Species of Ganoderma, particularly G. philippii, G. australe and G. mastoporum, are commonly found in Indonesian Acacia mangium plantations. Ganoderma philippii is a root rot pathogen while the other two species are secondary root invaders and wood rotters. Management of G. philippii can be supported by knowledge of its gene flow, genetic diversity and population dynamics. This investigation was undertaken to determine the sexuality and mating systems of G. philippii and co-occurring Ganoderma species, observing the somatic interactions between monokaryotic and dikaryotic mycelia and noting any incompatibility mechanisms. In all three species monokaryons were self-sterile. By examining the contact-zone hyphae, it was determined that in all three species, full sexually compatible matings occurred in 26-33% of the crossings. Two mating type loci were identified, as is the case for a wide range of Basidiomycetes. Dikaryons generated from monokaryotic isolates showed morphological changes as cultures aged. The results of this study indicate that outcrossing is favoured in all three species, G. australe, G. philippii and G. mastoporum, therefore promoting adaptation to new hosts and environments.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Ganoderma australe, Ganoderma philippii, Ganoderma mastoporum, fungal mating systems
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Forestry sciences
Research Field:	Forest health and pathology
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences
UTAS Author:	Page, DE (Mr David Page)
UTAS Author:	Glen, M (Dr Morag Glen)
UTAS Author:	Ratkowsky, D (Dr David Ratkowsky)
UTAS Author:	Mohammed, C (Professor Caroline Mohammed)
ID Code:	152743
Year Published:	2018
Web of Science® Times Cited:	3
Deposited By:	Research Performance and Analysis
Deposited On:	2022-08-24
Last Modified:	2022-09-20
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