Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Book chapter2012Peer reviewed

Genetics of amylostereum species associated with siricidae woodwasps

Van, der, Nest, M.; Wingfield, B.; Wingfield, M.; Stenlid, J.; Vasaitis, R.; Slippers, B.

Abstract

The basidiomycete fungi, Amylostereum areolatum, A. chailletii and A. laevigatum, are closely associated with various Siricid woodwasps. DNA-based studies have shown that specific Siricid species always carry the same Amylostereum species, suggesting that the association between the fungus and woodwasp is specific. Of these associations, the A. areolatum and Sirex noctilio complex represent an important threat to pine based forestry in countries where it has been introduced. For this reason, various molecular tools have been used to study the phylogenetics, population genetics and genomics of Amylostereum spp., particularly A. areolatum. The phylogenetic studies revealed an evolutionary relationship between Amylostereum species and Echinodontium species, as well as with Russula species, Heterobasidion species and Peniophora species. Studies making use of vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) and molecular markers investigating the population biology of A. areolatum and A. chailletii have increased our knowledge regarding the diversity and spread of these fungi. Molecular studies have also shed light on how the association with the wasp has influenced the ecology, biology and evolution of the fungal partner. Due to the association between the fungus and the woodwasp the fungus is asexually distributed, resulting in the presence of dispersive clonal lineages which are preserved over time. Despite the asexual spread by the wasp, sexual reproduction continues to play an important part in the biology of these fungi. Amylostereum spp. are heterothallic and have a tetrapolar mating system. Recent studies suggest that these mating type genes appear to be similar in structure and function to that of other Homobasidiomycete fungi. Here we review these recent developments and opportunities for future research.

Published in

Title: The Sirex Woodwasp and its Fungal Symbiont: Research and Management of a Worldwide Invasive Pest
Publisher: Springer

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science
Genetics and Genomics

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1960-6_6
  • ISBN: 978-94-007-1959-0
  • eISBN: 978-94-007-1960-6

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/132246