Russula sp. SA2 PSC4686 TL3132
The genus Russula is large with more than 1600 species worldwide. Many form generally large and colourful mushroom-like fruiting bodies with brittle stems and others are truffle-like, fruiting underground. They form ectomycorrhizal associations with trees, supplying the tree with minerals and water in return for products of photosynthesis. Russula sp. SA2 PSC4686 TL3132 is associated with the large eucalypt known as Messmate or Stringybark, Eucalyptus obliqua, which occurs broadly across south-eastern Australia. The accompanying field image includes the specimen from which this genome was sourced. The collection was made in Deep Creek Conservation Park in South Australia as part of a project investigating the transition from mushroom-like fungi to truffle-like fungi. Comparison of the genomes of Russula sp. SA2 with truffle-like Russulas is anticipated to help understand this transition toward a subterranean lifestyle which is believed to be an adaptation to a drying climate, a trait with economic potential in future forestry. We request that researchers wishing to publish analyses of this genome prior to its publication by the consortium to please email [email protected] and JGI for permission.
