Two new species of Periconia and a new record of Paramonodictys from Miscanthus sinensis in Guizhou Province, China

Miscanthus is a widely distributed perennial grass in the family Poaceae that hosts a diverse fungal community. During a mycological survey conducted in the Maolan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China, three fungal isolates were obtained from dead leaves of Miscanthus sinensis. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), small subunit (SSU), and tef 1 - α sequence data indicated that the new isolates represent two new species, Periconia guizhouensis and Pe. miscanthusensis, and one new host record of Paramonodictys globosa.

Periconia guizhouensis is distinct from its phylogenetically closest species in having globose to fusiform, guttulate, aseptate conidia with an inconspicuously verrucose surface. Periconia miscanthusensis is distinct from its phylogenetically closest species in having apically branched conidiophores produced in acropetal chains and globose, verrucose, aseptate conidia. Comprehensive descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided.

Furthermore, these findings enhance understanding of fungi associated with Miscanthus and expand current knowledge of fungal diversity in China.