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Ectomycorrhizal roots of Castanea mollissima seedlings colonized by Scleroderma yunnanense [Image credit: Huchen Li]

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. The present genome has been sequenced within the framework of the Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative, a project aiming to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of mutualistic mycorrhizal symbioses.

The Common Earthball, Scleroderma yunnanense

Scleroderma yunnanense (Sclerodermataceae, Boletales) is a very common and widespread ectomycorrhizal gasteromycete species which produces large conspicuous sporocarps, so-called "earthballs", in different forest environments or adjacent to forest areas. S. yunnanense sporocarps appear early in the fruiting succession of ectomycorrhizal fungi. This is an early stage ectomycorrhizal fungus, and primary colonizer of mining wastes, which enables it to spread rapidly and to colonize young root systems of numerous tree species. The Scleroderma genus has a worldwide range and S. yunnanense is commonly recorded in the temperate and subtropic regions from the Northern hemisphere.

The present mycelial strain, so-called "jo.", has been isolated from a young fruiting body growing under chestnut trees (Castanea mollissima) in Jianou county, Fujian province, China. This strain is used to establish ectomycorrhizal roots in vitro with Castanea mollissima and Quercus mongolica seedlings.

The genomes of the S. citrinum strains Foug A and hr., collected in Northeastern France and China respectively, have also been sequenced by JGI.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from this unpublished CSP genome are respectfully required to contact the PIs (Drs. Francis Martin and Huchen Li) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).