The integrative taxonomy of Beauveria asiatica and B. bassiana species complexes with whole-genome sequencing, morphometric and chemical analyses

Fungi are rich in complexes of cryptic species that need a combination of different approaches to be delimited, including genomic information. ( , ) is a well-known genus of entomopathogenic fungi, used as a biocontrol agent. In this study we present a polyphasic taxonomy regarding two widely distributed complexes of : and s.lat. Some of the genetic groups as previously detected within both taxa were either confirmed or fused using population genomics. High levels of divergence were found between two clades in and among three clades in , supporting their subdivision as distinct species. Morphological examination focusing on the width and the length of phialides and conidia showed no difference among the clades within while conidial length was significantly different among clades within . The secondary metabolite profiles obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) allowed a distinction between and , but not between the clades therein. Based on these genomic, morphological, chemical data, we proposed a clade of as a new species, named , and two clades of to respectively represent and spp. nov. Such closely related but divergent species with different host ranges have potential to elucidate the evolution of host specificity, with potential biocontrol application. : Kobmoo N, Arnamnart N, Pootakham W, et al. 2021. The integrative taxonomy of Beauveria asiatica and B. bassiana species complexes with whole-genome sequencing, morphometric and chemical analyses. Persoonia 47: 136-150. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.04.