Nidula sp. CBS 380.80 grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media for 2 months. Water droplets are visible on top of white mycelium. [Photo credit: Nattapol Kraisitudomsook]

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.

Nidula sp. CBS 380.80

Nidula sp. is a bird's nest fungus (family Nidulariaceae, class Agaricomycetes). All bird’s nest fungi are saprotrophic and grow on decaying wood. They have the ability to degrade lignin and are thus considered white rot fungi (Wicklow et al. 1984). Phylogenetically, the genus Nidula is closely related to Nidularia despite vast differences in morphology (Kraisitudomsook et al. 2021). Nidula species have medium to large peridioles (egg-like spore cases which contain the sexual spores and the spore-generating cells called basidia) when compared to other members of the group. Similar to Crucibulum species, members of Nidula have cupulate white peridia (an outer covering of the fruiting body that resembles a small nest) and epiphragms (a lid on the peridium that covers the peridioles when they are young). However, unlike species of Crucibulum, Nidula species lack funiculi (specialized cords that attach the peridioles to the peridium) (Brodie 1975). Nidula species are found in places with a temperate climate but are rarely collected.

Because Nidula species lack funiculi which are present in other bird’s nest fungi genera (Cyathus and Crucibulum), the genome of this Nidula species will be helpful in future efforts to understand the development of this key morphological trait in the family. We could not identify this isolate to the species level because it was isolated long ago (apparently by HJ Brodie), and the specimen seems to be lost. Although Brodie initially identified this isolate as Nidula niveotomentosa, a recent phylogenetic analysis showed that this isolate represents a unique species that is only distantly related to any of the known species (Kraisitudomsook et al. 2021). The genome will also help to better understand the biology of this group in general, including the cellular machinery and enzymes that these fungi use to compete with other organisms in the forest.

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).