<i>Absidia zygospora</i> (Mucoromycetes), a new species from Nan Province, Thailand

Abstract

Absidia is one of the most commonly isolated fungi among Cunninghamellaceae. The genus comprises saprobes isolated from soil, dung and other organic debris such as leaf litter. During a survey aimed at exploring the diversity of basal lineages of soil fungi, samples were collected from Nan province, Thailand. This led to the collection of a new Absidia isolate from soil. Characterization of the new isolate was based on morphological characters, colony growth and DNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new isolate comprises a lineage distinct from other described species. Morphological characterization showed that the isolate has smaller sporangia and columellae than its sister taxa. Furthermore, physiological data and genetic distance analysis supported the establishment of the new taxon. Hence, in this study, a new species of Absidia (A. zygospora) is introduced based on morphology, phylogeny and physiology.