Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of Phaeosphaeria nodorum and its close relatives indicate cryptic species and an origin in the Fertile Crescent

► The origin of Phaeosphaeria nodorum is likely in the ancient Fertile Crescent. ► Two Phaeosphaeria spp. are found globally on wheat in high frequency. ► The Phaeosphaeria spp. complex consists of at least nine distinct species. ► Evidence of hybridization between two closely related species collected from wheat. ► Coalescent analyses reveal a new closest ancestor for the pathogen P. nodorum.