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Fungi in the family Hypocreaceae colonize a wide range of habitats, including the nests of fungus-farming ants (Attini, the "attines"). Although several Hypocreaceae genera are known from attine ant nests, recent studies indicate an even greater, previously unrecognized diversity. In this study, we describe a new genus and five new species associated with Apterostigma ants. A total of 11 isolates from Brazil, Ecuador, and Panama were examined based on macro- and micromorphological characteristics, combined with a family-wide phylogenetic analysis using five molecular loci. This polyphasic approach supports the recognition of Manidigitorum gen. nov. and five new species: M. attinorum, M. cervicornutus, M. minutus, M. sessilis, and M. ramosus. Manidigitorum species are distinguished from related Hypocreaceae by their phialidic conidiogenesis arising from an irregular-shaped basal cell resembling a hand supporting fingers. These findings broaden the known diversity of Hypocreaceae and provide new insights into the symbiotic relationships between fungi of this family and attine ants.

Our planet is inhabited by an estimated 2.5 million species of fungi, of which fewer than 10% have been scientifically described. Some of the most understudied yet remarkable fungal species are those capable of parasitizing arthropods, notably insects and spiders. Here, we explore the hidden diversity of a spider-attacking (araneopathogenic) fungus and its associated microbiome in one of the world's most biodiverse yet threatened biomes, the Atlantic Forest. We apply a field-based "taxogenomic" approach, comprising the integration of classical fungal taxonomy and genomic characterization of a sample's endogenous, associated, and incidental DNA. The data we produced in the field reveal a new species of Purpureocillium fungus belonging to the P. atypicola group, parasitizing trapdoor spiders, and provide a snapshot of its associated bacterial and fungal microbiota. Molecular, morphological, and ecological data support P. atypicola as a complex of cryptic species infecting a variety of ecologically distinct spider species globally. We call for consolidated efforts to accelerate and facilitate the publication of both new species and the characterization of the genomic composition of their associated taxa.

Steccherinum and its allied genera represent a morphologically complex group of fungi within the Steccherinaceae. In this study, we investigated, through morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses, the diversity of odontioid/hydnoid Steccherinum s.l. collected in Brazil. Culture studies were conducted to compare mycelial morphology and growth rates among species, and mating tests were performed to assess sexual compatibility among related taxa. In addition, divergence-time estimates for the Steccherinaceae were generated using a concatenated five-gene dataset to contextualize the evolutionary history of the group. Molecular data revealed eight well-defined neotropical lineages in Steccherinum, including S. larssonii, S. perparvulum, S. subochraceum, and five new species: S. bononiae, S. elegantissimum, S. molle, S. resinaceum, and S. undulatum. The five newly described taxa are morphologically very similar and differ only in subtle diagnostic traits. Two additional new species were identified in Cabalodontia: C. albofulva and C. brunnea. Furthermore, the new combinations C. lincangense and C. tenuissima are proposed based on the phylogenetic data. Phylogenetic analyses also demonstrated that S. perparvulum comprises a species complex with three distinct lineages. Mating tests between two of these lineages showed a lack of sexual compatibility, indicating that they represent separate biological species that cannot be distinguished morphologically. Mycelial culture studies also revealed generally similar morphology with variable growth rates among taxa. Divergence-time estimates indicate a crown age of approximately 86.4 Ma for the Steccherinaceae and a predominantly Cenozoic diversification, with Steccherinum originating in the Eocene. Our findings highlight significant cryptic diversity within Steccherinum in the Neotropics and provide new insights into the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus.

The genus Xylaria is a promising source of bioactive compounds. This study examined the diversity of secondary metabolites (SMs) in Xylarialongipes under three fermentation conditions, resulting in the isolation of 14 new SMs and 27 known ones. The structures, including absolute configurations, were determined using NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS analysis, and computational methods (ECD, ¹³C NMR data, and optical rotation). A comprehensive library of SMs was established, enabling metabolomics-wide association studies that identified culture conditions as a key factor influencing SM production. This compound library also facilitates the determination of absolute configurations for diplosporins by analyzing J values and CD trends. Anti-proliferative tests against induced T/B lymphocytes and HaCaT cells revealed that over half of the compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activity, with compounds 2, 15, and 32 reducing IFN-γ secretion. Compound 32 demonstrated promising anti-psoriatic effects by inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. This initial systematic chemical study of X.longipes under different conditions provides insights into structure-activity relationships.

