Home • Alternaria sp. UNIPAMPA017 v1.0
A mycelial culture of Alternaria sp.
A mycelial culture of Alternaria sp.
Image Credit: Fabiola Lucini, Filipe de Carvalho Victoria
The Antarctic hair grass
The Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica)
Photo credit: Fabiola Lucini, Filipe de Carvalho Victoria

In the “1KFG: Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya” project (CSP1974), we aim to sequence additional sampling of genomic diversity within keystone lineages of plant-interacting fungi and saprophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance for understanding terrestrial ecosystems.

The sequencing of Alternaria sp. is part of a study aiming at sequencing the genomes of numerous phylogenetically diverse endophytic fungi for further comparative genome analysis. Unravelling the genomic signatures reflecting the adaptation of these microbes to the host cell environment represent a promising way to better understand how the endophytic lifestyle evolved in phylogenetically unrelated fungal species. Comparative genome analysis between different plant hosts, and between saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, and pathogenic fungi will provide new insights into the specific adaptations but also the conserved signatures associated with these different lifestyles.

Alternaria sp. UNIPAMPA017, a fungus from Antarctica
The genus Alternaria (Ascomycota, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales) is cosmopolitan group. Many species are common saprobes found in a variety of habitats. Some are plant pathogens causing indefinite or opportunistic diseases on a large number of crops, while others can occasionally infect humans. Several Alternaria strains are also found as endophytes within plant tissues. Several species of Alternaria have been isolated from the Antarctic hair grass Deschampsia antarctica (Poaceae) and Colobanthus quitensis (Caryophyllaceae). In addition to flowering plants, Alternaria has been described in association with different species of mosses in Antarctica. Alternaria strain UNIPAMPA017 was isolated from healthy leaves of the Antarctic hair grass, one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica and the southernmost flowering plant.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr. Francis Martin) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).