Anomoporia kamtschatica fruiting on charred pine wood in Finland (collection Otto Miettinen 21823, origin of the genome strain) [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

In the “1KFG: Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya” project (CSP1974), we are sequencing keystone lineages of plant-interacting fungi and saprophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance for understanding terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, comparative genome analysis with saprotrophic, mycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi will provide new insights into the specific and conserved adaptations associated with each fungal lifestyle.

Anomoporia kamtschatica OMC 1758

The fungus Anomoporia kamtschatica was described from the Kamtchatka Peninsula in Northeast Asia, as the name suggests, and later again from the French Alps under the name A. ambigua. This polypore species forms white, effused and fragile fruiting bodies on very rotten conifer wood, usually pines, and is found throughout the boreal and northern temperate zones of Eurasia and North America (Niemelä 1994, Rivoire 2020). The species is associated with brown-rot wood, and may be soil inhabiting, consuming wood-remnants in the soil. At least in Europe it prefers old pine forest, is used as an indicator species of high conservation value (Niemelä 2016) and is found in Red Lists of several European countries such as Norway and Sweden.

Anomoporia kamtschatica belongs to the order Amylocorticiales (Binder et al. 2010). This order contains a mix of white-rot and brown-rot fungi, and offers a good subject in studying evolution of wood decay modes. The genome will help to determine wood-decay capabilities of A. kamtschatica, and contribute to comparative studies on enzymatic basis of wood decomposition. Furthermore, although the species is related to the type species of Anomoporia, A. bombycina, it is not clear if the two should be placed in one genus. It appears that closest relatives of these Anomoporia species are corticioid fungi and not other Anomoporia (Niemelä et al. 2007). Phylogenetic information provided by the genome will prove helpful in solving this riddle as well.

The genome strain was collected in Central Finland in Kainuu region in a rocky pine forest, and is polysporic.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master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