About

Professor M. Catherine Aime leads the Aime Lab at Purdue University, located within the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in West Lafayette, Indiana. Her research centers on the systematics and biodiversity of Basidiomycota, with a particular focus on the earliest diverging lineages including Pucciniomycotina, Ustilaginomycotina, and Wallemiomycetes. The lab also investigates the biodiversity of basidiomycetes in tropical ecosystems, employing a diverse array of tools and methods ranging from genomics to field studies conducted in remote regions. This multidisciplinary approach addresses the study of these vastly underexplored fungi, contributing to a deeper understanding of fungal diversity and evolution. Dr. Aime serves as the Director of the Kriebel Herbarium (PUL) and the Arthur Fungarium (PUR), the latter recognized as one of the most important collections of rust fungi (Pucciniales) worldwide. Additionally, the lab maintains Rust HUBB, a DNA barcode database designed for the identification of rust fungi, supporting diagnostic and taxonomic efforts in mycology.

Research topics

• Biology
• Genetics
• Computational biology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Sociology
• Computer Science
• Political Science
• Economics
• Natural resource economics
• Geography
• Zoology
• Development economics
• Economic growth
• Business

Selected publications

• Forest tree diversity is dependent on both mycorrhizal type and scale

  PLoS Pathogens · 2026-04-20

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  The diversity of forest communities is intricately shaped by the mycorrhizal associations that trees form with soil fungi. Mycorrhizae, which are mutualistic relationships between fungi and plants, play pivotal roles in nutrient exchange and tree survival. This review explores how the type of mycorrhizal association-arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM)-impacts forest tree diversity across various scales. AM fungi dominate tropical forests, potentially contributing to high species richness, while ECM fungi are more prevalent in temperate regions, where they often correlate with lower diversity. We discuss how these associations influence soil properties, plant-soil feedback, and seedling establishment, ultimately shaping forest structure. We also examine the complexity of the relationship between mycorrhizal type and tree species richness, noting the differences in patterns observed across different spatial scales. As research continues, it will be crucial to examine local dynamics in underrepresented regions and explore how mycorrhizal interactions change over time to understand their role in maintaining forest biodiversity. By considering these dynamics, we can better predict how forests will respond to environmental changes and develop strategies for preserving and restoring forest ecosystems.

  PublisherDOI

• First report of Uromyces aecidiiformis causing leaf rust on Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) in Iran

  Australasian Plant Pathology · 2026-02-19

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Fungal diversity notes 2017–2122: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to freshwater fungi and other fungal taxa

  Fungal Diversity · 2025-09-29 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  This article is the 19th contribution to the fungal diversity notes series, in which 106 taxa distributed in 3 phyla, 11 classes, 35 orders, and 64 families are treated. Taxa described in the present study include a new family, 5 new genera, 69 new species, 3 new combinations, 25 new host, habitat, and geographical records, a new name, a new collection, as well as reinstating a previously suppressed genus. The newly established family is Parasporidesmiaceae and the five new genera described herein are Dematiodidymosporum, Neoacrogenospora, Parasporidesmium, Speluncomyces, and Uniomyces. The 69 new species are Acrocalymma triseptatum, Agaricus darjeelingensis, Annellophorella aquatica, Anteaglonium menghaiense, Balsamia microspora, Bambusicola dehongensis, Barriopsis menglaense, Benjaminiomyces bergonzoi, Camporesiomyces aquaticus, Camporesiomyces wurfbainiae, Cercospora palmata, Chrysomphalina cantharella, Colletotrichum heteropanacicola, Conioscypha guizhouensis, Conioscypha yadongensis, Cora dalfornoae, Cylindromonium brasiliense, Dematiodidymosporum aquaticum, Distoseptispora dinghuensis, Distoseptispora zunyiensis, Ebollia neocarnea, Eudimeromyces aequatorialis, Eudimeromyces euconni, Funalia indica, Fuscosporella ovalis, Fuscosporella yunnanensis, Halobasidium csapodyae, Halokirschsteiniothelia hunanensis, Hongkongmyces xishuangbannaensis, Inocybe ispartaensis, Laboulbenia neofrancoisiana, Lachnella kunmingensis, Lasmenia thailandica, Leptospora cannabini, Lycoperdon sridharii, Myxospora neomasonii, Natipusilla aquatica, Neoacrogenospora aquatica, Neomassaria sinensis, Neovaginatispora juglandis, Niesslia yunnanensis, Ophiocordyceps aseptatospora, Oxneriaria sheosarensis, Paramicrosphaeropsis vitis, Paramyrothecium strychni, Parapaucispora aquatica, Parasporidesmium aquaticum, Parmelia neosaxatilis, Periconia bambusicola, Periconia neohongheensis, Peroneutypa thailandica, Polyozellus albus, Porina magnoliae, Porostereum subspadiceum, Pseudosperma subvolvatum, Pseudothyridariella caseariae, Rhexocercosporidium ferulae, Russula rubroglutinata, Septoriella iranica, Seriascoma asexuale, Sesquicillium flavum, Sirastachys zhongkaiensis, Speluncomyces lunatus, Sporidesmiella yunnanensis, Striaticonidium xishuangbannaensis, Trametopsis indica, Tulostoma hyderabadensis, Uniomyces hakkeijimanus, and Virgaria guizhouensis. The three new combinations are Lycoperdon alpinum, Lycoperdon lloydii, and Lycoperdon macrogemmae. The 25 new records comprise Acremonium sclerotigenum, Agroathelia rolfsii, Alfaria terrestris, Aspergillus cejpii, Colletotrichum brevisporum, Coriolopsis brunneoleuca, Coriolopsis hainanensis, Cytospora tamaricicola, Fomitopsis malicola, Fulvifomes fastuosus, Fulvifomes thailandicus, Funalia cystidiata, Funalia subgallica, Longididymella vitalbae, Lopharia mirabilis, Metarhizium viridulum, Neopestalotiopsis haikouensis, Occultibambusa aquatica, Phaeoacremonium scolyti, Phaeocytostroma virdimurae, Puccinia mysuruensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Serpula similis, Trametes ellipsospora, and Vamsapriya shiwandashanensis. In addition, the new name is Irpiciporus pseudoxuchilensis, and the new collection is Aspergillus sydowii. The previously suppressed genus Eudimeromyces has been taxonomically reinstated.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• <i>Asproinocybe pakistanica</i> sp. nov. and <i>A. daleyae</i> .: first representatives of the genus Asproinocybe from Pakistan

