Cordyceps and allied genera in New Zealand

Abstract

Arthropod-pathogenic fungi in Cordyceps and related genera are an ecologically important but overlooked aspect of fungal biodiversity. Current knowledge of the range of species present in New Zealand is limited, especially in light of major taxonomic revisions in this group. Although morphological characterisation of conidial fungi in Cordyceps s.l. has been historically problematic, many species are now well-defined by DNA sequence markers. This talk will discuss identification of New Zealand collections of Beauveria, Isaria, Metarhizium, and other anamorphs of Cordyceps s.l. following recent phylogenetic classifications. New evidence is presented for anamorph-teleomorph connections in Cordyceps species, including several rarely recorded taxa. Issues surrounding collection, typification, and correct anamorph determination of arthropod-pathogenic fungi will also be discussed.