Image Credit: Gábor M. Kovács
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.
Curvularia inaequalis belongs to the family Pleosporaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). Curvularia species have diverse lifestyles and the genus comprises important plant pathogens, saprobes and mutualistic plant symbionts. C. inaequalis represents the enigmatic root colonizing dark septate endophytes (DSE). DSEs are common in various ecosystems especially in semiarid, arid environments from where the C. inaequalis strain DSE1156 also originates. This species may colonize not only roots but the above-ground tissues of various plant species, mainly in grasslands. Due their potential positive effect on plant nutrient uptake, performance, survival and induced resistance of host plants, this DSE might help us to get insight to these important mechanisms of this less understood plant-fungal symbiosis.
Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr. Francis Martin) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).
