Epiphytic Moss Research Articles

Spatial Predictors of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Epiphytic Moss Samples in Seattle, Wa

Spatial Predictors of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Epiphytic Moss Samples in Seattle, Wa

Epiphytic bryophytes of the State Dendrological Park “Olexandria” of the NAS of Ukraine

Investigations of the species diversity of epiphytic bryophytes of the State Dendrological Park “Olexandria” (the historical part and the “Budynok Lisnyka” plot) were conducted in 2017–2019 and revealed 40 species representing 22 genera, 17 families, seven orders, two classes, and two divisions. This corresponds to 46.51 % of the total number of detected bryophytes in the park. The leading families in the bryoflora of the park are Orthotrichaceae (9 species), Brachytheciaceae (6), Amblystegiaceae (3), Anomodontaceae (3), Dicranaceae (3), Hypnaceae (3), and Pottiaceae (2). The leading genera are Orthotrichum (9 species), Anomodon (3), and Dicranum (3).Among the identified taxa, five species (Dicranum tauricum, Orthotrichum lyellii, Porella platyphylla, Sciuro-hypnum reflexum, and Syntrichia virescens) are regionally rare within the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Most of the recorded epiphytic mosses were found on the bark of Acer platanoides (28 species), Fraxinus excelsior (27), Quercus robur (26), Acer campestre (23), and Tilia cordata (22). The least epiphytic mosses were found on the bark of conifers (Pinus sylvestris, P. strobus, Picea abies, Larix decidua, etc.).The surveyed trees in the State Dendrological Park “Olexandria” were also found such epigeal mosses as Plagiomnium cuspidatum, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranella heteromalla, and Pohlia nutans, as well as epixilic moss Dicranum flagellare, etc.The “Budynok Lisnyka” plot hosts three species that do not occur in the park’s historical part. In particular, Lophocolea heterophylla and Sciuro-hypnum curtum were found there on Quercus robur trunks and Sciuro-hypnum reflexum on Quercus rubra bark. At the same time, the historical part of the park is characterized by the number of expansive bryophytes.

Low-cost biomonitoring and high-resolution, scalable models of urban metal pollution

As the global toll on human lives and ecosystems exacted by urban pollution grows, planning tools still lack the resolution to identify priority sites where toxic pollution can be most efficiently averted at a spatial scale that matches funding and management. Here we tackle this gap by demonstrating novel scalable methods to monitor and predict urban metal pollution at high resolution (<5 m) across large areas (10,000–100,000 km2) to guide pollution reduction and stormwater management. We showcase and calibrate predictive models of Zn, Cu, and a synthetic index of pollution for the Puget Sound region of Washington State, U.S., a densely urbanized yet important ecosystem of conservation interest, and exemplify their transferability across the entire United States. We leveraged widely and freely available datasets of car traffic characteristics and land use as predictor variables and trained the models with biological monitoring data of metal concentrations in epiphytic moss from >100 trees based on new rapid and low-cost protocols introduced in this study. Our model predictions, showing that 50% of the total Cu and Zn pollution across the Puget Sound watershed is deposited over only 3.3% of the land area, will allow cities to effectively and efficiently target toxic hotspots.

Orthotrichum alpestre, a New Addition to the Moss Flora of Poland, with Notes on O. schimperi (Orthotrichaceae: Bryophyta)

The occurrence of two epiphytic moss species, &lt;em&gt;Orthotrichum alpestre &lt;/em&gt;Bruch &amp;amp; Schimp. and &lt;em&gt;O. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;schimperi &lt;/em&gt;Hammar, in the moss flora of Poland is discussed. The former represents an entirely new country record based on a specimen collected from the Polish Eastern Carpathians, whereas the latter is reinstated as a member of the Polish moss flora. The complex and entangled taxonomic and nomenclatural history of &lt;em&gt;O. schimperi &lt;/em&gt;is outlined, sources of its confusion are discussed, and two correctly determined specimens from Poland are cited. The two species are briefly characterized and illustrated, and a key to the genera and species of Polish orthotrichaceous mosses is presented.