Historically, Sirococcus (established in 1855) and Gnomoniopsis (proposed in 1893) have been treated as distinct genera within Gnomoniaceae, primarily distinguished by the prevalence of their asexual and sexual morphs, respectively. However, recent molecular data have challenged this distinction. In this study, we re-evaluated the relationship between these two genera using a combined multi-locus phylogeny (ITS, tef1, and tub2) and morphological assessment. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that species of Sirococcus and Gnomoniopsis cluster within a single, robustly supported monophyletic lineage, sharing indistinguishable asexual characteristics. Consequently, we propose to synonymize Gnomoniopsis under Sirococcus following the principle of priority. Thirty-eight new combinations and a new species are proposed. Furthermore, we investigated the life cycle of Sirococcus daii comb. nov., a severe pathogen causing nut rot of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), for which the teleomorph was previously unknown. Through extensive sampling, we discovered the teleomorph on overwintered leaf litter, confirming the saprobic phase of its life cycle. Additionally, the fungus was isolated from healthy female flowers, young nuts, and husks, suggesting a latent or endophytic infection strategy. Based on these findings, we reconstructed the complete life cycle of S. daii. This study not only resolves the taxonomic controversy surrounding Sirococcus and Gnomoniopsis but also provides crucial epidemiological insights into S. daii, facilitating the development of effective management strategies for chestnut nut rot.

Numerous severe cases of neurotoxic mushroom poisoning worldwide are caused by ibotenic acid and muscimol produced by specific species belonging to section Amanita of the genus Amanita. Recent studies have demonstrated that both toxins are produced through the ibotenic acid biosynthetic gene cluster (iboBGC) in these species. In addition to these two toxins, section Amanita is also thought to include several species producing another neurotoxic compound, muscarine. However, the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of these toxins within the section remain poorly understood. In this study, phylogenetic analyses based on nucleotide sequences of two loci (ITS and LSU) and five loci (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1, and TUB2), together with a phylogenomic analysis using 467 single-copy genes, were conducted to reconstruct the phylogenetic framework of section Amanita. BEAST analysis was used to estimate divergence times within the section. Gene identification of the iboBGC was conducted using 25 Amanita genomes, followed by phylogenetic analyses of each ibo gene. Biochemical analysis of muscarine was performed on 31 representative species. Based on these analyses, ibo genes were detected in 21 species forming a major monophyletic clade within the section Amanita, whereas muscarine was detected in eight species that constituted a small subclade nested within this clade. Finally, our phylogenetic, phylogenomic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular dating results indicate a monophyletic distribution of the iboBGC and muscarine within the section Amanita, with independent origins approximately 28 million years ago (Mya) and 15 Mya, respectively, and no evidence of subsequent losses.

Sclerotinia is a fungal genus of significant agricultural and scientific importance, as it includes multiple plant pathogens and provides an informative case study for mechanisms of host generalism. However, the taxonomy of this group remains unsettled, which hinders research on these pathogens. The last monographic treatment of Sclerotinia was published more than 40 years ago and was centered on the morphological data available at that time. Here, we examine that revision alongside other pivotal publications to trace the taxonomic history of Sclerotinia and to evaluate the morphological traits used to identify Sclerotinia species. We also briefly assess the composition of genera in the family Sclerotiniaceae, emphasising the need for a modern taxonomic investigation of the broader group. Thirteen new Sclerotinia species have been described since the last taxonomic revision, including Sclerotinia antarctica, S. asari, S. atrostipitata, S. cirsii-spinosissimi, S. ginseng, S. glacialis, S. himalayensis, S. nivalis, S. pseudoplatani, S. subarctica, S. tetraspora, S. trillii, and S. verrucispora. These species are evaluated here. Finally, several recommendations are made regarding how future taxonomic research on Sclerotinia should incorporate molecular data. We highlight potential obstacles and opportunities for this research, including the limitations of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS) as a DNA barcode and the untapped potential of genomic data for the genus. By outlining the gaps that need to be addressed, this review charts a course toward a clearer understanding of taxonomic relationships among Sclerotinia species. This understanding will facilitate research into other aspects, such as pathogenicity and host generalism, and may ultimately contribute to improved management of the devastating diseases caused by these pathogens.

