Discovery of the first resinicolous fungus in Mycosphaerellales (Dothideomycetes): Resinomelania communis from conifer resins in Poland

Resinicolous fungi have evolved across different fungal lineages, but they are best known within the classes Eurotiomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Orbiliomycetes, and Xylonomycetes. Within the class Dothideomycetes, a resinicolous lifestyle is uncommon and is predominantly known in members of the order Mytilinidiales. In this study, 13 strains of a dark, slow-growing fungus belonging to Dothideomycetes were isolated from resins of four conifer species — Abies alba, Larix decidua ssp. polonica, Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris (all from the family Pinaceae) — in Poland.

Based on multi-locus (LSU, ITS, rpb 2, tef 1, tub 2) phylogenetic analyses and morphological features, the isolated strains were identified as representing an undescribed species in a new genus within the order Mycosphaerellales, family Teratosphaeriaceae. Consequently, a new genus and species, Resinomelania communis, is described and illustrated. It is phylogenetically related to the genera Neocatenulostroma and Sthughesia.

The common occurrence of R. communis on resins of four different conifer species indicates its resinicolous lifestyle. Resinomelania communis is the first resinicolous fungus reported in Mycosphaerellales.