The exceptional opportunity to explore the genetic alterations of Schizophyllum commune wood-decay fungus subpopulations in southeastern Ukraine

Wood-decaying fungi are fundamental for the functioning of forest ecosystems. The widespread fungus Schizophyllum commune Fr. is a perfect model object for solving issues of genetics, ecology, forestry monitoring and conservation, biotechnology, etc. Basidiocarp samples were collected from locations in Ukraine before the active hostilities resulting from Russian military aggression. The pure cultures of samples provide the only opportunity to explore the genetic diversity of S. commune populations in southeastern Ukraine, as the territory is tightly mined. We examined the genetic alteration of S. commune subpopulations, their relationships, samples that have a fundamental influence on the formation of the genetic contour of subpopulations, and specimen placement in the global spatial context using tandem repeat nucleotides of DNA. According to the obtained data, the concept of a center for genetic alteration of the populations was proposed. The Siverskyi Donets River has been identified as an essential factor in forming the genetic profile of S. commune populations along the channel. Grouping by the origin of the samples allows us to separate the Cr subpopulation by the first component (37.6%), Brd by the second component (25.9%), and Dro by the third component (23.8%). A statistically significant weak correlation (R = 0.1852, p = 0.007) was established between the genetic component and the geographical coordinate of the samples. PC analysis revealed proximity of studied samples to cultures originating in the Russian Federation (PC1 = 26.5%). The presence of a USA-specific locus in the Berdyansk agglomeration (Brd) may suggest that seaports facilitate the dispersal of "alien" genetic material.