This study presents the first annotated genome of the Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus australis UA-032-E, revealing significant biosynthetic potential with 44 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) identified through antiSMASH analysis. These BGCs include nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), type I polyketide synthases (PKS), and hybrid systems, indicating a diverse capacity for secondary metabolite production. BiG-SCAPE analysis grouped these clusters into 41 gene cluster families, with most being singletons, demonstrating low genetic redundancy and high structural diversity. To activate silent pathways, we employed elicitors (NPS and LPS) across multiple culture media, successfully inducing previously undetected metabolic activity. Using an integrated LC-QTOF-MS/MS approach combined with the GNPS and SIRIUS platforms, a total of 75 features were detected, including cyclodipeptides [cyclo-(Pro-Val), cyclo-(Leu-Leu)], maculosin, and betaine lipids such as DGTS 18:2-compounds linked to stress adaptation and biological activities in the literature. The YES medium supplemented with LPS elicitation yielded the highest metabolic diversity, suggesting this combination effectively stimulates specialized metabolism. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining genomic and metabolomic approaches to unlock the chemical potential of psychrophilic fungi. The genomic resource presented here provides a foundation for future functional studies and targeted bioprospecting of this Antarctic fungus for novel metabolites with potential biotechnological applications.

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) form obligate nutritional symbioses with ambrosia fungi cultivated within their galleries. Among them, the pinhole borers (Platypodinae) are predominantly tropical, with only two representatives native to Europe. One of them, the rare and understudied Treptoplatypus oxyurus, primarily colonises Abies alba. We investigated its fungal symbionts using a cultivation-dependent approach. We identified three numerically dominant associates in the prothorax containing mycangia: Candida schatavii, Magnusiomyces fungicola, and a novel member of Ophiostomatales. The latter, Wilhelmdebeerea oxyuri gen. et sp. nov., was the most abundant and exhibited both leptographium-like and hyalorhinocladiella-like morphs. Additionally, two new yeast species of low abundance and uncertain ecological roles were isolated and described: Blastobotrys sasensis sp. nov. and Sugiyamaella casensis sp. nov., both belonging to the family Trichomonascaceae (Dipodascales). Multigene and phylogenomics analyses confirmed the distinct taxonomic placement of all three new species. The ecological roles of the identified fungi and the strength of their association with T. oxyurus require confirmation through further studies at additional locations. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented fungal diversity tightly linked to a unique pinhole borer, T. oxyurus, thereby enriching our understanding of the fungi associated with conifer-colonising beetles and their ecological and biotechnological importance.

The new genus Garciamycella is here erected to accommodate the soil-borne fungus G. chlamydospora, as well as G. cyclaminis and G. fici, based on a phylogenetic study using sequences of ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tub2. The establishment of Garciamycella has important taxonomic implications, as it helps to resolve a phylogenetically distinct lineage in the order Sordariales, a group in which the placement of numerous taxa remains uncertain. The new species G. chlamydospora was investigated for its secondary metabolite production, affording one previously undescribed papulacandin derivative (1), together with two known compounds from the same family, Mer-WF3010 (2) and papulacandin D (3). In addition, two previously undescribed metabolites, penazaphilone M (4) and cremenoic acid (5), were isolated alongside the known derivatives cremenolide (6) and aspinolide B (7). All compounds were isolated using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their chemical structures were elucidated through comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, in addition to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were assessed for all metabolites, and compounds (1-3) revealed potent antifungal activity. This research highlights how exploring novel fungal taxa can lead to the discovery of structurally unique metabolites with significant antifungal properties. It further confirms the potential of the order Sordariales as prolific producers of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the development of new antifungal agents.

