The genera Rugonectria and Thelonectria (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) in China

Abstract

Recent collections and herbarium specimens of Rugonectria and Thelonectria from different regions of China were examined. Using combined analyses of morphological and molecular data, 17 species are recognised including three species of Rugonectria and 14 species in Thelonectria. Amongst them, R. microconidia and T. guangdongensis are new to science. Rugonectria microconidia on mossy bark is characterised by superficial, yellow to orange, pyriform to subglobose perithecia with a warted surface; ellipsoidal to broadly ellipsoidal, striate, uniseptate ascospores; and allantoid to rod-shaped, aseptate microconidia. Thelonectria guangdongensis possesses bright red perithecia with a slightly roughened surface and a prominently dark papilla; ellipsoidal, smooth, uniseptate ascospores; and subcylindrical, slightly curved, multiseptate macroconidia. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives are discussed. Name changes for the previously recorded species in China are noted.