Cryptic interactions revisited from ecological networks: Mosses as a key link between trees and hummingbirds

Abstract Ecological interactions are the glue of biodiversity, structuring communities and determining their functionality. However, our knowledge about ecological interactions is usually biased against cryptic interactions (i.e. overlooked interactions involving inconspicuous species). Mosses are a neglected component in community ecology despite being diverse and abundant in boreal and temperate forests. Therefore, the cryptic relationships of trees as hosts for epiphytic mosses, and vertebrates using mosses as nesting material, may have important consequences for community structuring. We built species‐ and individual‐based ecological networks to characterise tree–moss associations in 120 tree individuals representing 13 species, which hosted 19 moss species. We also used those ecological networks to simulate the effects of non‐random extinctions due to selective logging, to assess the presence of moss species in hummingbird nests (30 nests), whether these mosses were a subset of those found on the trees if moss diversity varies with tree height and whether these moss–tree relationships are phylogenetically constrained. We found a nested pattern in the tree–moss network. Taller trees were the most connected, with tree height positively related to number of moss species, network degree and centrality. Extinction simulations showed changes in network topology, with the strongest effect from the removal of the most connected tree species. However, tree and moss networks were not influenced by phylogenetic relatedness. The hummingbird Sephanoides sephaniodes selectively collected mosses; the moss species used as nesting material by hummingbirds were a subset of available species. These complex relationships among trees, birds and mosses underpin the importance of neglected components in the community. We found that tree–moss associations were non‐random, showing a positive relationship between tree height and moss diversity. Those associations are the reflection of preferences beyond relative abundances in the forest, and the removal of certain tree species (due to selective logging) may have cascade effects in the community. Furthermore, the lack of phylogenetic correspondence suggests that tree–moss associations are governed by ecological factors (host tree preferences). Moss–hummingbird associations are non‐random, as hummingbirds (that pollinate these trees) are actively selecting mosses for nest building, stressing the importance of cryptic interactions as a community‐structuring process. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Epiphytic mosses of forests on the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal

A brief ecological description of epiphytic mosses on the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal is given. Theyare represented by a small number of species – 42, which is 20 % of the total number of mosses growing in forests in thestudy area.

Vertical distribution of epiphytic bryophytes depends on phorophyte type; a case study from windthrows in Kampinoski National Park (Central Poland)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The vertical distribution of epiphytic bryophytes in European forests are still relatively poorly understood. The aim of the study was to analyse the diversity and vertical zonation of epiphytic mosses and liverworts on selected tree types (Quercus petraea, Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris) within windthrow areas in the Kampinoski National Park (Central Poland). The investigations were performed in five parts of the trees: the tree base, lower trunk, upper trunk, lower crown, and upper crown. Deciduous trees have more species than pine trees (13 on Quercus and Betula, 8 on Pinus). The type of phorophyte was crucial for the differences in the species composition from the tree base to the upper crown that was observed. The highest richness of bryophytes was recorded on the tree bases, while the lowest was recorded in the upper parts of the crowns. The variability of the habitat conditions in the vertical gradient on the trunk that affected the patterns of the occurrence of species with different ecological preferences was determined using the Ellenberg indicator values. An increase in the value of the light and acidity indicators from the base of the trunk upwards and decreasing tendency in the case of moisture indicator was noted.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Two complex typifications and a new name to unravel Ulota germana sensu Malta non (Mont.) Mitt. (Orthotrichaceae)

Ulota germana is an epiphytic moss moderately common in oceanic areas of Patagonia (southern South America), one of the regions of the world where Ulota reaches a peak of diversity. It is easily recognized by very long perichaetial leaves, which reach the capsule when wet, an endostome of eight segments and verrucose spores. In Nikolajs Malta's revision of South American Ulota, a species was described under this name with apparently similar long perichaetial leaves and spores but with a 16-segment endostome, an uncommon character in this genus. No further references to this particular combination of traits are found throughout the literature of South American Ulota. In the same work, Malta also published U. germana var. breviseta. During the study of recent Patagonian collections, a moss similar to that described by Malta was repeatedly found, living together with U. germana s.str. To ascertain the name and taxonomic identity of the new specimens and Malta's moss, a detailed morphological comparative study was carried out. Original material of relevant names was analyzed, demonstrating that the gatherings on which those names are based were usually a mixture of several species, thus resulting in nomenclatural confusion. Having established that the plants described by Malta at both specific and varietal ranks are not U. germana, we formally describe them as U. maltiana with a complete description and illustration. Ulota germana s.str. is also illustrated for comparison. The reasons behind Malta's error are discussed. We demonstrate that the previous typification of U. germana was incorrect, and propose a new lectotypification for this species and for U. germana var. breviseta.

