Pleosporales

One hundred and five generic types of Pleosporales are described and illustrated. A brief introduction and detailed history with short notes on morphology, molecular phylogeny as well as a general conclusion of each genus are provided. For those genera where the type or a representative specimen is unavailable, a brief note is given. Altogether 174 genera of Pleosporales are treated. Phaeotrichaceae as well as Kriegeriella, Zeuctomorpha and Muroia are excluded from Pleosporales. Based on the multigene phylogenetic analysis, the suborder Massarineae is emended to accommodate five families, viz. Lentitheciaceae, Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae, Morosphaeriaceae and Trematosphaeriaceae

Three new species of Massarina associated with terrestrial, non-marine parts of mangroves

Three species of Massarina were collected during investigations into the saprobic fungi occurring on the terrestrial, non-marine parts of mangrove trees in Mauritius. The new species, M. beaurivagea, M. mauritiana and M. rhizophorae are described, illustrated and compared to similar species.link_to_OA_fulltex

The effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics

An understanding of the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics is of paramount importance if we are to conserve renewable resources effectively. Sustainable development may provide renewable resources, but what is the effect of sustainable practices on fungal diversity? Are the fungi of a secondary rainforest as diverse as those found in a pristine forest? Do agriculture practices conserve fungal diversity? What is the effect of water pollution on aquatic fungi? In this paper an attempt is made to examine the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics. The fundamental lack of even basic knowledge of fungi in the tropics means that it is very difficult to explore this question and only a limited number of studies are available to provide relevant data. Fungal diversity appears to be related to plant diversity and therefore, loss of the plant diversity is likely to result in loss of fungal diversity. Fungal diversity may also be related to disturbance. Fungi on palms in a tropical pristine forest are a diverse assemblage. Fungi on agricultural palms or palms in botanical gardens, on the other hand, lack diversity and comprise a probable fungal weed component. We present the need for organized studies to look at the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity.link_to_OA_fulltex

Role of fungi in marine ecosystems

Marine fungi are an ecological rather than a taxonomic group and comprise an estimated 1500 species, excluding those that form lichens. They occur in most marine habitats and generally have a pantropical or pantemperate distribution. Marine fungi are major decomposers of woody and herbaceous substrates in marine ecosystems. Their importance lies in their ability to aggressively degrade lignocellulose. They may be important in the degradation of dead animals and animal parts. Marine fungi are important pathogens of plants and animals and also form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. The effect of disturbances on marine fungi is poorly investigated. Keystone marine species may exist, especially in mutualistic symbioses. However, as many saprophytes appear to carry out the same function simultaneously, they may be functionally redundant. The need for a concerted effort to investigate the biodiversity and role of marine fungi globally and on as many substrata as possible is presented.link_to_subscribed_fulltex