ena-STUDY-Integrative Pilzforschung-20-12-2017-22:05:54:286-367
The genome of the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) shows no traces of horizontal gene transfer from fungi and provides a resource for future studies for a climate-change-adapted forestry in Europe
The European Beech is the most important climax tree species in central Europe and widely planted for its valuable wood. Here we report the 542 Mb genome sequence of an at least 300 years-old individual from an anthropogenically undisturbed stand in the National Park Kellerwald-Edersee. As the European Beech, like other Fagaceae, is associated with a variety of mycorrhiza-forming fungi, we specifically searched for genes horizontally transferred from fungi into the beech genome. However, no significant traces of this were found, suggesting that gene transfer from fungi is rare. Heterozygosity is high in the sequenced individual, suggesting frequent long range pollen transport. The draft assembly will also be helpful for identifying genes involved in draught tolerance, in order to select and breed individuals to adapt forestry to climate change in Europe. Because of the economic and ecological importance, its widespread occurrence and wealth of research already conducted in this species, we provide a continuously updated genome browser that will include new genome versions of the reference individual Bhaga, as sequencing approaches develop over time.
The European Beech is the most important climax tree species in central Europe and widely planted for its valuable wood. Here we report the 542 Mb genome sequence of an at least 300 years-old individual from an anthropogenically undisturbed stand in the National Park Kellerwald-Edersee. As the European Beech, like other Fagaceae, is associated with a variety of mycorrhiza-forming fungi, we specifically searched for genes horizontally transferred from fungi into the beech genome. However, no significant traces of this were found, suggesting that gene transfer from fungi is rare. Heterozygosity is high in the sequenced individual, suggesting frequent long range pollen transport. The draft assembly will also be helpful for identifying genes involved in draught tolerance, in order to select and breed individuals to adapt forestry to climate change in Europe. Because of the economic and ecological importance, its widespread occurrence and wealth of research already conducted in this species, we provide a continuously updated genome browser that will include new genome versions of the reference individual Bhaga, as sequencing approaches develop over time.