title: The genus Bipolaris.
abstract: The genus Bipolaris includes important plant pathogens with worldwide distribution. Species recognition in the genus has been uncertain due to the lack of molecular data from ex-type cultures as well as overlapping morphological characteristics. In this study, we revise the genus Bipolaris based on DNA sequence data derived from living cultures of fresh isolates, available ex-type cultures from worldwide collections and observation of type and additional specimens. Combined analyses of ITS, GPDH and TEF gene sequences were used to reconstruct the molecular phylogeny of the genus Bipolaris for species with living cultures. The GPDH gene is determined to be the best single marker for species of Bipolaris. Generic boundaries between Bipolaris and Curvularia are revised and presented in an updated combined ITS and GPDH phylogenetic tree. We accept 47 species in the genus Bipolaris and clarify the taxonomy, host associations, geographic distributions and species' synonymies. Modern descriptions and illustrations are provided for 38 species in the genus with notes provided for the other taxa when recent descriptions are available. Bipolaris cynodontis, B. oryzae, B. victoriae, B. yamadae and B. zeicola are epi- or neotypified and a lectotype is designated for B. stenospila. Excluded and doubtful species are listed with notes on taxonomy and phylogeny. Seven new combinations are introduced in the genus Curvularia to accomodate the species of Bipolaris transferred based on the phylogenetic analysis. A taxonomic key is provided for the morphological identification of species within the genus.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Plant Biodiversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China ; World Agro-forestry Centre, East and Central Asia, Kunming 650201, China ; Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville 20705, MA, USA.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Manamgoda
authors.affiliation: Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville 20705, MA, USA.
authors.forename: A Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Rossman
authors.affiliation: Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville 20705, MA, USA.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Castlebury
authors.affiliation: CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Crous
authors.affiliation: CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics and Medicine Faculty, Mayor University, Camino La Piramide 5750, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Madrid
authors.affiliation: Institute of Excellence in Fungal Research, School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chukeatirote
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Plant Biodiversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China ; World Agro-forestry Centre, East and Central Asia, Kunming 650201, China ; Institute of Excellence in Fungal Research, School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Hyde
keywords: Brown spot of rice; Field crop diseases; Graminicolous fungi; Helminthosporoid genera; Pleosporales; Southern corn leaf blight; Taxonomy; molecular phylogeny