Foliose Research Articles

Evaluation of Antifungal Potentials and Antioxidant Capacities of Some Foliose Lichen Species

This work is aimed to assess of antioxidant and antifungal potential of the foliose lichen species: Flavoparmelia caperata , Xanthoparmelia stenophylla and Xanthoparmelia conspersa . The antifungal activity of lichens were studied against some pathogenic fungi by disc diffusion method. The acetonitrile extracts of these lichens were obtained with Soxhlet extraction. While F. caperata exhibited maximum antifungal activity (32 mm) against the C. albicans , the minimum antifungal activity (10 mm) was obtained from X. stenophylla lichen against S. cerevisiae . In CUPRAC assay, absorbance values was in order of BHT> X. conspersa > F. caperata > X . stenophylla . As a result of the study, it was concluded that these lichen species may be a potential source for the development of new antifungal and antioxidant compounds.

Application of commercial biocides to lichens: Does a physiological recovery occur over time?

Biocidal products are widely used to devitalize lichen thalli on monumental surfaces before their mechanical removal, but there is still lack of information about the persistence of the toxic effects over time. This issue is of paramount importance since it can greatly influence the process of lichen recolonization. The aim of this study was checking for physiological recovery or residual vitality of lichens after exposure to two commercial biocidal products, Biotin T or Preventol RI80. Samples of the foliose lichen Xanthoria parietina were treated with solutions containing the two biocides at the highest concentration suggested by the producer (3% and 2% respectively). Selected physiological parameters were investigated as indicators of sample vitality: photosynthetic parameters (FV/FM and PIABS), the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, beta-carotene, ergosterol and soluble proteins, after 24 and 72 hours and, to check for recovery, after 20 and 90 days. Both biocidal treatments induced severe physiological alterations, causing impairment to both the lichen photobiont and mycobiont, with Preventol showing a faster effect. The substantial loss of vitality following treatments with Biotin T and Preventol persisted over time, and no physiological recovery was found after 90 days.

Competition between heavy metal ions for binding sites in lichens: Implications for biomonitoring studies

The competitive behavior of divalent heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn) during cation uptake was investigated in the foliose lichen Xanthoria parietina. Lichen thalli were incubated with solutions containing 10 and 100 μM of CdCl2, CuCl2, and ZnCl2 as well as 5 and 50 μM of Pb(NO3)2, tested individually and in combination (Cd2++Cu2++Pb2++Zn2+). The analysis of molar concentrations suggests that a competition between cations for binding sites in X. parietina does exist. The decrease in net uptake between single and mixed solutions ranged between 14 and 29% at the lowest concentration and between 38 and 68% at the highest concentration. Furthermore, the uptake was proportionally lower for richer solutions. Each metal may behave differently when uptook: some (toxic elements) are preferentially stored at extracellular level (Cd, Pb), while others (micro-nutrients) are also present at intracellular level (Cu and Zn). The proportion between extracellular and total content changed for those elements accumulated also at intracellular level (Cu and Zn), while for Cd and Pb almost all the uptake occurred by passive mechanisms mainly at extracellular binding sites. The competition between metals for binding sites in the lichen surface entails that bioaccumulation data might result in an underestimation of some element levels measured in biomonitoring studies.

Phytochemical screening of macrolichens Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides andDirinaria consimilis from North East India for antioxidant and antibacterial activities

This report deals with studies related to phytochemical screening, antioxidant potential and antibacterial activity of two macrolichens Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides Lev., a fruticose lichen and Dirinaria consimilis (Stirton) D.D. Awasthi, a foliose lichen. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins and phenols. Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides and Dirinaria consimilis showed relatively antioxidant activity as revealed by DPPH study. A moderate iron chelation has been noted. Both the species showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus.

Tsavoenones A-C: unprecedented polyketides with a 1,7-dioxadispiro[4.0.4.4]tetradecane core from the lichen Parmotrema tsavoense.

