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 & J. R. Johans 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 species in China, expanding its known geographical distribution.