Terricolous Research Articles

The adaptation of lichen symbiosis to desert saline-alkali stress depends more on their symbiotic algae.

Soil salinization is a major environmental threat to the entire terrestrial ecosystem. Lichens arose from the symbiosis of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. They have a high tolerance to various extreme environments, including adaptation to saline-alkali habitats. Thus, lichens are pioneer species on saline-alkali soil. However, the separate resilience of the two symbiotic partners under saline-alkali conditions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, two representative symbiotic algae, Diplosphaera chodatii and Trebouxia jamesii, were studied for their physiological response to the saline-alkali stress by adjusting different concentrations of NaHCO3, together with their respective symbiotic fungi Endocarpon pusillum (terricolous lichen) and Umbilicaria muhlenbergii (saxicolous lichen). The results indicate that cell growth rate and biomass in all four cultures decreased in alkali-alkaline substrate, while cellular activities and ultrastructure were affected to a distinct extent. Compared with the symbiotic fungi, the algae were found to be more active in coordinating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation damage under the saline-alkali stress. The antioxidant system of the alga was especially shown as a key adaptive trait and it provides an important strategy for species survival and persistence in arid saline-alkali desert. The specific survival ability of the lichen symbiosis relies on the stress resilience advantages of the symbiotic partners in combination. Our study provided new insights into understanding the adaptation of lichen symbiosis to desert saline-alkali soil, and the potential of lichen symbiotic algae in the future desert ecological restoration.

New data about overlooked terricolous lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of Ukraine

The new distribution data on rarely collected terricolous lichen species in Ukraine, Agonimia globulifera, Enchylium limosum, Epiphloea byssina, Gregorella humida, Sarcosagium campestre, Steinia geophana, Scytinium biatorinum, S. schraderi, and Verrucaria bryoctona, are provided. Notably, A. globulifera and S. biatorinum have been reported for the first time in the lowland part of Ukraine. Furthermore, the lichenicolous fungus Llimoniella terricola, growing on Epiphloea byssina, is reported for the first time in Eastern Europe. Descriptions, along with notes on similar species, habitat preferences, and general distribution, are provided for each species.

Endothallic yeasts in the terricolous lichens Cladonia

Endothallic yeasts in the terricolous lichens Cladonia

Effects of Fire on Pyrodiversity of Terricolous Non-Tracheophytes Photoautotrophs in a Páramo of Southern Ecuador

The páramos have a great diversity of flora, including terricolous non-tracheophyte photoautotrophs (bryophytes and lichens). Bryophytes and lichens are very sensitive to environmental changes related to anthropogenic fires, livestock, and agricultural activities. We determined for the first time in Ecuador the effects of prescribed fires on the pyrodiversity of terricolous non-tracheophyte photoautotroph in a páramo of South Ecuador. Three permanent sampling plots (T1, T2, and control) were established, each with a dimension of 4 m × 20 m and separated by 3 m (T1: one with fire-induced uphill and T2: one with fire-induced downhill and one control). They were installed in three different blocks, obtaining a total of nine plots. Three samplings (2, 6, and 12 months) were carried out in each plot, where the cover and richness of terricolous bryophytes and lichens were estimated in 216 quadrats of 20 × 30 cm. A total of 27 species (11 lichens and 16 bryophytes) were studied, where the lichen families, that is, Cladoniaceae and Baeomycetaceae, as well as the bryophytes families, namely, Dicranaceae, Jungermanniaceae, Bartramiaceae, Rhacocarpaceae, and Pallaviciniaceae, have been recorded as pioneers in areas under fire effects. Richness and diversity (calculated using the Shannon–Weaver and Simpson indexes) were affected by fire treatments; on the other hand, monitoring time (M3) positively affected species diversity. The composition of terrestrial non-tracheophyte photoautotroph communities showed slight changes between the control and T1 and T2, but the changes were more marked with time after the burns (M1 vs. M3), related to fire severity. Therefore, terricolous lichen and bryophyte communities (richness and diversity) can be used as model organisms for the assessment of the effects of prescribed fires on tropical páramos for subsequent management and conservation.

The saxicolous and terricolous lichens of northeastern Brazil, with special reference to the Vale do Catimbau in Pernambuco


 
 
 The saxicolous and terricolous lichen biota of the Vale do Catimbau in Pernambuco state (Brazil) was studied and with 74 species found to be relatively rich. Most species are new to the state and five are new to Brazil, viz. Andreiomyces ob­ tusatica (Tønsberg) B.P. Hodk. & Lendemer, Caloplaca brittonii (Zahlbr.) Aptroot, Candelariella rosulans (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr., Clavascidium antillarum (Breuss) Breuss, and Stromatella bermudana (Riddle) Henssen. In addition, some new state records were found of corticolous and lignicolous lichens. A comparison is made with all other places in northeastern Brazil where saxicolous lichens have been studied. For this, the Serra de Itabaiana in Sergipe state was revisited too, and many additional species were recorded there. All places differ markedly in species composition. This seems to be correlated to altitude, biome, and rock type (sandstone versus granite), with the biome mostly influencing the species composition and the altitude the species richness. Some of the species newly reported from Brazil are so far known from the Antilles and there seems to be some resemblance between these lichen biotas.
 
