described and illustrated. Janetia obovata possesses denticulate and dark pigmented conidiogenous cells characteristic of the genus, but is mainly distinctive in producing obovoid and unevenly pigmented conidia. Stachybotryna excentrica is hyaline and produces setae as do all members of the genus, but is distinctive by its small conidia that are cylindrical or ellipsoidal in front view and slightly allantoid in side view with a protuberant eccentric scar, and its long subcylindrical setae. A key to Stachybotryna species is provided.