A cluster of Thelephora terrestris fruiting bodies. Photo credit: Francis Martin (INRA)

Within the framework of the JGI Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative (MGI) and the 1000 Fungal Genomes project, we are sequencing a phylogenetically and ecologically diverse suite of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycotina, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota), which include the major clades of symbiotic species associating with trees and woody shrubs. Analyses of these genomes is providing new insights into the diversity of mechanisms leading to the development of mycorrhizal symbioses. These genomic resources are also used to address fundamental questions in the evolution of the symbiotic species from their saprotrophic and endophytic cousins.

The Earthfan fungus, Thelephora terrestris Ehrh.

Thelephora terrestris (Agaricomycetes, Thelephorales, Thelephoraceae) is a strange, spreading fungus that crawls through needle litter under conifer plantations, making clustered rosette-like fans. The caps are typically a shade of fairly dark brown, with whitish margins. It establishes ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with pines, but can associate with eucalypts and other broadleaf trees. Sometimes, fruiting bodies are found lightly attached to rotting conifer wood suggesting this fungus may have a saprophytic capacity. The culture of T. terrestris UH-Tt-Lm1 has been provided by Joske Ruytinx and François Rinaud (Hasselt University). It was obtained from a spore print from a sporocarp collected underneath Pinus sylvestris at Lommel-Maatheide (Belgium).
Another Thelephora species found in subtropical Asia, Th. ganbajun, has been sequenced within the framework of the MGI.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Francis Martin) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications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