Early pathogenesis specific transcriptome of root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum

H. annosum is recognised as the most important disease for Northern European forestry. This has resulted in several studies about conifer Heterobasidion pathosystems, including research on a genomic and transcriptomic level. These genomic and transcriptomic resources provide a good background to ensure the successful outcome of the proposed study. To the best of our knowledge, no transcriptome studies of H. annosum during different stages of infection of P. sylvestris employing massive parallel sequencing have been published to date.This study will identify genes important in early colonization of Scots pine and supplement the scientific data which has been previously obtained in our laboratory (H. annosum induced changes in P. sylvestris transcriptome), forming a more complete overview of this pathosystem. The results of this project have the potential to provide new strategies for Scots pine breeding by identifying counteracting genetic factors in Scots pine. The results of this research could also provide functionally relevant markers for H. annosum population studies.Scientific goal is to identify H. annosum genes important in early colonisation of Scots pine and to design primers for analysis of these genes.Impact: considering the economic and ecological importance of P. sylvestris in Northern Europe and the large economic impact of H. annosum caused damage, the results can have a positive impact in ensuring sustainability of forest ecosystems and management.Funding provided by European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme "Growth and Employment" Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 "To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure" Activity 1.1.1.2 "Post-doctoral Research Aid" agreement No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/4/20/686