Spider-pathogenic fungi serve as critical regulators of spider populations in natural systems, playing irreplaceable roles in maintaining ecological balance and also serving as reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Despite recent taxonomic refinements at the generic level, their broader phylogenetic diversity remains significantly underrepresented compared to entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, we collected several novel spider-pathogenic fungi from various provinces in China and conducted comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. Based on integrated morphological characterization and multigene phylogenetic analyses of five loci (ITS, nrLSU, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2), eight novel species are described and illustrated: Arachnidicola (1), Gamszarella (1), Gibellula (2), Hevansia (1), and Liangia (1) within Cordycipitaceae; Husseyia (1) within Clavicipitaceae; and Purpureocillium (1) within Ophiocordycipitaceae. Additionally, six new combinations are proposed, one Chinese new record is reported, the type specimen of one known species is revised, and five potential cryptic species are identified. Our phylogenetic analyses provide robust evidence for the taxonomic placement of Chlorocillium and Husseyia within Clavicipitaceae. Molecular clock analysis, utilizing a dataset of five loci from 648 fungal strains, estimated the stem and crown ages of Hypocreales and indicated that spider-pathogenic fungi likely emerged during the mid-Cretaceous and subsequently diversified. Multiple lineages displayed marked trends toward host specialization, suggesting that these fungi developed highly efficient parasitic strategies to exploit constrained ecological niches. This research substantially expands the documented diversity of araneopathogenic fungi, providing a robust phylogenetic framework for elucidating their evolutionary origins and diversification patterns, while offering valuable biological resources for future biotechnological and ecological applications.

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae are widespread fungal pathogens responsible for economically important diseases in woody plants. Despite the relevance of conidia production for understanding pathogen biology, infection processes, and disease epidemiology, sporulation in vitro remains unpredictable and inconsistent across species. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Vogel's Minimal Medium (VMM) for inducing pycnidial and conidial development, which has recently been shown to be effective for this purpose in Diplodia sapinea, in species of Diplodia (n = 3), Lasiodiplodia (n = 2), and Neofusicoccum (n = 26). For this purpose, we used 123 isolates recently collected in the Canary Islands (Spain), as well as 67 Neofusicoccum isolates from long-term storage. All isolates were identified through multilocus phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that D. africana, D. mutila, and D. seriata were able to produce pycnidia, although only D. seriata consistently released conidia. Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and L. theobromae successfully formed pycnidia and released conidia, while 20 of the 26 tested Neofusicoccum species formed pycnidia, of which 15 released conidia. Significant variation was observed in the time required for pycnidial development and conidial release, as well as in the quantity of conidia produced, both among and within species. Reduced sucrose concentration in VMM delayed pycnidia formation and conidial release and reduced sporulation yields in Neofusicoccum species but increased sporulation in D. africana, D. seriata, L. brasiliensis, and L. theobromae. Long-term storage on Malt Yeast Agar medium at 4 °C negatively affected sporulation in some species, including N. luteum and N. stellenboschiana. Overall, VMM provides a standardised and reproducible medium for inducing sporulation in the Botryosphaeriaceae, although notable variation persists within and between species. These findings provide a methodological foundation for future studies on the biology, pathogenicity, molecular biology, and host-pathogen interactions of these fungi.

Mortierellaceae are cosmopolitan, soil-inhabiting fungi that can be found in nearly all terrestrial habitat types and are therefore considered an essential part of the core soil microbiome. Many species of this family are known to endure harsh environments, including highly exposed and nutrient-depleted terrains such as glacier forefields. In these environments, microbial communities are taxonomically and functionally diverse, greatly contributing to nutrient cycling, soil organic matter formation, and plant establishment. However, there is growing understanding that Mortierellaceae diversity in these habitats remains largely undescribed. In this study, we isolated multiple fungal strains belonging to a previously unknown Mortierellaceae taxon from early stages of soil development in calcareous glacier forefields of the Alps and comprehensively characterized them using different tools: physiological tests, detection of associated bacteria, and microscopic observations (e.g., light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) to visualize their morphology and surface structure. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenomics were used to determine their placement within Mortierellaceae. Our results show that the isolated strains represent a new species within a previously undescribed fungal genus. Due to the strains' origin in hidden, calcareous sediments of the earliest soil developmental stages at glacier forefields, we propose the name Cryptocalciella humilis Mandolini, Szedlacsek & Peintner for this fungus.

Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional precious medicinal and edible entomogenous fungus. Its asexual fruiting bodies are highly valued in natural health food. Currently, the intrinsic mechanisms regulating fruiting body development in C. cicadae remain largely elusive. The Fus3/MAK2 homolog within the MAPK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in sexual reproduction and pathogenesis in filamentous fungi, yet its function in the fruiting body development of C. cicadae has not been reported. Therefore, this study focused on CcMAK2 from C. cicadae, constructing gene overexpression and knockout strains to analyze its impact on fungal growth and development. The results demonstrated that the knockout strain (ΔCcMAK2) failed to penetrate the insect cuticle from inside, and completely lost the ability to form fruiting bodies. In contrast, the wild-type (WT) and overexpression strain (CcMAK2OE) developed normally, indicating that CcMAK2 is essential for fruiting body formation in C. cicadae. Functional analysis revealed that the ΔCcMAK2 mutant exhibited significantly reduced levels of H2O2 and O2 .-during the fruiting stage, accompanied by increased activities of CAT and GR enzymes, as well as elevated chitinase activity. These findings suggest that the deletion of CcMAK2 is associated with alterations in ROS homeostasis and cell wall-related enzyme. Gene expression analysis further showed that the deletion of CcMAK2 led to altered transcript levels of the downstream transcription factor Ste12 and the cell wall integrity pathway-related gene CcSO. These results suggest that CcMAK2 may be involved in regulating these genes, potentially contributing to its role in fruiting body development. This study provides foundational insights into the role of CcMAK2 in fruiting body development in C. cicadae and lays groundwork for further mechanistic studies in Cordyceps and other fungi. Graphical abstract.

The BioFire FilmArray® system is an automated multiplex PCR tool for detecting pathogens in clinical samples. False positives occasionally occur due to cross-reactivity, contamination, or assay specificity issues. This study investigated false-positive fungal results in FilmArray® blood culture identification panel 2 (BCID2) detection system. We collected the continuous cases in which bloodstream infection (BSI) was suspected in our institute for 12 months, from April in 2024 to March in 2025. We routinely used Bactec FX culture system (Beckton Dickinson) with BD BACTEC culture bottles. Alongside, we identified fungus using standard culture method and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (biomerieux, VITEK MS PRIME). We evaluated continuous 454 blood culture positive sample. Average blood culture sampling were totally 5357 samples per year (44.3/1000 patients days) of blood cultures during our study period. We collected 28 cases of fungemia among totally recruited 454 samples (6.2 %, 28/454). Accordance of blood culture and FilmArray® were 50.0 % (14 samples). We observed eight false positive samples (1.8 %. 8/454) as fungemia out of total 454 samples, in where one false organism was Candida albicans and seven were Candida tropicalis. In the cases of four false Candida tropicalis samples, the FilmArray® reported the two fungal combination, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. Our investigation revealed a substantial incident of false positive of Candida. The study highlights recurrent false positives of Candida tropicalis, often detected alongside Candida parapsilosis. The main cause of the detection of false positive organism in BCID2 including Candida spp. has been reported as contamination or technical errors. We speculated that our observation could be derived from the non-viable DNA fragments (Candida albicans) contained in the blood culture media and cross-reaction of Candida parapsilosis with Candida tropicalis. We should remember these FilmArray® assay limitations linked to non-viable DNA contamination and high reactivity of sensitive PCR analysis. False positive results for Candida spp. in BCID2 assays require careful interpretation with microbiological expertise. Clinical decisions should be guided by the patient's overall context. Further research is necessary to assess the accuracy of fungal BSI. (341/500 words).

