Taxonomic revision of Blumeria based on multi-gene DNA sequences, host preferences and morphology

Citation

Liu M, Braun U, Takamatsu S, Hambleton S, Shoukouhi P, Bisson KR, Hubbard K. (2021). Taxonomic revision of Blumeria based on multi-gene DNA sequences, host preferences and morphology. MycoScience doi: 10.47371/mycosci.2020.12.003

Plain language summary

The causal pathogens of powdery mildew diseases of cereal crops and grasses were all previously classified in one species, Blumeria graminis, the only species in the genus. In this study, a taxonomic revision was conducted incorporating molecular data multi-gene sequence analyses, host preference data and morphological criteria. The sequenced loci included ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial chitin synthase gene (CHS1), as well as fragments of two unnamed orthologous genes (Bgt-1929, Bgt-4572). The combined evidence led to a reassessment and a new neotypification of B. graminis senso stricto (emend.), and the description of seven additional species, which are B. americana sp. nov. (mainly on hosts of the Triticeae), B. avenae sp. nov. (on Avena spp.), B. bromi-cathartici sp. nov. (on Bromus catharticus), B. bulbigera comb. nov. (on Bromus spp.), B. dactylidis sp. nov. (on Dactylis glomerata as the main host, but also on various other hosts), B. graminicola sp. nov. (on Poa spp. as principal hosts, but also on various other hosts), and B. hordei sp. nov. (on Hordeum spp.). Historical synonyms previously associated with powdery mildew on monocots were assessed, some were lectotypified, and questionable names were discussed although their identities remained unresolved. Identification keys to the described species were developed.

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the hitherto monotypic genus Blumeria was conducted incorporating multi-gene sequence analyses, host preference data and morphological criteria. The sequenced loci included rDNA ITS, partial chitin synthase gene (CHS1), as well as fragments of two unnamed orthologous genes (Bgt-1929, Bgt-4572). The combined evidence led to a reassessment and a new neotypification of B. graminis s. str. (emend.), and the description of seven additional species, viz. B. americana sp. nov. (mainly on hosts of the Triticeae), B. avenae sp. nov. (on Avena spp.), B. bromi-cathartici sp. nov. (on Bromus catharticus), B. bulbigera comb. nov. (on Bromus spp.), B. dactylidis sp. nov. (on Dactylis glomerata as the main host, but also on various other hosts), B. graminicola sp. nov. (on Poa spp. as principal hosts, but also on various other hosts), and B. hordei sp. nov. (on Hordeum spp.). Synonyms were assessed, some were lectotypified, and questionable names previously associated with powdery mildew on monocots were discussed although their identities remained unresolved. Keys to the described species were developed.

Publication date

2021-03-13

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