Mariannaea camelliae from India: Morphological and Phylogenetic Insights
Authors: Shiwali Rana*, Komal Bungla, Vedika Inchure, Shweta Kumavat and Sanjay K. Singh*
National Fungal Culture Collection of India, Biodiversity and Palaeobiology Group
MACS’ Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, India
*Author for correspondence: shiwalirana@aripune.org; sksingh@aripune.org
Abstract
This study reports Mariannaea camelliae isolated as a phylloplane fungus from Camellia sinensis leaves collected from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The isolate was characterized based on cultural morphology, microscopic features, and molecular phylogeny. Detailed observations of colony morphology on different media, along with conidiophore structure, phialides, and conidia, confirmed its morphological congruence with the type description. Molecular identification using a combined dataset of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), and beta-tubulin gene sequences further supported its identity. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood (ML) method positioned the isolate firmly within the Mariannaea clade, forming a sister clade with M. camelliae. This finding expands the known distribution of M. camelliae and underscores the ecological significance of phylloplane fungi in tea ecosystems. Understanding its diversity and functional attributes may contribute to sustainable strategies for plant health and disease management in tea cultivation. To our understanding, this is the first report describing a phylloplane M. camelliaeusing an integrated approach of conventional and modern molecular tools from India.
Keywords: Fungi, Nectriaceae, Phylogeny, Phylloplane, Taxonomy, India.
Document Type: Original Article
Citation: Rana, S., Bungla, K., Inchure, V., Kumavat, S., Singh, S.K. (2025). Mariannaea camelliae from India: Morphological and Phylogenetic Insights. Mycological Spectrum, 1(2):66-79.
Received: 24 August 2025 | Accepted: 18 September 2025 | Published: 23 September 2025.
Handling Editor: Dr. S.K. Deshmukh | Reviewers: Prof. D.J. Bhat and Dr. Mahadevakumar.
Copyright: ©2025 Rana, Bungla, Inchure, Kumavat, Singh. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution, or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor is credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution, or reproduction is permitted that does not comply with these terms.
Copyright © 2025 Association of Fungal Biologists - All Rights Reserved (for website design only).
Email: mycologicalspectrum@gmail.com | e-ISSN: 3107-6203
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.