Genome and transcriptome resources for Sirex noctilio, Amylostereum areolatum and Deladenus siricidicola

The Sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), together with its fungal mutualist, Amylostereum areolatum (Basidiomycota: Russales), are amongst the most harmful invasive pest complexes on plantation Pinus species. The main biological control agent used against S. noctilio is the nematode, Deladenus siricidicola (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae). The woodwasp harbours the fungal mycelia in specialized mycangia and injects it along with a toxin into pine trees during oviposition. The fungus is known to degrade plant cell wall components to provide nutrition for the developing Sirex larvae. The nematode impacts S. noctilio populations by sterilization of the female during development in the tree host. In order to study the genetics of this tripartite interaction, genome sequences have been generated for a number of individuals of these three species, sampled from across the Southern Hemisphere. Transcriptome data was also generated from eighteen tissues of S. noctilio, across different sexes and developmental stages, as well as two dual RNA-Seq transcriptomes representing the interactions between the three species. These data are being used to investigate the genetic elements that influence the symbiosis, such as nutrition utilization, chemosensation, sex determination and immunity. These data provide foundational resources for the study of this economically important system and opens the door for gene-based alternatives for management through selection and gene editing.