Taxonomy and pathogenicity of Ceratocystis species on Eucalyptus trees in South China, including C. chinaeucensis sp. nov.

Commercial plantations of Eucalyptus species have been established in South China,especially during the past 20 years,to meet the needs of a rapidly growing national economy.As part of a survey of fungal diseases affecting Eucalyptus species in South China,Ceratocystis species were collected from Eucalyptus plantations in the GuangDong Province.The aims of this study were to identify these Ceratocystis isolates and to test their pathogenicity to Eucalyptus.The most aggressive isolates were also used to screen different species and clones of Eucalyptus for susceptibility to infection under field conditions.The fungi were identified based on morphology and through comparisons of DNA sequence data of the ITS,partialβ-tubulin and TEF-1αgene regions.Morphological and DNA sequence comparisons showed that isolates collected from Chinese Eucalyptus plantations represent two species,C.acaciivora in the C.fimbriata s.l.species complex and a previously undescribed species belonging to the C.moniliformis s.l.species complex,for which the name C.chinaeucensis sp.nov.is provided.In pathogenicity trials,both C.acaciivora and C.chinaeucensis gave rise to lesions on wounded Eucalyptus trees,and the former fungus was most pathogenic.Differences were also observed in the responses of different Eucalyptus clones to inoculation and this could be useful in reducing disease,if C.acaciivora should emerge as a pathogen in the future.

Naming and outline of Dothideomycetes-2014 including proposals for the protection or suppression of generic names

Article 59.1,of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae,Fungi,and Plants(ICN;Melbourne Code),which addresses the nomenclature of pleomorphic fungi,became effective from 30 July 2011.Since that date,each fungal species can have one nomenclaturally correct name in a particular classification.All other previously used names for this species will be considered as synonyms.The older generic epithet takes priority over the younger name.Any widely used younger names proposed for use,must comply with Art.57.2 and their usage should be approved by the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi(NCF).In this paper,we list all genera currently accepted by us in Dothideomycetes(belonging to 23 orders and 110 families),including pleomorphic and nonpleomorphic genera.In the case of pleomorphic genera,we follow the rulings of the current ICN and propose single generic names for future usage.The taxonomic placements of 1261 genera are listed as an outline.Protected names and suppressed names for 34 pleomorphic genera are listed separately.Notes and justifications are provided for possible proposed names after the list of genera.Notes are also provided on recent advances in our understanding of asexual and sexual morph linkages in Dothideomycetes.A phylogenetic tree based on four gene analyses supported 23 orders and 75 families,while 35 families still lack molecular data.

Plant Biosystems Design Research Roadmap 1.0

Human life intimately depends on plants for food,biomaterials,health,energy,and a sustainable environment.Various plants have been genetically improved mostly through breeding,along with limited modification via genetic engineering,yet they are still not able to meet the ever-increasing needs,in terms of both quantity and quality,resulting from the rapid increase in world population and expected standards of living.A step change that may address these challenges would be to expand the potential of plants using biosystems design approaches.This represents a shift in plant science research from relatively simple trial-and-error approaches to innovative strategies based on predictive models of biological systems.Plant biosystems design seeks to accelerate plant genetic improvement using genome editing and genetic circuit engineering or create novel plant systems through de novo synthesis of plant genomes.From this perspective,we present a comprehensive roadmap of plant biosystems design covering theories,principles,and technical methods,along with potential applications in basic and applied plant biology research.We highlight current challenges,future opportunities,and research priorities,along with a framework for international collaboration,towards rapid advancement of this emerging interdisciplinary area of research.Finally,we discuss the importance of social responsibility in utilizing plant biosystems design and suggest strategies for improving public perception,trust,and acceptance.