Applying early divergent characters in higher rank taxonomy of Melampsorineae (Basidiomycota, Pucciniales)

Rust fungi in the order Pucciniales represent one of the largest groups of phytopathogens, which occur on mosses, ferns to advanced monocots and dicots. Seven suborders and 18 families have been reported so far, however recent phylogenetic studies have revealed para- or polyphyly of several morphologically defined suborders and families, particularly in Melampsorineae. In this study, a comprehensive phylogenetic framework was constructed based on a molecular phylogeny inferred from rDNA sequences of 160 species belonging to 16 genera in Melampsorineae (i.e. Chrysomyxa, Cerospora, Coleopuccinia, Coleosporium, Cronartium, Hylospora, Melampsora, Melampsorella, Melampsoridium, Milesina, Naohidemyces, Pucciniastrum, Quasipucciniastrum, Rossmanomyces, Thekopsora, Uredinopsis). Our phylogenetic inference indicated that 13 genera are monophyletic with strong supports, while Pucciniastrum is apparently polyphyletic. A new genus, Nothopucciniastrum was therefore established and segregated from Pucciniastrum, with ten new combinations proposed. At the family level, this study further demonstrates the importance of applying morphologies of spore-producing structures (basidia, spermogonia, aecia, uredinia and telia) in higher rank taxonomy, while those traditionally applied spore morphologies (basidiospores, spermatia, aeciospores, urediniospores and teliospores) represent later diverged characters that are more suitable for the taxonomy at generic and species levels. Three new families, Hyalopsoraceae, Nothopucciniastraceae and Thekopsoraceae were proposed based on phylogenetic and morphological distinctions, towards a further revision of Pucciniales in line with the phylogenetic relationships.