New racemic dispiranic polyketides, tsavoenones A (1), B (2) and C (3), having a novel 1,7-dioxadispiro[4.0.4.4]tetradecane scaffold were isolated from the foliose lichen Parmotrema tsavoense. These compounds were structurally elucidated by extensive NMR analyses, comparison between experimental and theoretical 13C NMR data and X-ray crystallography. A putative biosynthetic scenario for the formation of 1-3 from parmosidone D, a meta-depsidone previously isolated from the same lichen material, was proposed. Tested for its cytotoxicity, 1 displayed a moderate activity against human myelogenous leukemia K562 cell line with an IC50 value of 66 μg mL-1.

Heavy metals accumulation by epiphytic foliose lichens as biomonitors of air quality in Srinagar city of Garhwal hills, Western Himalaya (India)

Heavy metals accumulation by epiphytic foliose lichens as biomonitors of air quality in Srinagar city of Garhwal hills, Western Himalaya (India)

Lichens growth on Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha, India- A curse or blessing

The present observation on the famous Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha for Lichen growth revealed that a more than 500 different spots were found on main temple, small sculptures erected within the temple premises and boundary walls. A total of 15 species belonging 14 genera and 11 families were found growing on the sites surveyed. Ten lichen species tightly adhere to the substrate forming crust (crustose lichen) and producing secondary metabolites were dominated on almost all the sites while only four leafy (foliose lichen) species and one squamulose species were recorded.

Lichens growth on Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha, India- A curse or blessing

The present observation on the famous Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha for Lichen growth revealed that a more than 500 different spots were found on main temple, small sculptures erected within the temple premises and boundary walls. A total of 15 species belonging 14 genera and 11 families were found growing on the sites surveyed. Ten lichen species tightly adhere to the substrate forming crust (crustose lichen) and producing secondary metabolites were dominated on almost all the sites while only four leafy (foliose lichen) species and one quamulose species were recorded.

Observations of the development of Xanthoparmelia farinosa under optical and electron microscopy

ABSTRACTXanthoparmelia farinosa is a foliose lichen widely distributed in South America, growing not only on rocks but also on man-made structures. This species has abundant soralia, but it is unknown how development occurs from the soredium to the formation of a complete thallus. The soredia were extracted from the thallus with forceps, planted on glass plates and exposed to outdoor conditions for a period of 24 months; in every 3 months, optical inspection was performed with a stereomicroscope and a compound microscope, in addition, four samples with different exposure times were chosen to observe under a scanning electron microscope. The development of hyphae and the adhesion of these to the substrate, and the outlines of the formation of the lobules and rhizines could be observed. Our study is a first attempt to understand the development of this species which is endemic to South America and very common in the area.

The influence of growth form and substrate on lichen ecophysiological responses along an aridity gradient.

In this paper, we investigated whether growth form and substrate in lichens influence their physiological responses along an aridity gradient. Thalli of the foliose lichen Parmotrema perlatum and the fruticose lichen Ramalina canariensis were transplanted in selected rural/forested sites of Southern Portugal characterized by a different aridity index. Physiological parameters including photosynthetic performances, assimilation pigments, ergosterol content and sample viability were measured prior to exposure (winter) and after 6-month exposure (summer). Photosynthetic performances were also investigated in common native foliose and fruticose epiphytic lichens and in fruticose terricolous species. Both transplanted and native lichens showed a decrease in photosynthetic performances in summer and lower performances in sites classified as drier and higher performances in humid forested sites. No relevant differences occurred between epiphytic foliose and fruticose growth forms. However, terricolous fruticose samples showed a significant difference in humid and drier sites and between winter and summer, probably due to microclimatic conditions similarly to other biological crusts.

Differential accumulation of PAHs, elements, and Pb isotopes by five lichen species from the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada

A 2014 case study investigated the relative accumulation efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total sulfur (S), total nitrogen (N), major and minor elements and Pb isotopes in five common lichen species at three boreal forest sites in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) in northeastern Alberta, Canada to identify the optimum lichen species for future biomonitoring. Differences in concentrations of PAHs, multiple elements, and Pb isotopes in fruticose (Bryoria furcellata, Cladina mitis, Evernia mesomorpha) and foliose (Hypogymnia physodes and Tuckermannopsis americana) lichens were found along a 100 km distance gradient from the primary oil sands operations. Integration of insights from emission source samples and oil sands mineralogy in consort with aerosol collection indicates incorporation of more fine particulate matter (PM) into foliose than fruticose lichen biomass. Contrasting PAH with element concentrations allowed lichen species specific accumulation patterns to be identified. The ability of lichen species to incorporate different amounts of gas phase (S and N), petrogenic (V, Ni, Mo), clay (low Si/Al and more rare earth elements), and sand (higher Si/Al and Ti) components from the oil sand operations reflects aerosol particle size and lichen physiology differences that translate into differences in PM transport distances and lichen accumulation efficiencies. Based on these findings Hypogymnia physodes is recommended for future PAH biomonitoring and source attribution studies.

IN VITRO ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT OF MACROLICHENS HETERODERMIA LEUCOMELOS AND RAMALINA CELASTRI BY PANCREATIC LIPASE INHIBITORY ASSAY

Objective: Obesity is a chronic disorder caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure in which excessive fat will be deposited in adipose tissue and poses a risk to the health and well-being of humans. Agents which inhibit pancreatic lipase play an important role in the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of macro lichens Heterodermia leucomelos (L.) Poelt a foliose lichen and Ramalina celastri (Sprengel) Krog and Swinscow a fruticose lichen in the treatment of obesity.Methods: In vitro anti-obesity inhibitory effect of macro lichens were evaluated by using chicken pancreatic lipase activity. Lipase was extracted from the chicken pancreas. Different concentrations from 5-25 mg/ml of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of lichens Heterodermia leucomelos and Ramalina celastri was incubated with pancreas lipase.Results: With the increase in the concentration of extracts the higher inhibition of the enzyme was observed. Solvent methanol showed good activity compared to ethyl acetate. Percentage of inhibition ranged from 19.7-69.8 and 20.0-86.6 % in the methanol extract of Heterodermia leucomelos and Ramalina celastri respectively. Comparatively lichen Ramalina celastri in methanol extract showed maximum inhibition of 86.6 %, whereas ethyl acetate showed an inhibition of 63.0% at 25 mg/ml against enzyme lipase.Conclusion: In the present study, the inhibitory activity of lichen indicates its protective role in treating obesity. Molecular sequencing of this lichen helps in future to determine the various metabolic pathways that are responsible for the production of novel compounds.

A Study of Fragmentation Rates in Lichen Populations on Rock Surfaces Using the Kaplan-Meir Estimator and Cox Regression

Fragmentation rates in 21 populations of three foliose lichens Xanthoparmelia conspersa, Melanelixia fuliginosa ssp. fuliginosa and Parmelia saxatilis and the crustose lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum were estimated in north Wales, UK from the size frequency distribution of thalli with fragmenting centres. The Kaplan-Meier estimator suggested significant differences in fragmentation rates among populations of three of the four species. In M. fuliginosa ssp. fuliginosa, Cox regression analysis also suggested higher rates of fragmentation on rock surfaces with a greater percent lichen cover and increased diversity (Shannon-Weaver diversity index). Slope angle, aspect, texture, and location of population relative to the sea also influenced fragmentation rates. The data suggest considerable variation in fragmentation rates among populations within the same area which may be determined primarily by the intensity of competition on a rock surface.

Parenchymatous cell division characterizes the fungal cortex of some common foliose lichens.

Lichen-forming fungi produce diverse vegetative tissues, some closely resembling those of plants. Yet it has been repeatedly affirmed that none is a true parenchyma, in which cellular compartments are subdivided from all adjacent neighbors by cross walls adjoining older cross walls. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we tested this assumption by examining patterns of septum formation in the parenchyma-like cortex of three lichens of different phylogenetic affinities: Sticta canariensis, Leptogium cyanescens, and Endocarpon pusillum. In the cortex of all three lichens, new septa adjoined perpendicularly or obliquely to previous septa. Septal walls possessed an electron-transparent core (median) layer covered on both sides by layers of intermediate electron density. At septal junctures, the core layer of the newer septum was not continuous with that of the older septum. Amorphous, electron-dense material often became deposited in the core region of older septal walls, and the septum gradually delaminated along its median into what could then be recognized as the distinct walls of neighboring cells. However, cells maintained continuity at pores, where adjacent remnants of the electron-transparent core layer suggested septal partition rather than secondary establishment of a lateral wall connection via anastomosis. Although fungal tissues first arise by the coalescence of filaments early in lichen ontogeny, the mature cortical tissues of some lichens are comparable to true parenchyma in the unrestricted orientation of their septal cross walls and the resulting ontogenetic relationship among neighboring cell compartments.

