Two new species of Graphium (Microascales, Ascomycota) associated with pine-infesting bark beetles in China

Graphium is a genus of fungi that falls under the order Microascales of Ascomycota. Some species in this genus can establish a unique symbiotic relationship with the pine-infesting bark beetles, while others are typically found in wood or soil habitats. To comprehensively investigate the diversity of species of these fungi, recent field trips were conducted in seven provinces (Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Guangxi, Liaoning, Shaanxi, and Shandong) in China. 96 pure isolates of Graphium were obtained by sequences from 361 samples. Nineteen representative strains were carefully selected to generate sequencing data from four gene regions (ITS, LSU, EF1A and TUBB), then used to construct phylogenetic trees for the genus. The results revealed the discovery of two new species, namely G. armandii sp. nov. and G. massoniana sp. nov., and G. pseudoumiticum was the most common species in various pine hosts.