Phylogenetic evaluation of Bipolaris and Curvularia species collected from turfgrasses

The dothideomycete genera Bipolaris and Curvularia are important pathogens of grasses (Poaceae) can associate with host tissues without disease symptoms. Species both responsible for leaf spot epidemics that commonly occur on turfgrass throughout the United States transition zone southern regions. Recent species typifications DNA sequences have made a broad examination obtained from possible. Isolates analysis were culture collections or isolated symptomatic samples. Phylogenies based ITS, GPD, TEF gene constructed using maximum likelihood Bayesian analyses used to determine intraspecific intrageneric relationships among turfgrasses. Similar previous studies, formed separate, well-supported clades. Morphological identifications published host-based keys often disagreed molecular groupings. For example, C. hawaiiensis (= B. hawaiiensis) could not be differentiated cynodontis while australiensis australiensis) spicifera spicifera). Additionally, phylogenies suggest coffeana synonymous. However, number pseudosepta per conidium was only consistent morphological character. delineation causing diseases warm-season turfgrasses should improve management decisions help identify potential in asymptomatic tissues.