Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom

Abstract Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore their unique characteristics. In the broader spectrum of chytrids, their significance lies not only in their roles as deco...

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Main Authors: Vedprakash G. Hurdeal, Joyce E. Longcore, E. B. Gareth Jones, Kevin D. Hyde, Eleni Gentekaki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-06-01
Series:IMA Fungus
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43008-024-00144-x
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author Vedprakash G. Hurdeal
Joyce E. Longcore
E. B. Gareth Jones
Kevin D. Hyde
Eleni Gentekaki
author_facet Vedprakash G. Hurdeal
Joyce E. Longcore
E. B. Gareth Jones
Kevin D. Hyde
Eleni Gentekaki
author_sort Vedprakash G. Hurdeal
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore their unique characteristics. In the broader spectrum of chytrids, their significance lies not only in their roles as decomposers but also as key players in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems as parasites and saprobes. Baited soil and aquatic samples collected from various provinces of Thailand, yielded new species of the Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota), some of which expanded previously single species genera. Our investigation incorporated a combination of morphological and phylogenetic approaches, enabling us to identify these isolates as distinct taxa. The novel isolates possess distinguishing features, such as variations in size and shape of the sporangium and zoospores, that somewhat differentiate them from described taxa. To confirm the novelty of the species, we employed robust phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and bayesian methods. The results provided strong support for the presence of eight distinct lineages within the Rhizophydiales, representing our newly discovered species. Furthermore, we employed Poisson Tree Processes to infer putative species boundaries and supplement evidence for the establishment of our new Rhizophydiales species. By meticulously exploring their morphological characteristics and genetic makeup, we expand the known catalogue of fungal diversity by describing Alphamyces thailandicus, Angulomyces ubonensis, Gorgonomyces aquaticus, G. chiangraiensis, G. limnicus, Pateramyces pingflumenensis, Terramyces aquatica, and T. flumenensis and also provide valuable insights into the intricacies of this order. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of Rhizophydiales but also contributes significantly to the broader field of mycology, addressing a critical gap in the documentation of fungal species. The identification and characterization of these eight novel species mark a noteworthy stride towards a more comprehensive comprehension of fungal ecosystems and their vital role.
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spelling doaj-art-6cbbca5924054566b5e927f0a7606eea2025-02-02T23:37:18ZengBMCIMA Fungus2210-63592024-06-0115112110.1186/s43008-024-00144-xDiversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the KingdomVedprakash G. Hurdeal0Joyce E. Longcore1E. B. Gareth Jones2Kevin D. Hyde3Eleni Gentekaki4School of Science, Mae Fah Luang UniversitySchool of Biology and Ecology, University of MaineDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud UniversitySchool of Science, Mae Fah Luang UniversityCenter of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang UniversityAbstract Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore their unique characteristics. In the broader spectrum of chytrids, their significance lies not only in their roles as decomposers but also as key players in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems as parasites and saprobes. Baited soil and aquatic samples collected from various provinces of Thailand, yielded new species of the Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota), some of which expanded previously single species genera. Our investigation incorporated a combination of morphological and phylogenetic approaches, enabling us to identify these isolates as distinct taxa. The novel isolates possess distinguishing features, such as variations in size and shape of the sporangium and zoospores, that somewhat differentiate them from described taxa. To confirm the novelty of the species, we employed robust phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and bayesian methods. The results provided strong support for the presence of eight distinct lineages within the Rhizophydiales, representing our newly discovered species. Furthermore, we employed Poisson Tree Processes to infer putative species boundaries and supplement evidence for the establishment of our new Rhizophydiales species. By meticulously exploring their morphological characteristics and genetic makeup, we expand the known catalogue of fungal diversity by describing Alphamyces thailandicus, Angulomyces ubonensis, Gorgonomyces aquaticus, G. chiangraiensis, G. limnicus, Pateramyces pingflumenensis, Terramyces aquatica, and T. flumenensis and also provide valuable insights into the intricacies of this order. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of Rhizophydiales but also contributes significantly to the broader field of mycology, addressing a critical gap in the documentation of fungal species. The identification and characterization of these eight novel species mark a noteworthy stride towards a more comprehensive comprehension of fungal ecosystems and their vital role.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43008-024-00144-x8 new speciesFungal diversityNovel speciesPhylogenyRhizophydialesSpecies delimitation
spellingShingle Vedprakash G. Hurdeal
Joyce E. Longcore
E. B. Gareth Jones
Kevin D. Hyde
Eleni Gentekaki
Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
IMA Fungus
8 new species
Fungal diversity
Novel species
Phylogeny
Rhizophydiales
Species delimitation
title Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
title_full Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
title_fullStr Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
title_full_unstemmed Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
title_short Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom
title_sort diversity of rhizophydiales chytridiomycota in thailand unveiling the hidden gems of the kingdom
topic 8 new species
Fungal diversity
Novel species
Phylogeny
Rhizophydiales
Species delimitation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s43008-024-00144-x
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