Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel species and new record of Neomassaria (Neomassariaceae) associated with Camellia sinensis in Southwestern China

An investigation of the microfungi associated with Camellia sinensis in terrestrial habitats of Southwestern China resulted in the isolation of several noteworthy sexual and asexual fungal morphs exhibiting saprobic lifestyles. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis based on combined LSU, SSU, tef1-α and rpb2 sequence data revealed that these taxa are related to the genus Neomassaria. Based on morphological comparison and molecular phylogeny, three new species, namely Neomassaria camelliae, N. longiasca and N. sichuanensis are described. Among them, N. camelliae and N. sichuanensis represent asexual morphs, which were discovered subsequent to N. fibraureae and N. thailandica. In addition, a new host record of N. formosana is reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrative micrographs, and a phylogenetic tree substantiating these findings are presented.