Deciphering the evolutionary and taxonomic complexity of Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) through integrated phylogenomic and divergence time estimation

Abstract

Diaporthales is an important group of fungi widely distributed worldwide as endophytes, pathogens, and saprobes on the various plants. Here, we collected and isolated 209 strains of the Diaporthales and then employed morphological characteristics and advanced techniques such as multigene phylogenetics, genomic phylogenetics, molecular clock estimates, and metabolic pathways annotations to explore the evolutionary diversification and metabolic pathways within the Diaporthales. Firstly, our study confirmed that Diaporthales occurred early with a mean stem age of 181.5 Mya and a mean crown age of 157.7 Mya. Secondly, two new families, Sinodisculaceae fam. nov. and Ternstroemiomycetaceae fam. nov., were introduced based on morphology, phylogeny, and divergence times. Thirdly, we further described multiple novel taxa or records including Anadiaporthostoma gen. nov. (Diaporthostomataceae), Lunatospora gen. nov. (Sinodisculaceae), Microphaeotubakia gen. nov. (Tubakiaceae), Neoplagiostoma gen. nov. (Pseudoplagiostomataceae), and Ternstroemiomyces gen. nov. (Ternstroemiomycetaceae), 55 new species, three new species complexes, 32 new host records, and three new combinations. Furthermore, we accepted 35 families within the Diaporthales based on analysis of multiple evidences. Additionally, high activity in universal pathways such as purine metabolism and ribosome across the order suggested a fundamental for robust growth and stress response in Diaporthales. These findings enrich fungal biodiversity and provide critical insights into the evolutionary processes in these communities.