Abstract:
Exserohilum includes a number of plant pathogenic, saprobic and clinically relevant fungi. Some of
these species are of great importance in human activities, but the genus has never been revised in a phylogenetic
framework. In this study, we revise Exserohilum based on available ex-type cultures from worldwide collections,
observation of the holotypes and/or protologues, and additional isolates from diverse substrates and geographical
origins. Based on nine nuclear loci, i.e., ITS, LSU, act, tub2, cam, gapdh, his, tef1 and rpb2, as well as phenotypic
data, the genus and species boundaries are assessed for Exserohilum. Three species, i.e., E. novae-zelandiae,
E. paspali and E. sorghicola, are excluded from the genus and reallocated in Sporidesmiella and Curvularia, respectively,
whereas E. heteropogonicola and E. inaequale are confirmed as members of Curvularia. Exserohilum
rostratum is revealed as conspecific with species previously described in Exserohilum such as E. antillanum,
E. gedarefense, E. leptochloae, E. longirostratum, E. macginnisii and E. prolatum. Additionally, E. curvatum is
revealed as synonym of E. holmii, and E. fusiforme of E. oryzicola. A total of 11 Exserohilum phylogenetic species
are described, illustrated and discussed, including one novel taxon, E. corniculatum. The placements of 15 other
doubtful species are discussed, and E. elongatum is validated.
