A new species of Ophiostoma from North America, similar to Ophiostoma penicillatum

Abstract

Ophiostomatoid fungi that resemble Ophiostoma penicillatum were isolated from insect-infested spruce (Picea sp.) in Japan as well as Larix decidua Mill. (European larch) in North America. Isolates were characterized based on morphology and could be separated into two distinct groups. Those from spruce in Japan represent O. penicillatum, and are characterized by allantoid, slightly curved conidia. The North American isolates from Larix decidua are of a previously undescribed species, characterized by long, narrow conidia. The latter fungus is described as Ophiostoma americanum with an anamorph, Leptographium americanum. Key words: Ophiostoma penicillatum, Ips typographus, Ophiostoma americanum, Dendroctonus simplex, Larix decidua.