Abstract
A fungal endophyte (NRRL 50072) isolated from Eucryphia cordifolia from Patagonia that produces hydrocarbon derivatives is identified as an Ascocoryne sp. It was classified as Clonostachys rosea (Gliocaldium roseum) strain C-13 = NRRL 50072 primarily based upon its morphological characteristics. The fungus produced slimy clumped conidia on verticillated conidiophores and red- pigmented particles in culture. However, DNA sequence analysis (ITS rDNA) suggested a 99% identity to Ascocoryne sarcoides rather than to fungi assigned to the group of Gliocladium-like anamorphs. Comparative genetic, biological and morphological studies confirmed that the anamorphic stage of an authenticated field-collected culture of Ascocoryne sarcoides AV-70 shares many of the same morphological, and genetic features as NRRL 50072, but the latter is unable to produce synnematal masses unless it is grown on a proper substratum. These data suggest that NRRL 50072 is most closely related to the asexual stage of A. sarcoides, namely a Coryne sp. Serial transfer of the A. sarcoides AV-70 resulted in major cultural changes in the fungus especially in the production of aerial hyphae, pigment production and the number of synnemata being formed. This report appropriately sets the taxonomic framework for further molecular biological and biochemical work on NRRL 50072 and related fungi.
