Discovery of the first resinicolous fungus in Mycosphaerellales (Dothideomycetes): <i>Resinomelaniacommunis</i> from conifer resins in Poland.

Resinicolous fungi have evolved across different fungal lineages, but they are best known within the classes Eurotiomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Orbiliomycetes, and Xylonomycetes. Within the class Dothideomycetes, a resinicolous lifestyle is uncommon and is predominantly known in members of the order Mytilinidiales. In this study, 13 strains of a dark, slow-growing fungus belonging to Dothideomycetes were isolated from resins of four conifer species-<i>Abiesalba</i>, Larixdeciduassp.polonica, <i>Piceaabies</i>, and <i>Pinussylvestris</i> (all from the family Pinaceae)-in Poland. Based on multi-locus (LSU, ITS, <i>rpb2</i>, <i>tef1</i>, <i>tub2</i>) phylogenetic analyses and morphological features, the isolated strains were identified as representing an undescribed species in a new genus within the order Mycosphaerellales, family Teratosphaeriaceae. Consequently, a new genus and species, <i>Resinomelaniacommunis</i>, is described and illustrated. It is phylogenetically related to the genera <i>Neocatenulostroma</i> and <i>Sthughesia</i>. The common occurrence of <i>R.communis</i> on resins of four different conifer species indicates its resinicolous lifestyle. <i>Resinomelaniacommunis</i> is the first resinicolous fungus reported in Mycosphaerellales.