The strain F. claudopus CIRM-BRFM 2984 was isolated by David NAVARRO (CIRM-CF) in 2019, from a fungal specimen collected by Robert CAZENAVE in 2018 (November), growing on branch of Oak tree in the south of France (voucher AMB49273, Agnos, France). [Photo credit: Robert CAZENAVE]

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.

Favolaschia claudopus (Singer) Q.Y. Zhang & C. Dai is a wood-inhabiting fungus, belonging to the Marasmiaceae family. It was earlier treated as a variety of Favolaschia calocera R. Heim and has recently raised to species rank (Zhang et al., 2021). F. claudopus is considered as an invasive species, first observed in Madagascar before spreading to New Zealand. Today, it is encountered in all continents, in both tropical and continental climates. The introduction of this species is clearly of human origin and accidental, and its establishment could be favored in habitats disturbed by human activity. Mycologists are concerned that the adaptation capabilities of F. claudopus could endanger local fungal species.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master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