The role of pheromone receptors for communication and mating in Hypocrea jecorina (Trichoderma reesei)

► We show that pheromone receptors HPR1 and HPR2 are involved in ascosporogenesis in H. jecorina. ► Sequence variability in hpr2 can be used for phylogenetic analysis of closely related strains. ► Pheromone receptors are essential for female fertility and for mating to be successful. ► At least one receptor and its associate peptide pheromone is required. ► Regulation of the pheromone system is altered compared to a fertile wildtype in QM6a.