Lewinskya affinis var. bohemica - new epiphytic moss in the bryoflora of Germany

Abstract During the field investigations in Germany, a new epiphytic moss, Orthotrichum affine var. bohemicum, was repeatedly found in 2015 in the Lands of Hessen and Bavaria. Distribution of this variety in Germany is mapped and its ecology is described in detail. Because the traditionally understood genus Orthotrichum was recently split into some segregates and this variety was not given a name in the genus Lewinskya to which it actually belongs, it is transferred to this genus and the relevant new combination Lewinskya affinis var. bohemica is effected.

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 7. 態本県市房山中腹の杉大木着生蘚苔類群

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 7. 態本県市房山中腹の杉大木着生蘚苔類群

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 3. 宮崎県猪ノ八重溪谷の濶葉樹林内のシイモチ着生蘚苔類群落

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 3. 宮崎県猪ノ八重溪谷の濶葉樹林内のシイモチ着生蘚苔類群落

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 2. 宮崎県猪ノ八重溪谷に発達する濶葉樹林内のホソバタブ着生蘚苔類群落

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 2. 宮崎県猪ノ八重溪谷に発達する濶葉樹林内のホソバタブ着生蘚苔類群落

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 4. 宮崎県猪ノ八重の林縁に孤立するイチイガシの着生蘚苔類群落

日本着生蘚苔類フロラの研究 4. 宮崎県猪ノ八重の林縁に孤立するイチイガシの着生蘚苔類群落

Inventory of Epiphytic Moss in the Tree Trunk Zonation of Jumog Waterfall Ngargoyoso Tawangmangu Karanganyar Central Java

The concept of epiphytic plants is a critical plant that determines the processes that occur in ecosystems. Epiphytic plants especially Bryophytes or commonly moss is one of primary productivity. This study aims to record any epiphytic moss in their natural habitat in the Jumog Waterfall Forest Ngargoyoso in Karanganyar Tawangmangu Central Java. The method used in this study was purposive sampling, this method using exploration techniques. Field data observed were epiphytic plants from the Bryophyte groups (moss plants). The results showed that there were five moss colonies namely Bryum billardieri, Octoblepharum albidum, Leucobryum aduncum, Heteroscyphus coalitus and Pogonatum neesii, in 3 different zones of phorophytes, name zone I, II and III.

Effects of copper exposure and increased temperatures on Collembola in western Washington, USA

In the city of Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region, increased human population and the resulting increased domestic and commercial transportation has led to higher inputs of heavy metal pollutants in the region, many of which have been shown to increase in toxicity for various organisms at higher temperatures. One pollutant of concern in the region is copper (Cu) from brake and tire attrition. The extent to which Cu can affect other organisms that are part of the Puget Sound ecosystem is largely unknown. We studied the effect of Cu exposure on two species of Collembola, one of which is a native species (Choreutinula americana Palacios-Vargas, Castaño-Meneses & Gao) inhabiting the region's epiphytic mosses and lichen while the other is a model species commonly used in ecotoxicology studies (Folsomia candida Willem). We then extended this work by examining the effect of Cu exposure when Collembola are exposed to increased temperatures as predicted by the B1 and A2 climate change scenarios. We found that the native Collembolan was significantly more sensitive to Cu than the model species when maintained under a constant 20 °C, suggesting that ecotoxicology studies using the model species F. candida might underestimate the effect of toxicants to native Collembola. We also observed that increased temperatures significantly lowered the tolerance of both species to Cu. The results of this study highlight the joint effect of warming temperatures and pollutants on a representative species of Collembola in the Pacific Northwest.

Entodontopsis setschwanica (Broth.) W.R. Buck &amp; Ireland: An addition to West Himalayan Moss Flora with a brief note on the Genus Stereophyllum Mitt. and Entodontopsis Broth. in India

Entodontopsis setschwanica (Broth.) W.R. Buck &amp; Ireland is an epiphytic moss belonging to family Stereophyllaceae. The plants have been observed during the survey and investigation of mosses of Garhwal Hills, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. In India the species has been reported from Darjeeling (West Bengal) in Eastern Himalaya and from Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) in Western Ghats, South India so far. Now the species is being reported here for the first time from Pipalkoti in Chamoli district, (Garhwal Hills) Uttarakhand which is an addition to West Himalayan Moss Flora.

Quantifying the elemental composition of mosses in western Washington USA.