Complex life-cycles are common among fungi. Dimorphism in basidiomycetes involves alternation between a unicellular yeast phase and a filamentous phase, frequently forming basidiomata. Here we have studied the dimorphic life cycle of the lichen-inhabiting basidiomycetes in the Tremella caloplacae species complex, with particular focus on the newly distinguished Tremella parietinae. Using FISH-CLSM, PCR and Sanger sequencing, we have investigated the presence and distribution of the different life-cycle phases of T. parietinae within the lichen Xanthoria parietina, and also conducted an exploratory investigation into the presence of a Tremella yeast phase in other lichens of the Teloschistaceae. We could show that the filamentous phase of T. parietinae is restricted to the hymenium of X. parietina, whereas the yeast phase also grows elsewhere in the thallus. Tremella caloplacae s. str. is detected by PCR in Calogaya, Flavoplaca and Gyalolechia lichens, whereas its basidiomata are restricted to Variospora lichens. These findings suggests different lichen-specificity of T. caloplacae in the different phases of its life-cycle.

Peronospora is the largest genus of the Oomycota, responsible for causing downy mildew on a wide range of cultivated and ornamental plants worldwide. Although more than 400 Peronospora species have been described, many host-pathogen relationships have not been thoroughly explored, particularly in relation to the phylogenetic connections of pathogens from type hosts and additional hosts reported for the various described species. At the same time, infections of Peronospora on economically important hosts are an emerging threat, often with uncertainty regarding the causal agents. In this study, as an example for obligate biotrophic pathogens, 105 specimens of Peronospora parasitising species of the genus Veronica and one specimen parasitising the related host genus Paederota (both Plantaginaceae), were analysed for their morphology and phylogenetic relationships using multi-locus reconstructions. As a result, nine new Peronospora species parasitising Veronica were identified and are described in this manuscript, while the morphology of seven previously described Peronospora species was re-examined. While generally, a high degree of host specialisation was found, Peronospora verna and P. grisea were found to be indifferentiable, suggesting a recent host shift, and P. silvestris was found to also infect Globularia nudicaulis. Likewise it was found that infections on the ornamental subgenus Hebe caused by P. palustris and P. petricosa are the result of host shifts of European species onto non-native hosts. The presence of Peronospora on nearly 500 Veronica species that are not type hosts for any described Peronospora species should be re-examined, as these occurrences likely include many previously overlooked species with unknown pathogenicity.

A completely asexual morph of Splanchospora is revealed for the first time. This genus is characterised by clavate-ellipsoid, thick-walled ascospores strongly constricted at the submedian septum, the presence of paraphyses in the conidiomata, and globose to ellipsoid, 1-celled conidia. Through phylogenetic analyses based on the small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene, the genus is clarified to belong to the family Neohendersoniaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). The type species, Splanchospora ampullacea, is neotypified and found to be a species complex. Because of this, we describe four new Splanchospora species, S. fulviconidia sp. nov., S. microspora sp. nov., S. oblongiconidia sp. nov., and S. pseudomicrospora sp. nov. from the twigs of lindens in Japan. All Splanchospora species examined show slight differences in conidial morphology, such as size, shape, and pigmentation. Species-level analyses suggest that this genus, previously considered to be monotypic, in fact harbours a remarkable diversity of species existing on lindens worldwide.

Lophodermium, the largest genus within the family Rhytismataceae, comprises diverse plant-associated endophytes and pathogens, including species responsible for serious diseases that cause substantial economic losses. Pine trees (Pinus spp.), among the most species-rich and widely distributed conifers worldwide, serve as hosts for many Lophodermium species. In the present study, ten new species of Lophodermium are identified and described from pine needles in China, based on an integrated approach combining morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. The discovery of these new species significantly expands the known diversity of Lophodermium spp. and offers important insights into host specificity and geographic distribution. Furthermore, this work provides an essential scientific foundation for monitoring and managing Lophodermium-associated diseases in pine forests.