Artificial dispersal of the lichen Crocodia aurata (Lobariaceae) using asexual propagules and gel‐filled gauze packets

Abstract

SummaryLichens are an essential component of ecosystem processes. Many lichen species are habitat specialists that rely on specific tree substrates and moisture regimes of old‐growth forests and are not found in early‐successional forests, small isolated forest fragments or restoration projects, making them useful bioindicators of forest health. Pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation have affected the viability and survival of lichen species that are often limited by low dispersal ability. As a rule, lichens are rarely included in ecological restoration programmes despite translocation methods being available. We trialled a combination of two of the more successful methods (gauze packets and use of adhesive gels). Three different gelling agents were used in attempt to immobilize living soredia of the lichen Crocodia aurata on trunks of Ti Kouka/Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) for long enough for them to develop into thallus lobes. The effectiveness of these methods was tracked over a 2‐year period. Our results show that all three gel treatments were effective at immobilizing soredia in the gauze packets. Lobe formation occurred in all three gel treatments after 36 weeks, with methyl cellulose the most successful with six packets producing lobes, five Ac‐Di‐Sol® and two agarose packets also producing lobes, out of a possible total 100 gauze packets. Lobe formation was slightly more successful on the south sides of trees (seven of thirteen packets), despite initial survival and vitality of soredia being higher on the north sides of the trees.