Exploring the taxonomic classification of Curvularia genera: Enhancing understanding of phytopathogenic species in Poaceae through morphological and molecular approaches

The genus Curvularia consists of important plant pathogens typically associated with major cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, millets and others and poses a threat to the security of the global food supply. In this study, morphological characteristics of fifty-two Curvularia isolates were analyzed, resulting in the segregation of the isolates into 16 distinct groups based on their morphological traits. The study entailed an in-depth characterization of a range of Curvularia species, including Curvularia aeria, Curvularia affinis, Curvularia australiensis, Curvularia borreriae, Curvularia catenulata, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia eragrostidis, Curvularia geniculata, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Curvularia prasadii, Curvularia spicifera, Curvularia trifoli, Curvularia tuberculata, and Curvularia verruculosa. The study includes comprehensive descriptions of their colony appearances, conidiophore structures, and conidial characteristics. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis utilizing ITS, LSU, and SSU gene sequences provides valuable insights into the genetic relationships among these isolates.