Molecular phylogenetics of the Umbelopsis genus—identification of new species and evaluation of their oil application value.

This article focuses on the taxonomic reconstruction and lipid characterization of the fungal genus Umbelopsis, including the description of a new species, Umbelopsis ophiocordycipiticola. Using morphological traits and multilocus phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, and ACT genes, the study identified three Umbelopsis species and established U. ophiocordycipiticola as a novel species distinguished by its sporangia and sporangiospore morphology. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that U. ophiocordycipiticola has a notably high oil content (up to 50.89% dry cell weight) with a substantial proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. All three species demonstrated fatty acid profiles suitable for biodiesel production, meeting standards set by the American Association for Testing and Materials (ASTM 6751) and the Brazilian National Petroleum Agency (ANP 255), with U. ophiocordycipiticola showing particular promise for both biofuel and nutraceutical applications.