First record of Bartalinia kevinhydei (Sporocadaceae, Ascomycota) associated with the stroma of Ophiocordyceps sp. in India

Bartalinia kevinhydei is reported here for the first time from India, where it was isolated from the stromata of Ophiocordyceps sp. and displaying a saprobic or endophytic lifestyle. This discovery expands both geographic and ecological range of the species. Initial identification relied on cultural and morphological characteristics, followed by confirmation through ITS-rDNA and nrLSU sequence data and phylogenetic analysis. Based on a combined dataset of ITS-LSU sequence data, it was revealed that the present isolate shared a common clade with reference sequences of B. kevinhydei previously reported from Thailand, where it was associated with teak (Tectona grandis) leaf spot disease. However, there are no records from India on its occurrence and association with any substrate or host. This discovery represents the first global instance of B. kevinhydei associated with Ophiocordyceps stroma, revealing new insights into the species distribution and ecological versatility.