Reproduction in Letharia: insights from genomic and population analyses of the mating-type locus

Reproductive mode is a key factor determining the life history of a species, by affecting its ability to adapt and survive in the long term. We use genomic and transcriptomic data to characterise the MAT locus of the lichen-forming ascomycete genus Letharia. In addition, we analyse population data to study the mating type frequencies in the natural populations of Letharia, of which some are declining and red-listed.