Mytilinidiaceae sp. NC0267 was isolated in culture from surface-sterilized, photosynthetic tissue of the eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae), near Highlands, North Carolina as part of a study examining endophytic and endolichenic fungal communities across North America (U’Ren et al., 2012). We identified this isolate as an unidentified species of Mytilinidiaceae (Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes, Mytilinidiales) using ITS-partial LSU rDNA sequencing. Described species of Mytilinidiaceae are often found in temperate climates as saprotrophs of wood, bark, resin, cones, scales, needles, seeds, and roots of gymnosperms (Boehm et al., 2009). Although less common, they have also been recovered from angiosperms (Boehm et al., 2009). Decomposition studies involving members of Mytilinidiaceae suggest the lack of litter decomposition indicate in order to persist in later stages of decomposition, the dependence on other decomposers might be needed (Boberg et al., 2011). As an endophyte, NC0267 is particularly useful for comparative genomic analyses to examine nutrient acquisition and substrate use in this diverse family.
References:
Boberg, J.B., K. Ihrmark, B. Lindahl. 2011. Decomposing capacity
of fungi commonly detected in Pinus sylvestris needle
litter. Fungal Ecology. 4:110-114.
Boehm, E.W.A, C. L. Schoch, J.W. Spatafora. 2009. On the evolution of the Hysteriaceae and Mytilinidiaceae (Pleosporomycetidae, Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) using four nuclear genes. Mycological Research. 113: 461–479.
U’Ren, J. M., F. Lutzoni, J. Miadlikowska, A. Laetsch & A.E. Arnold. 2012. Host and geographic structure of endophytic and endolichenic fungi at a continental scale. American Journal of Botany. 99: 898–914.