Two new species of Phialocephala occurring on Picea and Alnus
Keyword(s):
Two new species of Phialocephala were isolated from the periderm of living branches of forest trees in Germany. In culture, Phialocephala compacta Kowalski & Kehr sp.nov., found on Alnus, is characterized by crowded conidiogenous heads that become deeply pigmented with age. Phialocephala scopiformis Kowalski & Kehr sp.nov., isolated from Picea and other conifers, develops elongated, complex conidiogenous heads with up to 15 series of branches in culture. The taxonomic placement of both new species and their role in endophytism and in natural pruning of branches is discussed. Key words: Picea abies, Alnus glutinosa, Phialocephala compacta, Phialocephala scopiformis, branch pruning fungi.