Defining the genus Fusarium in a scientifically robust way that best preserves longstanding use
D. M. GEISER (1), K. O’Donnell (2). (1) Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, U.S.A.; (2) USDA ARS NCAUR Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens and Mycology Unit, Peoria, IL, U.S.A.
In this talk I will present the argument of a diverse group of scientists advocating a phylogenetic circumscription of the genus <i>Fusarium</i>, that includes virtually all <i>Fusarium</i> species of importance in plant pathology, mycotoxicology, medicine and basic research. This will free scientists from any obligation to use other genus names, including teleomorphs, for species nested within this clade, and preserve the application of the name <i>Fusarium</i> in the way it has been used for almost a century. Due to recent changes in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants, and recent recognition of teleomorph genera that compete with this taxonomic concept, we propose that all teleomorph names associated with this group are synonyms and recommend that they not be used, specifically <i>Gibberella, Haematonectria, Neocosmospora, Geejayessia, Cyanonectria</i> and <i>Albonectria</i>. The alternative is to break the longstanding concept of <i>Fusarium</i> into nine or more genera, and remove important taxa such as those in the <i>F. solani</i> species complex from the genus, a move we believe is unnecessary. We believe these taxonomic and nomenclatural proposals will preserve established research connections and facilitate communication within and between research communities, and at the same time support strong scientific principles and good taxonomic practice.
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