Major and trace element deposition across western Washington, USA was assessed in 2016 and 2017 by analyzing tissue metal concentrations in the epiphytic mosses Isothecium stoloniferum (Bridel) and Kindbergia praelonga (Hedw.) Ochyra. We used an intensive, vertically stratified sampling approach in Acer macrophyllum canopies in the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, WA and in Seattle, WA to collect 214 samples of I. stoloniferum. An extensive, ground-based sampling approach was used across an urban-to-wildland gradient to collect 59 K. praelonga samples. Intensive samples were collected four times (April, July, and October of 2016 and in January 2017) and extensive samples three times (April, July, and October 2016) to assess seasonal differences in metal concentrations across sampling locations. A total of 273 moss samples were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, and Zn concentrations. Elevated concentrations of these elements were found in moss samples from both intensive and extensive sampling efforts across all seasons. Sampling location for both intensive and extensive sampling efforts was found to be a significant factor in determining moss metal concentrations. Metal deposition in and around Seattle appears to be derived from the regional transportation sector and other industrial sources. Ten I. stoloniferum samples from Seattle and the Hoh Rainforest were analyzed for Pb and Sr isotope ratios to help differentiate between natural and industrial-based emission sources. Hoh Rainforest Pb isotopes appear to be explained by a mixture of long-range Asian Pb influences and natural Pb sources, whereas Seattle Pb isotopes appear driven by industrial and road dust sources.

Definition and Analysis of Natural and Anthropogenic Geochemical Вackground for the Boss-Biomonitoring Method

A study was conducted on the content of chemical elements in the epiphytic moss of Pylaisia polyantha (Hedw.) V.S.G. The moss samples were taken from 6 background areas of the West Siberian region, as well as in the city of Tomsk. The content of chemical elements is determined using neutron activation analysis. The hypothesis about the normal/log-normal distribution of the concentrations of chemical elements was tested using the χ2 criterion; asymmetry and kurtosis were used for samples less than 20. When the hypothesis is confirmed, the background concentrations of chemical elements are defined as mean values ±2σ. The concentrations of each background area are subject to the normal distribution law. For the overwhelming number of elements, the anthropogenic background of the city of Tomsk is 2 times or more natural.

Determining of risk areas due to exposure to heavy metals in the Toluca Valley using epiphytic mosses as a biomonitor

The work aim is to identify the risk areas by exposure to Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the Metropolitan Zone of Toluca Valley (MZTV) using the mosses Fabriona cilaris and Leskea angustata as a biomonitors, geostatistical interpolation and multi-criteria evaluation by analytical hierarchy process. The results from the estimation of the enrichment factors (EF) showed that Pb is the heavy metal with the highest values, followed by the Zn, Cu and Cr. The EF obtained for all heavy metals show that there is a moderate to high anthropogenic enrichment. The above indicates that in the MZTV there are emission sources that contribute (significantly) in the amount of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn accumulated in the biomonitor. Combustion processes, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, brick kiln emissions, agricultural and livestock activities, manufacturing industry and re-deposition by the action of the wind, were identified as the main heavy metals sources in the MZTV. Risk maps showed the high and medium risk areas are located in sites with poor urban vegetation coverage and close to highways and industrial parks. Low risk areas are located in sites with high urban vegetation coverage. The method used for identifying risk areas is a rapid and low-cost evaluation tool can allow local government environmental agencies to define public policies on air pollution control.

Behavioral Response of Little Fire Ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), to Trail Chemicals Laid on Epiphytic Moss

The little fire ant (LFA), Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is native to the neotropics, but has become one of the world’s most widespread and destructive invasive ants. In Hawaii, LFA was first discovered in 1999 on the Big Island and since then has rapidly spread to neighboring islands, causing ecological and economic damage. LFA can develop fully functional nests on the ground and arboreally, and their foraging and retrieval of food resources is facilitated by a well-developed recruitment system. LFA were found to form recruitment trails on epiphytic moss growing on macadamia nut trees. As a first step to identify LFA recruitment pheromone components, we tested the LFA worker trail-following response to naturally marked epiphytic moss trails. Significantly more LFA workers placed on a natural trail followed the trail and made 90° turns to continue following the trail compared to when they were placed on a fake trail that had no trail marking substance(s). In laboratory choice assays using hexane extracts of moss with and without LFA trail, LFA workers preferred to follow a trail drawn with a hexane extract of moss that had a recruitment trail over a trail drawn with a hexane extract of moss only. Our results confirm that LFA workers readily follow a trail marking substance(s) laid down on epiphytic moss.