 

Semi-domesticated reindeer avoid winter habitats with exotic tree species Pinus contorta

The introduction of exotic tree species can have profound effects on the native environment, including habitat use and movement patterns of animals, as well as becoming a management challenge for other land users. Here, we used GPS data from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and remote sensing measurements of lichen cover and soil moisture to assess the effects of the exotic lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) on reindeer husbandry by the Indigenous Sámi in northern Sweden. We used locational data from 67 reindeer for three winters to analyze their habitat selection at the second-order selection (placement of home range in the landscape) and third-order selection (selection of sites within the home range) in relation to land cover class, terricolous lichen cover as measure of winter forage abundance, topographic features, and distance to roads. We also analyzed remotely sensed abundance of lichens in different forest types, and the association between these forest types and soil moisture as measure of suitability as lichen habitat. Compared to native P. sylvestris, we found that reindeer avoided stands with P. contorta where trees were higher than three meters. If P. contorta was the dominant tree species, reindeer were 60 % less likely to select these stands compared to stands with P. sylvestris, and 40 % less likely if P. contorta was less dominant at both orders of selection. We also found that reindeer selected areas with higher lichen cover. Lichen cover was lower in P. contorta stands compared to stands of the native P. sylvestris, even though P. contorta occurred mainly on dry soils usually favorable for terricolous lichens. We conclude that planting P. contorta on soils suitable for terricolous lichens is likely to reduce forage availability for reindeer and turn habitats earlier preferred by reindeer into avoided habitat, resulting in an overall reduction of winter grazing grounds. The effects of stands with P. contorta, albeit covering a comparatively small percentage of the reindeer husbandry area, need to be seen in context with generally declining terricolous lichen abundance due to land uses like forestry and other cumulative effects by external pressures on reindeer husbandry.

Lichen Transplantation on Polyporales Fungi. An Attempt to Verify the Compatibility after Translocation from a Hill Forest to Anthropized City Parks at Livorno (Tuscany, Italy)

The transplantation of genus Cladonia terricolous lichens on Polyporales parasitic xylophagous fungi was attempted. Three species of Cladonia (C. pyxidata, C. rangiformis, C. foliacea) have been moved (translocated) from Livorno hill woods (Tuscany, Italy) to some public Livorno parks which suffer by an excessive anthropization. After a short period (a week) of adaptation to the new environment we transplanted thirteen specimens of Cladonia lichens on four different species of Polyporales fungi (Fomitopis betulina, Phellinus torulosus, Stereum hirsutum and Ganoderma applanatum) identified on the trees of the parks. The transplants obtained good engraftment and every periodic qualitative control showed a persistent photosynthetic activity even eight months after the start. Only one transplant (on Ganoderma applanatum) failed due by the toxicity of a secretion after incision. These observations lead us to consider those experiments as a demonstration of the compatibility of the implied tissues on transplantation and also allow us to introduce the difference of the term transplantation (the insert of an organism to another) from the often-confused translocation (relocation of an organism in different habitat). Future checks will indicate how and for how long this artificial association complex might persist.

Thamnolecania yunusii (Ramalinaceae) – A new species of lichenised fungus from Horseshoe Island (Antarctic Peninsula)

Abstract The new terricolous lichen species Thamnolecania yunusii Halıcı, Güllü, Bölükbaşı & Kahraman, which is characterised by its cream to greyish brown granulose-crustose thallus without vegetative propagules, is described from Horseshoe Island in the South-West Antarctic Peninsula region. All Thamnolecania species are known only from the Antarctic. The only species of the genus with a crustose thallus is T. racovitzae, but it differs from T. yunusii by growing on rocks, having an effuse to subeffigurate thallus that is sometimes isidiate and with shorter and narrower ascospores (c. 15 × 3.5 µm vs. 15.5–19.5 × 3.5–5.5 µm). The nrITS, mtSSU and RPB1 gene regions of the new species were studied and the phylogenetic position of the species was shown to be in the same clade as Thamnolecania gerlachei, T. brialmontii and T. racovitzae, but occurs on a different branch from these species. As T. yunusii is an Antarctic endemic, like the other Thamnolecania species, and most of the morphological characters fit well with this genus, we describe this new species under the genus Thamnolecania.

Taxonomical and chorological notes 17 (178–183)

Floristical records of two lichen-forming fungi and four flowering plants are presented from Hungary. The rare lichen-species Gyalecta fagicola now is known from 7 localities in Hungary with 5 new records. Polyblastia philaea a terricolous lichen species is new to Hungary. The first confirmed record (Szentendre) of the annual weed Adonis annua, a new occurrence (Bodrog bank, Sárospatak) of Cyperus michelianus in the upper Tisza region, and a new locality of the alien weed Rapistrum rugosum from Szentendre (Bizottság-liget) are reported. The naturalised weed Polycarpon tetraphyllum has a stable, spreading population in Budapest with several thousands of individuals.

