Taxonomy and molecular evaluation of the Halosphaeriaceae (Microascales, Hypocreomycetidae)

Abstract

This study re-evaluates the classification of the Halosphaeriaceae (Microascales, Hypocreomycetidae) based on phylogenetic analyses of 18 S and 28 S regions of rDNA and protein coding genes (rDNA, RPB 1, RPB 2, TEF 1 - ɑ, MCM 7) along with comprehensive morphological comparisons. Halosphaeriaceae are worldwide in distribution and commonly found in marine habitats. A natural classification was not possible when the family was introduced, since it predated molecular phylogenetic studies; therefore, morphology-based descriptions only were provided.

This study recognises 77 genera with 202 species which includes seven new genera (Neoaniptodera, Neogesasha, Neohalosarpheia, Pangia, Remisporiopsis, Sheareromyces, Shiiraspora), and one new species Ocostaspora japonica. The new taxonomic combinations include Halosarpheia australiensis, Halosphaeriopsis alopallonella, Neoaniptodera juncicola, Neogesasha mangrovei, Neohalosarpheia marina, Pangia limnetica, Remisporiopsis macrocephala, R. quadri-remis, R. spitsbergenensis, R. stellatus, R. submersa, Sheareromyces aquibella, Shiiraspora salsuginosa and Thalassogena unicellularis.

Divergent time estimation of Halosphaeriaceae, based on combined 18 S, 28 S rDNA, RPB 1, RPB 2, TEF 1 - ɑ, MCM 7 sequences, indicates that the family originated in the Paleozoic at ~ 545 MYA. Ecologically, Halosphaeriaceae species occur widely on different substrates and play an important role in the recycling of complex organic material. They are often early colonizers of wood in the marine environment and are the source of a wide range of enzymes and antimicrobials.