One fungus, one name : defining the genus Fusarium in a scientifically robust way that preserves longstanding use

Abstract

In this letter, we advocate recognizing the 89 genus Fusarium as the sole name 90 for a group that includes virtually all Fusarium species of importance in plant pathology, 91 mycotoxicology, medicine and basic research. This phylogenetically-guided 92 circumscription will free scientists from any obligation to use other genus names, 93 including teleomorphs, for species nested within this clade, and preserve the application 94 of the name Fusarium in the way it has been used for almost a century. Due to recent 95 changes in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (17), this is 96 an urgent matter that requires community attention. The alternative is to break the 97 longstanding concept of Fusarium into nine or more genera, and remove important taxa 98 such as those in the F. solani species complex from the genus, a move we believe is 99 unnecessary. Here we present taxonomic and nomenclatural proposals that will preserve 100 established research connections and facilitate communication within and between 101 research communities, and at the same time support strong scientific principles and good 102 taxonomic practice.