Taxonomic update of Claviceps section Pusillae: four new species from the invasive grasses from South Africa

Ergot, the genus Claviceps comprises of several deeply diverged lineages, recently classified as sections. Among them, the section Pusillae, is the most speciose, with a centre of distribution in Africa but occurring worldwide, often as of consequence of its high invasiveness. This section includes the most severe plant pathogens such as C. africana and C. gigantea, responsible for toxicoses and significant reduction the seed yields of Sorghum and Zea. In this study we surveyed on ergot diversity in the South Africa, focusing on grasses being native to this region, but known for their high potential of invasiveness.