Impact of DNA sequence-data on the taxonomy of anamorphic fungi

Abstract

Fungal systematics is an essential part of biological research especially in the context of its ecological and economic implications. The classification of pleomorphic and non-pleomorphic anamorphs, however, is unsettled, which can be attributed to the historical practice of the dual nomenclature/classification system. This paper reviews the historical establishment and limitations of the dual system of classification, and narrates the possible utilities of DNA sequence-data in developing a system of classification based on evolutionary relationships. The dual classification system is a failed hypothesis. DNA sequence-data are now routinely used to link anamorphs with a holomorph and to provide phylogenetic placement for anamorphs with unknown teleomorphs. Emerging phylogenetic and nomenclatural scenarios in the Botryosphaeriales, Chaetosphaeriales, Fusarium graminearum, pestalotiopsis-like anamorphs, and the Mycosphaerella complex are illustrated to indicate potential nomenclatural and taxonomic complexities associated with the dual nomenclature/classification system. The mycological community has a daunting task of developing a system of classification that fulfills the needs of diverse taxonomic users. Molecular characters and tools are, undoubtedly, an indispensable part of fungal systematics.