Calcium Toxicity and Tolerance in Lichens: Ca Uptake and Physiological Responses

Although differential sensitivity of lichens to calcium excess has been documented previously at the community level, ecophysiological studies, which would shed light on the calcifuge or calcicole nature of lichens, are virtually absent. In the present study, we compared physiological responses of two morphologically similar foliose lichens, Dermatocarpon miniatum (calcicole lichen) and Umbilicaria hirsuta (calcifuge lichen) to Ca excess (up to 100 mM). The degree of total Ca uptake by the lichens after 24-h prolonged exposure was compared with selected physiological markers including levels of assimilation pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, soluble proteins, ergosterol, TBARS, and hydrogen peroxide. Both tested lichens accumulated Ca from the applied solutes of CaCl2 by a dose-dependent manner, although excess of Ca did not change content of assimilation pigments in both tested lichens, as well as integrity of lichen symbiont membranes (tested as TBARS, K content, and ergosterol content) when compared to respective controls. However, we observed significant, concentration-dependent decrease of chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of soluble proteins, and hydrogen peroxide production in U. hirsuta, while in D. miniatum were all these parameters stable through all tested Ca concentrations.

The absorption and evaporation of water vapor by epiphytes in an old‐growth Douglas‐fir forest during the seasonal summer dry season: Implications for the canopy energy budget

AbstractOur goal was to determine how epiphytic lichens and bryophytes affect canopy latent heat fluxes in an old‐growth Douglas‐fir forest when the canopy was dry. The epiphyte water content (WCe expressed as a percent of dry weight) of representative epiphytic foliose lichens, fruticose lichens, and bryophytes was measured in the laboratory after 1 to 12 hr of exposure at five different values of vapor pressure deficit (VPD). After 12 hr of exposure, WCe increased fivefold to sixfold as VPD decreased from 1849 to 132 Pa. In addition, we measured WCe in the field using strain gauges. These field measurements were used to calibrate the models described below. Two models were created to estimate the potential latent heat flux from epiphytes at the canopy scale (LEe). The first model combined measured total biomass of epiphytes with a model that estimated the laboratory determined VPD‐dependent changes in WCe of the lichens/bryophytes (VPD method). The second model estimated LEe by scaling the change in WCe of epiphyte‐laden branches that were continuously monitored in situ in the canopy by a strain gauge (SG method). Both methods showed a strong diurnal trend in LEe when VPD was less than 645 Pa. Prior to sunrise, the epiphytes absorbed water, corresponding to a latent heat flux of 5 to 15 W/m2 per unit ground area, whereas after sunrise, the epiphytes lost water at a rate of −10 to −20 W/m2. For short periods, epiphytes may contribute a significant portion of the latent heat flux from Douglas‐fir forests.

Natural radionuclides in lichens, mosses and ferns in a thermal power plant and in an adjacent coal mine area in southern Brazil

The radio-elements 234U, 235U, 238U, 230Th, 232Th and 210Po were characterized in lichens, mosses and ferns species sampled in an adjacent coal mine area at Figueira City, Paraná State, Brazil, due to their importance for the assessment of human exposure related to the natural radioactivity. The coal is geologically associated with a uranium deposit and has been used as a fossil fuel in a thermal power plant in the city. Samples were initially prepared at LABIDRO (Isotopes and Hydrochemistry Laboratory), UNESP, Rio Claro (SP), Brazil. Then, alpha-spectrometry after several radiochemical steps was used at the Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratories, University of Seville, Seville, Spain, for measuring the activity concentration of the radionuclides. It was 210Po the radionuclide that most bio-accumulates in the organisms, reaching the highest levels in mosses. The ferns species were less sensitive as bio-monitor than the mosses and lichens, considering polonium in relation to other radionuclides. Fruticose lichens exhibited lower polonium content than the foliose lichens sampled in the same site. Besides biological features, environmental characteristics also modify the radio-elements absorption by lichens and mosses like the type of vegetation covering these organisms, their substrate, the prevailing wind direction, elevation and climatic conditions. Only 210Po and 238U correlated in ferns and in soil and rock materials, being particulate emissions from the coal-fired power plant the most probable U-source in the region. Thus, the biomonitors used were able to detect atmospheric contamination by the radionuclides monitored.

