Taxonomic notes on Allomyces neomoniliformis (Blastocladiaceae) isolated from Nanital lake, Uttarakhand, India

Taxonomic notes on Allomyces neomoniliformis (Blastocladiaceae) isolated from Nanital lake, Uttarakhand, India

During a survey of zoosporic fungi in the Nainital lake in 2014, a species of Allomyces was recorded. It was found in the lake soil which was rich in organic matter (leaves, roots and twigs) by using snake skin as a substrate through baiting technique. This specimen was distinctly different in having different life cycle involving cyst formation and its subsequent reduction divisions. The resistant sporangia zoospores were markedly smaller and characteristically biflagellate rather than uniflagellate as reported in other species of Allomyces. After comparison with type material and a survey of the literature, this species was identified as Allomyces neomoniliformis, known and documented only from one collection in the past from India but with no proper description. A complete morphological description, a description of the holotype, cystogenes type of life cycle, illustrations, and photographs are presented in this study. Thus, results have increased our knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of the Allomyces in India, complementing with the previous studies.....