  Nordic Journal of Botany · 2025-10-17

  articleOpen access

  Asproinocybe paksitanica sp. nov. is described as a novel species and Asproinocybe daleyae as a new country record from moist temperate forest in Pakistan, based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically the new species is characterized by a pileus with variable shades from light to chocolate brown, violet lamellae, light brown stipe (light purplish close to the lamellae) with prominently white striations. Microscopically, it possesses characteristic ellipsoid, nodulose basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses of the nrDNA ITS region support that it belongs to Asproinocybe , a comparatively rare genus with few species so far reported. A phenotypical and phylogenetical comparison with allied taxa confirms our species as a new taxon and closest to A. sinensis .

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Seasonal Turnover and Functional Structure of the Foliar Mycobiota in a Gondwanan Temperate Forest Keystone Tree

  Journal of Fungi · 2025-11-07 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Fungal communities inhabiting leaves are key players in ecosystem processes but remain largely unexplored in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests. We characterized the foliar mycobiota of Nothofagus pumilio, a dominant deciduous tree in Patagonian forests, using ITS1 metabarcoding across seasons and tree health conditions. We detected 426 fungal taxa, including a 40-Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) core mycobiome persisting year-round. Fungal richness and biomass increased significantly in autumn, coinciding with leaf senescence, and community composition shifted markedly between seasons. Spring leaves were enriched in pathogens and basidiomycetous yeasts, while autumn leaves hosted more saprotrophs, ascomycetous yeasts, and lichen-associated fungi. Tree health had limited influence on overall community structure, but symptomatic trees showed higher ASV richness and specific indicator taxa, including the pathogen Trichosporiella multisporum and members of the Taphrinaceae and Saccotheciaceae families. Despite taxonomic turnover, ecological guilds remained relatively stable, suggesting functional redundancy. These findings reveal a seasonal successional trajectory in the foliar mycobiota of N. pumilio, from early-colonizing endophytes in spring to diverse decomposer assemblages in autumn. This study provides the first high-throughput insight into the structure and dynamics of foliar fungal communities in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests, offering a baseline for understanding microbial roles in forest health and resilience.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A taxonomic revision of <i>Aureobasidium</i> (<i>Saccotheciaceae</i>, <i>Dothideales</i>) with new species, new names, and typifications

  Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi · 2025-05-15 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  : 147-195. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.05.

