KONICACRONEMA (GOMONTIELLALES): A NEWLY RECORDED DESERT CYANOBACTERIAL GENUS IN CHINA

The genus Konicacronema, established by Machado de Lima et al. in 2020, was initially isolated from biological soil crusts in the semi-arid regions of Brazil (Caatinga community). In this study, we report the isolation and purification of three filamentous cyanobacterial strains: APE127, APE132, and APE190 from desert biocrust samples collected in Dalate County, Inner Mongolia, China. These strains exhibit morphological characteristics similar to Coleofasciculus-like and Microcoleus-like species. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains APE127, APE132, and APE190 were identified as Konicacronema protuberans Jusko & Johansen 2024, demonstrating sequence similarities ranging from 98.7% to 99.3% with existing sequences of this species. Phylogenetic analyses further corroborate their placement within the Konicacronema genus, forming a robustly supported evolutionary clade. Moreover, the 16S—23S ITS secondary structure of these strains aligns with that of K. protuberans. Employing a polyphasic approach that integrates molecular, morphological, and ecological data, we confirm that strains APE127, APE132, and APE190 represent K. protuberans. These findings constitute the first records of this genus/species in China, expanding its known geographical distribution.