Wongia gen. nov. (Papulosaceae, Sordariomycetes), a new generic name for two root-infecting fungi from Australia

Abstract

The classification of two root-infecting fungi, Magnaporthe garrettii and M. griffinii, was examined by phylogenetic analysis of multiple gene sequences. This analysis demonstrated that M. garrettii and M. griffinii were sister species that formed a well-supported separate clade in Papulosaceae (Diaporthomycetidae, Sordariomycetes), which clusters outside of the Magnaporthales. Wongia gen. nov, is established to accommodate these two species which are not closely related to other species classified in Magnaporthe nor to other genera, including Nakataea, Magnaporthiopsis and Pyricularia, which all now contain other species once classified in Magnaporthe.