Four New Species of Harringtonia: Unravelling the Laurel Wilt Fungal Genus
, You Li 2,†, Tuan A. Duong 3, Matthew E. Smith 4, Sawyer Adams 2 and Jiri Hulcr 1,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear authors and editors, Here is the review of the manuscript entitled "Four New Species of Harringtonia: Unravelling the Laurel Wilt Fungal Genus" written by João Paulo Machado de Araújo & co-authors.
The paper aims to describe four new species of bark beetle symbiotic fungal genus Harringtonia as new to science. The authors have used integrative taxonomic methods based on molecular and morphological characters. All new species were distinguished from already described species based on molecular analysis shown in the phylogenetic tree performed using concatenated dataset of LSU, ITS and ß-tubulin marker genes. The most important morphological differences between related species were highlighted. The level of pathogenicity of all new species on redbay (Persea borbonia) was tested and none of the fungal species caused any symptoms of disease.
Authors followed the newest International code of nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The descriptions and molecular analysis used in the study are well done. In methods section there are no description of morphological methods. Also, microscopical techniques used for examination of microcharacters are not marked in the figure legends (brightfield vs. DIC). Geographical coordinates of holotype collections should be added. Mycobank numbers should be added for valid descriptions of the species. Other than that the manuscript is of a very good quality.
All suggested corrections/additions are included in the attached review of the manuscript file (pdf).
Best, Reviewer
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Dear Reviewer 1,
The authors would like to thank you for the contributions. We have accepted and incorporated your comments into the current version.
Thank you,
João Araújo
Reviewer 2 Report
The paper entitled “Four New Species of Harringtonia: Unravelling the Laurel Wilt Fungal Genus” by Araújo et al. regards the characterization of four novel anamorphic taxa in Harringtonia. This genus is an interesting and less-studied group whose members are associated with beetles. Therefore, the discovery of new species within this genus is really important to help researchers better understand the diversity and ecology of this group of fungi.
I believe the article is valuable and well presented, but I have some minor comments.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Dear Reviewer 2,
The authors would like to thank you for the contributions. We have accepted and incorporated your comments into the current version.
Thank you,
João Araújo
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear editors and authors,
The paper is very much improved according to my suggestions and in my opinion it is ready for publication in JoF now.
Best, Reviewer
