Morphological and molecular characterisation of Geosmithia putterillii, G. pallida comb. nov. and G. flava sp. nov., associated with subcorticolous insects.

Geosmithia putterillii is an anamorphic fungus with connections to bark beetles. Genetic variability of 89 isolates traditionally grouped in G. putterillii and G. lavendula isolated from different geographical regions from subcorticolous insects and from other unspecific substrata was assessed using RAPD, sequencing of the ITS region (ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2) and morphological characters. RAPD analysis revealed eight distinct groups. One group was represented by G. lavendula type strain and showed no relations to any other isolate. Five RAPD-types with similar ITS sequences and phenotype were related to the ex-type strain of Penicillium pallidum (generally given as a synonym of G. putterillii). Because of unique phylogenetic position and a phenotype markedly different from G. putterillii, the new combination G. pallida is made here. For another group of isolates formerly identified as G. putterillii the new species G. fiava is described based on a characteristic RAPD-type, a unique ITS sequences and a different phenotype. These newly recognized species are stable in culture and with worldwide distribution.