Döbbeler P., Büschlen A., Eckstein J.
Vol. 13 (2) – 20 March 2021
doi: 10.25664/art-0322
Open Access
Abstract: Octospora bicarpa Döbbeler, Büschlen & Eckstein (Pezizales) is described as a new species of operculate discomycete. It infects the corticolous moss Lewinskya speciosa (Nees) F. Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet (Orthotrichales). The documentation is based on several recent collections from Switzerland. The biotrophic parasite is characterized by small, orange apothecia formed between green leaves in the apical shoot regions. Inconspicuous, almost colourless conidial layers arise near the ascomata in the leaf axils and on the stems. Both morphs originate from the same mycelium, that has infection structures typical for Octospora s. lato, consisting of superficial appressoria and intracellular haustoria. The anamorph also develops independently from the teleomorph. Monoblastic, globose ameroconidia are produced by sterigma-like conidiogenous cells. Octospora bicarpa is the first species of more than 100 recognized octosporaceous fungi that has both ascomata and sporodochia-like conidiomata which produce one-celled conidia.
The bryophilous genus Octospora Hedw. was first described 230 years ago (Hedwig, 1789). Together with the primarily muscicolous genera Lamprospora de Not. and Neottiella (Cooke) Sacc., and the hepaticolous genera Octosporella Döbbeler, Filicupula Y.J. Yao & Spooner, and Octosporopsis U. Lindem. & M. Vega, octosporaceous fungi currently include […]