Emissions of carotenoid cleavage products upon heat shock and mechanical wounding from a foliose lichen

Carotenoids constitute a major target of chloroplastic photooxidative reactions, leading to the formation of several oxidized derivatives and cleavage products, some of which are volatile (VCCPs). Among them, β-cyclocitral (β-CC), at least, is a retrograde signaling molecule that modulates the activity of many key physiological processes. In the present work, we aimed to study whether β-CC and other VCCPs are released into the atmosphere from photosynthetic tissues. To overcome stomatal limitations, the foliose chlorolichen Lobaria pulmonaria was used as the model system, and the emissions of biogenic volatiles, induced by heat and wounding stresses, were monitored by proton-transfer reaction time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS) and gas-chromatography (GC–MS). Prior to stress treatments, VCCPs were emitted constitutively, accounting for 1.3% of the total volatile release, with β-CC being the most abundant VCCP. Heat and wounding stresses induced a burst of volatile release, including VCCPs, and a loss of carotenoids. Under heat stress, the production of β-CC correlated positively with temperature. However the enhancement of production of VCCPs was the lowest among all the groups of volatiles analyzed. Given that the rates of carotenoid loss were three orders of magnitude higher than the release rates of VCCPs and that these compounds only represent a minor fraction in the blend of volatiles, it seems unlikely that VCCPs might represent a global stress signal capable of diffusing through the atmosphere to different neighboring individuals.

Lichen elemental composition distinguishes anthropogenic emissions from dust storm inputs and differs among species: Evidence from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China

To test the applicability of lichens in the biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition in a typical steppe zone of Inner Mongolia, China, six foliose lichens (Physcia aipolia, PA; P. tribacia, PT; Xanthoria elegans, XE; X. mandschurica, XM; Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, XPC; and Xp. tinctina, XPT) were sampled from the Xilin River Basin, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Twenty-five elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in the lichens were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that Cd, Pb and Zn were mainly atmospheric in origin, whereas the other elements were predominantly of crustal origin. Compared with other studies, our data were higher in crustal element concentrations and lower in atmospheric element concentrations, matching with the frequent, severe dust storms and road traffic in the area. The elemental concentrations in lichens are both species- and element-specific, highlighting the importance of species selection for biomonitoring air pollution using lichens. We recommend PT, XE, XM and XPT for monitoring atmospheric deposition of crustal elements; XPC and XPT for Cd and Pb; PA for Cd and Zn; and PT for Cd.

Bacterial communities in Antarctic lichens

AbstractTo date, many studies surveying the bacterial communities in lichen thalli from diverse geographical areas have shown that Alphaproteobacteria is the predominant bacterial class in most lichens. In this study, bacterial communities in several Antarctic lichens with different growth form and substrates were analysed. The bacterial community composition in fruticose and foliose lichens, Cladonia, Umbilicaria and Usnea, and crustose lichens, Buelia granulosa, Amandinea coniops and Ochrolechia parella, from King George Island was analysed by pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Results showed that Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were predominant phyla. The predominant bacterial class in most of the samples was Alphaproteobacteria. Acetobacteriaceae of the order Rhodospiralles in Alphaproteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial family in Antarctic lichens. The LAR1 lineage of the order Rhizobiales, a putative N-fixer which has been frequently observed in lichens from temperate areas, was detected only from a few samples at low frequency. It is expected that other bacterial taxa are working as N-fixers in Antarctic lichens. From the PCoA analysis of the Fast UniFrac distance matrix, it was proposed that the microbial community structures in Antarctic lichens were affected by host species, growth form and substrates.