Phylogenetic placement and taxonomic review of the genus Cryptosporella and its synonyms Ophiovalsa and Winterella (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales)

The type species of Cryptosporella, C. hypodermia, and Ophiovalsa, O. suffusa, as well as closely related species were studied using morphological, cultural, and DNA sequence characteristics. DNA sequence data from three different loci (ITS, LSU, and RPB2) suggest that C. hypodermia and O. suffusa are congeneric within the Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales). This result is supported by similarities in perithecial, ascal and ascospore morphology, and lifestyles characterized as initially endophytic, becoming saprobic as plant tissues die. Furthermore, both type species produce Disculina anamorphs. A review of the literature indicates that the generic name Cryptosporella has priority over Ophiovalsa and its synonym Winterella sensu Reid & Booth (1987). A redescription of the genus Cryptosporella is included, as well as a description of C. hypodermia, C. suffusa, the type species of Ophiovalsa, a brief account of the other seven species accepted in Cryptosporella, and a key to species of Cryptosporella. Eight new combinations are established: C. alnicola (Fr.) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. betulae (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. confusa (Reid & Booth) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. corylina (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. femoralis (Peck) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. suffusa (Fr.) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. tiliae (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.; and C. wehmeyeriana (Reid & Booth) L.C. Mejía & Castleb., comb. nov.