Taxonomic update with DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of Erysiphe sect. Microsphaera (Erysiphaceae, Helotiales) in Iran

In this study, the phylogeny and taxonomy of Erysiphe sect. Microsphaera was investigated for the first time in Iran. This study was based on morphological examination and rDNA (ITS+ LSU) sequencing. We examined 80 voucher specimens from the Fungus Reference Collection of Herbarium Ministerii Iranici Agriculturae (IRAN) and the University of Guilan Mycological fungarium (including specimens newly collected during 2019–2021). Seventy-nine sequences covering 20 species were generated. E. hyperici was not available for this study. Sequencing of E. begoniicola and E. tortilis failed. Based on our findings, E. coluteae and E. crispula were sequenced for the first time in this study. Records of E. erlangshanensis and E. castaneigena from Iran were rejected. The number of accepted species in sect. Microsphaera increased from 13 in 2009 to 23 in this study. Erysiphe crispula on Astragalus spp. is reported here for the first time, and Syringa vulgaris has been reported as a new host of E. syringae japonicae in Iran. Furthermore, DNA barcodes, colored plates, digital illustrations, and identification keys of all E. sect. Microsphaera in Iran are provided herein.