Home • Lophodermium piceae NOR1-14_p44 v1.0
Culture of Lophodermium piceae NOR1-14_p44 growing on 2% malt extract agar. The image was taken at 28 days by Marie Leys.
Culture of Lophodermium piceae NOR1-14_p44 growing on 2% malt extract agar. The image was taken at 28 days by Marie Leys.

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.

Lophodermium piceae NOR1-14_p44

Lophodermium piceae is an ascomycete belonging to the class Leotiomycetes within the family Rhytismataceae, and represents an abundant foliar endophyte of spruce (Picea). This species is widely distributed in the Northern hemisphere. In Europe, L. piceae is mostly found in Norway spruce (Picea abies). When needles are dying due to natural senescence or stress, the fungus form fruit bodies and produce ascospores, which will be discharged into the air and infect new emerging needles. The fungus can occur inter- and intra-cellularly in restricted tissue areas in green needles, and can colonize up to 90% of needles in all the host’s growth stages. Multiple isolates often infect the same needle. While this species is ubiquitous and has been shown to play an important role in needle-litter decomposition in boreal forests, the genome sequencing of L. piceae NOR1-14_p44 will be critical to understanding the evolutionary history and ecology of the fungus, elucidate past and current patterns of gene flow and study the genetic bases of host adaptation of fungal endophytes. L. piceae NOR1-14_p44 was isolated from healthy green needles of Picea abies sampled in Solhomfjell, Norway.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master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