Welcome to Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY)
Most species of phytopathogenic fungi represent species complex, and many genera are poly- and paraphyletic (Crous et al. 2015). It is therefore of the utmost importance for plant health and trade that we resolve what these genera and species are. The present project, which focuses on genera of fungi that have members that cause disease (phytopathogenic), links to a larger initiative called the “The Genera of Fungi project” (www.GeneraOfFungi.org, Crous et al. 2014), which aims to revise the generic names of fungal genera that are currently accepted (Kirk et al. 2013).
More than 18 000 genera have thus far been described, of which we acknowledge around 8000. The majority of these, however, were described before the DNA era. To fix the application of these names, their type species need to be recollected, epi- or neotypes designated and assigned a MBT number to ensure traceability of the nomenclatural act (Robert et al. 2013). Furthermore, to move to a single nomenclature for fungi (Crous et al. 2015), their sexual-asexual links also need to be confirmed.
The present initiative forms part of the activities of the International Subcommission for the Taxonomy of Phytopathogenic Fungi (Pedro Crous and Amy Rossman (co-chairs), of the International Committee for the Taxonomy of Fungi (www.fungaltaxonomy.org/). The aim is to provide an up to date overview of each genus, thereby fixing the application of the genus name where possible, and also providing an overview of the currently accepted species (and their DNA barcodes), and relevant literature. These authored generic contributions will be combined into scientific papers to be published online in Studies in Mycology, and also placed in a database displayed on www.plantpathogen.org.
What are people doing?
Currently there are various groups of scientists in in different laboratories globally that are participating in writing datasheets for various genera of phytopathogenic fungi. The various genera in preparation will be listed here, and this list will be constantly updated. To be added to this list, and assigned to a specific genus, please send your information via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How can I get involved?
The best way to contact GOPHY is via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Contact Pedro Crous or members of the respective project groups (genera) if you wish to actively take part in any of these activities. You are also welcome to initiate your own projects and suggest genera for inclusion, which will be considered for listing on this page if they fall in the area of plant health.