In search of new Fusarium species

Abstract

Fusarium is a large fungal genus, but scientists who work with it continue to search for new species to help bridge perceived phylogenetic gaps and to assess the biogeography of species origin and distribution. Potential new sources for species include collections made from plants and soil in native ecosystems and subsistence agriculture farms. These ecosystems are less likely to have suffered anthropomorphic changes and may offer the best hope for identifying previously undescribed species and for obtaining reliable data on species distribution. In addition to new collections, new species also may result from the break-up of a number of large species complexes that are held together primarily by morphological similarities. The two approaches are complementary and should collectively help to increase the number, diversity and quality of the species known within the genus.