Anomoloma albolutescens, Finland, Miettinen 20469 (source of the genome strain) [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

The Anomoloma albolutescens genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP “1000 Fungal Genomes – Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya” project. Within the framework of this project, we are sequencing keystone lineages of saprophytic, mycorrhizal, and endophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance. Dozens of sequenced species were harvested from Long Term Observatories to serve as the foundation for a reference database for metagenomics of fungi and for a comprehensive survey of the soil fungal metatranscriptome.

Anomoloma albolutescens is a wood-inhabating fungus found widely in the boreal and temperate zones of Eurasia and North America, though this species is rare everywhere. Its polypore-like, effused basidiomes are relatively short-lived and found under heavily decomposed logs in mesic and rich conifer forests. This species produces abundant, yellow rhizomorphs contrasting to its white pore surface, having given it the name albolutescens. Aided by its rhizomorphs, this species seems to spread vegetatively over short distances from log to log, possibly also decomposing wood fragments buried in the soil. Based on field observations this species seems to produce white rot, but its decomposition system has never been studied in detail. This species prefers old-growth spruce forests with abundant dead wood and is quite rare in Europe, where it has been included in national red lists of several countries such as Finland (VU), Norway (EN) and Sweden (CR).

Anomoloma albolutescens was formerly treated under Anomoporia, but segregated from that genus by Niemelä et al. (2007). Anomoporia are brown rot fungi while Anomoloma is supposedly white rot. Both genera are included in the small order Amylocorticiales (Binder et al. 2009), which includes a mix of both white and brown rot species. This diversity of wood decomposition strategies in Amylocorticiales makes the order a good object for studying evolutionary transitions between the two rot types.

The 1KFG project is a large collaborative effort aiming for master publication(s). Please do contact the PI for 1KFG - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya (Dr. Francis Martin) for permission prior to the use of any data in publications.