Exploring Diversity within Chytridiales and Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Korea
Thuong T. T. Nguyen,
Sun Jeong Jeon,
Do Young Song,
Dong Hee Kim,
Hyang Burm Lee
Affiliations
Thuong T. T. Nguyen
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
Sun Jeong Jeon
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
Do Young Song
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
Dong Hee Kim
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
Hyang Burm Lee
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
Chytridiomycota is the most species-rich phylum of basal lineage fungi with a worldwide distribution. Its species constitute essential components of freshwater ecosystems. However, the diversity of this group in Korea remains understudied. A survey of Chytridiales and Rhizophydiales fungi was conducted in soil and freshwater environments in Korea, and seven strains were isolated. Based on morphological and molecular data, a previously unidentified, novel Rhizophydium species was discovered, designated Rhizophydium multiplex sp. nov. In addition, Chytriomyces hyalinus and Globomyces pollinis-pini were isolated for the first time in Korea. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the three species are provided. This study highlights the potential diversity of chytrid fungi in Korea.
