An overview of the taxonomic history of Botryosphaeria, and a re-evaluation of its anamorphs based on morphology and ITS rDNA phylogeny

The taxonomic history of Botryosphaeria is reviewed and the genus is circum scribed and distinguished from other morphologically similar genera. Severa l anamorph genera have been linked to Botryosphaeria. Based on morphologica l observations and phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequence data, two gro ups of anamorphs are recognised. Anamorphs with conidia that are pigmented when mature are placed in Diplodia, while those with hyaline conidia are ac commodated in Fusicoccum. Botryosphaeria proteae, a species with both conid ial types, should be excluded from Botryosphaeria based on its ascomatal wa ll anatomy, anamorph morphology and ITS rDNA phylogeny.