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

Lophodermium , the largest genus within the family Rhytismataceae , comprises diverse plant-associated endophytes and pathogens, including species responsible for serious diseases that cause substantial economic losses. Pine trees ( Pinus spp.), among the most species-rich and widely distributed conifers worldwide, serve as hosts for many Lophodermium species. In the present study, ten new species of Lophodermium 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 Lophodermium spp. and offers important insights into host specificity and geographic distribution. Furthermore, this work provides an essential scientific foundation for monitoring and managing Lophodermium -associated diseases in pine forests.