Project Detail

Molecular systematics of the Ceratostomella complex and similar pyrenomycetous fungi

Name:	Molecular systematics of the Ceratostomella complex and similar pyrenomycetous fungi
Researchers:	Štěpánek Václav (member in research team)
Provider:	GA ČR
Realization from:	2006
Realization to:	2008
Summary:	It is a phylogenetic and revision study of Ceratostomella, Ceratosphaeria and Lentomitella of the Ceratostomella complex and similar pyrenomycetes. These genera are important components of biodiversity of plants and play a role in their decomposition. We do not have phylogenetic clues to their true relationships and there are no known connections to asexual states and conidiogenesis. Cited genera encompass taxa that are model organisms for studying the process of convergency in the perithecial ascomycetes. The proposed research is based on morphological, cultivation and molecular techniques (PCR, species-specific primers, sequencing of the 18S and 28S nuc-rDNA genes, RNA secondary structure models) and phylogenetic analysis methods. Essential part is obtaining of molecular data from living cultures of type and other species. The project is designed to resolve systematic and phylogenetic questions and to address a number of challenges currently facing ascomycete systematics.