Suillus subaureus photographed by Nhu Nguyen, August, 2014. Lake Alexander SNA, Minnesota.

Suillus subaureus

Suillus subaureus is an ectomycorrhizal mushroom-forming fungus in the family Boletaceae. Although other species in the genus Suillus are well known for forming highly host-specific relationships with trees in the family Pineaceae, S. subaureus may have the capacity to operate as a host generalist rather than a specialist. S. subaureus may hold the unique distinction of being the only Suillus species that forms mycorrhizas on angiosperm hosts, including Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Black Oak (Q. velutina) and possibly Aspen spp. (Kuo & Methven 2010, Lofgren et al. in review). Interestingly, although S. subaureus also forms mycorrhizas with the Pinaceae hosts Pinus strobus, and Larix laricina under laboratory conditions, S. subaureus seems to be exclusively associated with angiosperms under field conditions.

Although S. subaureus is a relatively rare species, Suillus as a genus is one of the most common ectomycorrhizal symbionts of the pine family (Pinaceae) in the northern hemisphere. Commonly known as ‘Slippery Jacks’, the mushrooms of this genus provide food for both wildlife and humans. Suillus species have been used in forest restoration following natural and human-made disturbances, have potential for bioremediation (mycoremediation), and likely play an important role in facilitating soil carbon sequestration in mycorrhizal forests.

This genome is part of the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project. Please contact the PI for permission prior to the use of any data in publications.

References:
Kuo M, Methven A. 2010. 100 Cool Mushrooms. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.