Ten new species of Lophodermium (Rhytismatales, Rhytismataceae) on pine needles in China

<i>Lophodermium</i>, the largest genus within the family <i>Rhytismataceae</i>, comprises diverse plant-associated endophytes and pathogens, including species responsible for serious diseases that cause substantial economic losses. Pine trees (<i>Pinus</i> spp.), among the most species-rich and widely distributed conifers worldwide, serve as hosts for many <i>Lophodermium</i> species. In the present study, ten new species of <i>Lophodermium</i> are identified and described from pine needles in China, based on an integrated approach combining morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. The discovery of these new species significantly expands the known diversity of <i>Lophodermium</i> spp. and offers important insights into host specificity and geographic distribution. Furthermore, this work provides an essential scientific foundation for monitoring and managing <i>Lophodermium</i>-associated diseases in pine forests.