An Emendation of the Genus Itersonilia Based on Studies of Morphology and Pathogenicity

Abstract

The generic diagnosis of Itersonilia (Fungi Imperfecti) is expanded on the basis of variation in cultures of the type species, I. perplexans. Probable synonyms include 2 other genera of the Sporo-bolomycetaceae, Tilletiopsis and Sporidiobolus, and the invalid genus Entylomella representing conidial states of Entyloma and other smut fungi. Possible relationships with the Tremellales are also discussed. Isolates responsible for leafspot and canker of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) are determined as I. perplexans, and can cause infection with ballistospores of both the monocaryophase and dicaryophase, but not with the yeast-like conidia of the monocaryophase.