The life history, developmental morphology, and taxonomy of Lautitia danica gen. nov., comb. nov.

Abstract

Sublittoral collection of fungal-infected Chondrus crispus over a 2-year period has allowed for a taxonomic reappraisal of the loculoascomycete Didymosphaeria danica (Berlese) Wilson et Knoyle, an obligate parasite on the reproductive regions of host plants. A new genus, Lautitia, is proposed with Lautitia danica comb. nov. as the type species. Lautitia danica has restricted Pleospora-type centrum development; possesses septate pseudoparaphyses and hyaline, asymmetrically two-celled ascospores; and is placed in the Phaeosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales. In addition, the life history of Lautitia danica is clarified.