Abstract
Maximum parsimony and likelihood analyses were performed on the partial LSU rRNA gene sequences of Antennospora quadricornuta and A. salina to determine if Antennospora and Halosphaeria (Halosphaeriales) are congeneric. The molecular data corroborate the ultrastructural evidence that Antennospora and Halosphaeria are valid genera and they should be kept separate. Antennospora (A. quadricornuta) is situated in a clade with weak inter-generic support but this group is distantly related to Halosphaeria (Halosphaeria appendiculata). Two isolates of Antennospora salina form a well-supported chide with Arenariomyces trifurcatus, sharing similar development of subpolar ascospore appendages at both ends, which are outgrowths of the mesosporium. They differ significantly, however, in ascospore and ascospore appendage morphology and ontogeny. Based on these results. Antennospora and Halosphaeria are regarded as separate genera and Haiyanga, K. L. Pang & E. B. G. Jones, gen. nov. is established to accommodate A. sauna. An autecological review of the geographical distribution, temperature and salinity requirements, and occurrence on different substrata of Antennospora quadricornuta and Haiyanga salina, K. L. Pang & E. B. G. Jones, comb. nov., is provided.