Towards a phylogenetic reappraisal of Parmulariaceae and Asterinaceae (Dothideomycetes)

Members of the <i>Asterinaceae</i> and <i>Parmulariaceae</i> are obligate biotrophic fungi with a pantropical distribution that grow in direct association with living plant tissues and produce external ascomata and bitunicate asci. These fungi are poorly known, with limited information about their taxonomic position in the <i>Dothideomycetes</i>. Much of what is known is conjectural and based on observation of morphological characters. An assessment of the phylogenetic position of the <i>Asterinaceae</i> and <i>Parmulariaceae</i> is provided based on a phylogenetic analysis of the nrDNA operon (ITS) and the large subunit rDNA (LSU) sequence data obtained from fresh material of selected species collected in Brazil. Three key species were included and epitypified, namely <i>Asterina melastomatis</i>, which is the type species for the type genus of the <i>Asterinaceae</i>; <i>Prillieuxina baccharidincola</i> (<i>Asterinaceae</i>); and <i>Parmularia styracis</i>, which is the type species for the type genus of the <i>Parmulariaceae</i>. An LSU rDNA phylogenetic analysis was performed indicating the correct phylogenetic placement of the <i>Asterinales</i> within the <i>Dothideomycetes</i>. From this initial analysis it is clear that the <i>Parmulariaceae</i> as currently circumscribed is polyphyletic, and that the <i>Asterinaceae</i> and <i>Parmulariaceae</i> are related, which justifies the maintenance of the order <i>Asterinales</i>. <i>Asterotexis</i> <i>cucurbitacearum</i> is recognised as distinct from other <i>Dothideomycetes</i> and placed in the newly proposed family and order (<i>Asterotexiaceae</i>, <i>Asterotexiales</i>), while the higher order phylogeny of <i>Inocyclus angularis</i> remains unresolved. Additionally, <i>Lembosia abaxialis</i> is introduced as a novel species and the phylogenetic placement of the genera <i>Batistinula</i> and <i>Prillieuxina</i> is clarified.