It is a cosmopolitan genus commonly distributed in tropical and temperate regions.[1] The species occur as saprobes (processing of decayed (dead or waste) organic matter), pathogens and some species have been isolated as soil inhabitants (Brayford 1993;[2] Chaverri et al. 2011).[3]
Neonectria was linked to the asexual genus Cylindrocarpon. Later phylogenetic analysis revealed that Neonectria and Cylindrocarpon are
phylogenetically congeneric and they are not monophyletic (Mantiri et al. 2001;[4] Brayford et al. 2004;[5] Seifert et al. 2003).[6]
A taxonomic revision of Neonectriasensu lato was provided by Chaverri et al. in 2011,[3] based on multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, morphological characters and ecological data. Their phylogenetic analysis showed five distinct highly supported clades that correspond to some extent with the informal Neonectria and Cylindrocarpon groups. Hence, three genera llyonectria, Rugonectria and Thelonectria were introduced to accommodate three Neonectriasensu lato informal groups.[3]
'Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa' by Wijayawardene et al. lists up to 30 species (in 2020),[7] and around 25 records are listed by Species Fungorum,[8] and GBIF.[1]
^Mantiri, F.R.; Samuels, G.J.; Rahe, J.E.; Honda, B.M. (2001). "Phylogenetic relationship in Neonectria species having Cylindrocarpon anamorphs inferred from mitochondrial ribosomal DNA sequences". Canadian Journal of Botany. 79 (3): 334–340. doi:10.1139/b01-002.
^Brayford, D.; Honda, B.M.; Mantiri, F.R.; Samuels, G.J. (2004). "Neonectria and Cylindrocarpon: the Nectria mammoidea group and species lacking macroconidia". Mycologia. 96 (3): 572–597. doi:10.1080/15572536.2005.11832955. PMID21148879. S2CID218589904.