  PublisherDOI

• Nematocidal activity of fungal filtrates on eggs and juveniles of five species of sedentary endoparasitic nematodes

  Journal of Nematology · 2025-02-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Research efforts are needed to develop new biocontrol strategies against plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) to replace chemicals and maintain sustainable crop production. In this study, filtrates obtained from fungi isolated from cyst nematodes (Heteroderidae) were evaluated for activity against eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of five PPNs: Globdera ellingtonae, Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne incognita , M. hapla , and M. chitwoodi . Initially, filtrates of 42 fungal isolates were evaluated for effects on G. ellingtonae and H. glycines egg viability. After the initial screening, six of the fungal isolates were selected for further evaluation against additional PPN eggs and J2 based upon evidence of usage in other studies, fast growth, and frequency of isolation. Filtrates from Alternaria tenuissima JB217, Fusarium acaciae-mearnsii JB201, Purpureocillium lilacinum JB209, and Trichoderma virens JB98 reduced H. glycines egg viability by &gt;80%. Aureobasium sp. JB70, F. proliferatum JB173, and P. lilacinum JB209 reduced G. ellingtonae egg viability by &gt;50% but had negligible effect on the J2 stage of this nematode. Filtrate from F. acaciae-mearnsii JB201was the most lethal against PPNs, immobilizing ~100% of J2 of all nematode species while filtrate from A. tenuissima JB217 only immobilized J2 of G. ellingtonae, M. chitwoodi , and M. hapla . These fungal filtrates are therefore promising alternative sources of natural bioactive substances for the potential management of PPNs.

  PublisherDOI

• Real-time PCR assay detection of Hemileia vastatrix, causative agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR)

  Journal of Plant Pathology · 2025-08-11

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Transcriptomic resource and hormonal profiling of the smut fungus, <i>Ustilago esculenta</i>, coexisting with <i>Zizania latifolia</i> and forming Makomotake

  Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry · 2025-06-06

  article

  Ustilago esculenta is a smut fungus that parasitizes Zizania latifolia, forming edible fungal galls known as Makomotake. In this study, we quantified indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) produced in liquid-cultured U. esculenta and in fungal galls at different growth stages. IAA was detected in both samples, and its content showed a tendency to increase during the mature growth stage in October. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis was performed to investigate gene expression changes in U. esculenta during different developmental stages. The gene involved in spore maturation was upregulated in October, consistent with fungal maturation. Moreover, numerous genes with unknown functions were significantly upregulated, highlighting potential targets for further investigation. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal gall development and the symbiotic relationship between U. esculenta and Z. latifolia, providing a foundation for future research on fungal-plant interactions.

  PublisherDOI

• Checklist of Rust Fungi (Basidiomycota, Pucciniales) and their hosts in Indiana, United States of America

  MycoKeys · 2025-08-29

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Rust fungi (Pucciniales) comprise a large group of ecologically and economically important plant pathogens distributed globally where their hosts grow. The first published study of rusts in Indiana was carried out 131 years ago, and a revised checklist of all Pucciniales for Indiana has not been compiled since the works of Jackson from 1917 to 1920. Efforts to compile a checklist five years ago revealed a dire need for revision due to taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. We examined historical records, including online databases and literature, as well as new and historical collections in the Arthur Fungarium (PUR) at Purdue University. We provide an annotated checklist of all known species of rust fungi occurring in 90/92 Indiana counties. Names in prior records have been updated to reflect the current classifications for this group, with cross-reference to older names. A total of 301 Pucciniales taxa across 32 genera and their host species have been verified. This work serves as a resource for statewide plant disease diagnosticians and records the extant rust fungal biodiversity in Indiana to guide research efforts, resource management, and conservation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Collaborative Research: PurSUiT: Species diversity and evolution of parasitic microfungi

  NSF · $740k · 2021–2026

• Dissertation Research: Disentangling a Potential Tri-Kingdom Mutualism in the Guiana Shield

  NSF · $20k · 2015–2017

• Collaborative Research: Diversity and Evolution of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi of the Guineo-Congolian Rainforest

  NSF · $588k · 2016–2019

• CSBR: Natural History Collections: Essential Improvements for the Arthur Fungarium at Purdue University

  NSF · $414k · 2015–2019

• Collaborative Research: PurSUit: A phylogenetic, genomic, and functional framework for the environmentally diverse and poorly characterized fungal class, Leotiomycete

  NSF · $221k · 2020–2026

Frequent coauthors

• Terry W. Henkel

  California State Polytechnic University

  60 shared

• Danny Haelewaters

  Ghent University

  45 shared

• Rachel A. Koch

  United States Department of Agriculture

  22 shared

• M. Abbasi

  University of British Columbia

  22 shared

• David L. Hawksworth

  19 shared

• Matthew E. Smith

  University of Florida

  18 shared

• Timothy J. Baroni

  SUNY Cortland

  18 shared

• Conrad L. Schoch

  National Institutes of Health

  17 shared

Labs

• Aime LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Biology

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

  2001