Dacrymyces tortus fruiting on a pine log, Helsinki, Finland (collection Otto Miettinen 22908) [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

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. 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.

Dacrymyces tortus OMC1693

Dacrymyces tortus is a common decomposer of pine branches. First described in Northern Europe, it is considered widely spread over the Northern hemisphere (McNabb 1973, Reid 1974), though the species has been treated in a collective sense until now. Dacrymyces tortus fruiting bodies are jelly-like, brown pustules on wood, a few millimeters in diameter. Although the species is common and grows in masses, it is easy to overlook unlike yellow-colored Dacrymyces species.

Dacrymyces tortus belongs to the family Cerinomycetaceae of the Dacrymycetales. It is thus rather distantly related to other Dacrymyces species, almost all of which belong to the family Dacrymycetaceae. This genome will be helpful in resolving relationships within the Dacrymycetales and establishing a DNA-based classification of the order. Dacrymycetes are the earliest diverging extant lineage of wood-decaying basidiomycetes (Nagy et al. 2016). It would appear that this lineage has developed its wood-decay capability independently from the rest of basidiomycetes. By comparing their wood-decay related proteins to other wood-decay basidiomycetes, we hope to gain insight into mechanisms and origins of wood-decay ability.

The genome strain of Dacrymyces tortus derives from a spore print of fruiting bodies that grew on a pine log in Helsinki, Southern Finland (coll. Miettinen 21529).

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master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