Verticillium-like Anamorphic Fungi in Sordariomycetes from Southwestern China: Two New Taxa and a New Record

<i>Verticillium</i>-like fungi within the Sordariomycetes hold significant ecological and economic importance, especially in biocontrol. This study describes two novel species, <i>Leptobacillium gasaense</i> and <i>Ovicillium yunnanense</i>, and provides DNA sequence data and identification keys for the genera <i>Leptobacillium</i> and <i>Ovicillium</i>. The genus <i>Muscodor</i>, known for its considerable biotechnological value, comprises endophytes characterized by sterile mycelia that produce antibiotic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Historically, the classification of <i>Muscodor</i> has relied on culture characteristics, VOC chemical profiles, and molecular phylogenetic analyses. However, culture characteristics and VOC profiles lack a definitive diagnostic value. Although asexual morphological traits are crucial for genus-level classification, no conidiogenous structures have been observed in <i>Muscodor</i>. Here, we report the asexual morphological characteristics of <i>Muscodor</i> and describe <i>M. coffeanus</i> as a new record in China, supported by both its asexual morphology and molecular phylogenetic evidence.