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The genome sequence of the Oak Polypore, Buglossoporus quercinus (Schrad.) Kotl. & Pouzar

Summary

Scientists have completed a full genetic map of the oak polypore, a rare and threatened mushroom that only grows on ancient oak trees. This mushroom is protected by law in the UK because it is becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss and isolation. The detailed genetic blueprint will help scientists develop better strategies to protect and restore populations of this important forest fungus, potentially through carefully planned translocation programs.

Background

Buglossoporus quercinus, the oak polypore, is a rare brown-rot fungus endemic to oak trees and a flagship species for fungal conservation. It is protected under multiple conservation legislations and faces threats from geographic isolation and inbreeding. Understanding its genetics is essential for developing conservation strategies including potential translocation efforts.

Objective

To generate a chromosome-level genome assembly for Buglossoporus quercinus as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project to support conservation genetics and understanding of mating genetics in this threatened species.

Results

A chromosome-level genome assembly of 37.43 megabases was generated with 99.81% scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules and a scaffold N50 of 2.93 Mb. The assembly achieved high quality metrics including QV of 64.7, k-mer completeness of 88.76%, and BUSCO completeness of 95.1%. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled at 70.88 kilobases.

Conclusion

This chromosome-level genome assembly meets Earth BioGenome Project reference standards and provides a valuable resource for B. quercinus conservation genetics research. The high-quality assembly will enable future population genomics studies and inform translocation planning to support recovery of this threatened species.
  • Published in:Wellcome Open Research,
  • Study Type:Genome assembly, Research paper,
  • Source: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.24714.1, PMID: 41058758
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