The genus Bipolaris

The genusBipolarisincludes important plant pathogens with worldwide distribution. Species recognition in the genus has been uncertain due to the lack of molecular data from ex-type cultures as well as overlapping morphological characteristics. In this study, we revise the genusBipolarisbased on DNA sequence data derived from living cultures of fresh isolates, available ex-type cultures from worldwide collections and observation of type and additional specimens. Combined analyses of ITS, GPDH and TEF gene sequences were used to reconstruct the molecular phylogeny of the genusBipolarisfor species with living cultures. The GPDH gene is determined to be the best single marker for species ofBipolaris. Generic boundaries betweenBipolarisandCurvulariaare revised and presented in an updated combined ITS and GPDH phylogenetic tree. We accept 47 species in the genusBipolarisand clarify the taxonomy, host associations, geographic distributions and species’ synonymies. Modern descriptions and illustrations are provided for 38 species in the genus with notes provided for the other taxa when recent descriptions are available.Bipolaris cynodontis,B. oryzae,B. victoriae,B. yamadaeandB. zeicolaare epi- or neotypified and a lectotype is designated forB. stenospila.Excluded and doubtful species are listed with notes on taxonomy and phylogeny. Seven new combinations are introduced in the genusCurvulariato accomodate the species ofBipolaristransferred based on the phylogenetic analysis. A taxonomic key is provided for the morphological identification of species within the genus.