Mercury Stable Isotope Composition of Lichens and Mosses from Northern Eurasia Reveals Hg Deposition Pathways and Sources

Mercury (Hg) concentrations in lichens and mosses can be used as surrogates for atmospheric Hg deposition to continental surfaces. In this study, we collected and analyzed Hg concentrations (n = 334) and isotopic composition (n = 67) of epiphytic tree lichens and terricolous lichens and mosses from remote locations across the Eurasian Arctic and sub-Arctic (50 to 72° N, 30 to 180° E). The total Hg (THg) concentrations ranged from 13 to 7700 ng g–1. Epiphytic tree lichens had significantly higher median THg levels (243 ng g–1) than terricolous lichens (35 ng g–1) and mosses (74 ng g–1). THg is substantially higher in both tree lichens and terricolous lichens near the Arctic Ocean shore and up to 300 km inland. The combined δ202Hg, Δ199Hg, and Δ200Hg signatures suggest that the elevated coastal Hg levels are delivered by marine air masses rich in gaseous and particulate-oxidized HgII forms, such as HgBr2. Similar to other vegetation Hg isotope studies, inland terricolous lichen and moss Δ200Hg are near zero, indicating a dominant (63%) atmospheric Hg0 origin followed by HgII wet and dry deposition. Inland tree lichens carry a more positive Δ200Hg of 0.15‰, similar to the atmospheric HgII end-member, suggesting that they preferentially accumulate HgII wet and dry deposition compared to colocated terricolous lichens. Mosses from the European sub-Arctic show a low δ202Hg of −3.1‰, which we speculate to result from regional soil Hg0 emissions that are recaptured by mosses. Overall, the Hg isotope variability of mosses and lichens reveals latitudinal gradients in Hg deposition pathways and identifies preferential Hg0 or HgII uptake.

Water-energy relationships shape the phylogenetic diversity of terricolous lichen communities in Mediterranean mountains: Implications for conservation in a climate change scenario

Lichens are symbiotic organisms sensitive to climate change and susceptible to a severe decline in diversity, especially in high elevation environments that are already threatened. In this study, we focused on water-energy relationships derived from climatic variables and phylogenetic diversity indices of terricolous lichen communities occurring on a representative Mediterranean mountain. We hypothesized that the variation of precipitation and temperature and their interaction along the altitudinal gradient will shape the phylogenetic diversity and structure of lichen communities. Our results reveal that dry and arid conditions lead to a strong loss in phylogenetic diversity with consequent impoverishment of high elevation lichen communities under a climate change scenario. The interaction between variables, reflecting water-energy relationships with phylogenetic and community diversity patterns, suggests that in a future climate change scenario, the novel climatic conditions may reduce the capability of the species to survive harsher conditions, and Mediterranean mountains may face a severe loss of genetic diversity in a climate change scenario.

Adaptive optics in the Arctic? A commentary on Fosbury and Jeffery.

Adaptive optics in the Arctic? A commentary on Fosbury and Jeffery.

The long-term effect of removing the UV-protectant usnic acid from the thalli of the lichen Cladonia foliacea

Terricolous lichens are abundant in semi-arid areas, where they are exposed to high irradiation. Photoprotection is essential for the algae as the photobiont provides the primer carbon source for both symbionts. The UV-protectant lichen metabolites and different quenching procedures of the alga ensure adequate photoprotection. Since the long-term effect of diminishing UV-protectant lichen metabolites is unknown, a major part of lichen secondary metabolites was removed from Cladonia foliacea thalli by acetone rinsing, and the lichens were then maintained under field conditions to investigate the effect on both symbionts for 3 years. Our aim was to determine if the decreased level of UV-protectant metabolites caused an elevated photoprotection in the algae and to reveal the dynamics of production of the metabolites. Photosynthetic activity and light protection were checked by chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics measurements every 6 months. The concentrations of fumarprotocetraric and usnic acids were monitored by chromatographic methods. Our results proved that seasonality had a more pronounced effect than that of acetone treatment on the function of lichens over a long-term scale. Even after 3 years, the acetone-treated thalli contained half as much usnic acid as the control thalli, and the level of photoprotection remained unchanged in the algae. However, the amount of available humidity was a more critical limiting environmental factor than the amount of incoming irradiation affecting usnic acid production. The lichenicolous fungus Didymocyrtis cladoniicola became relatively more abundant in the acetone-treated samples than in the control samples, indicating a slight change caused by the treatment.

An artificial intelligence approach to remotely assess pale lichen biomass

Although generally given little attention in vegetation studies, ground-dwelling (terricolous) lichens are major contributors to overall carbon and nitrogen cycling, albedo, biodiversity and biomass in many high-latitude ecosystems. Changes in biomass of mat-forming pale lichens have the potential to affect vegetation, fauna, climate and human activities including reindeer husbandry. Lichens have a complex spectral signature and terricolous lichens have limited growth height, often growing in mixtures with taller vegetation. This has, so far, prevented the development of remote sensing techniques to accurately assess lichen biomass, which would be a powerful tool in ecosystem and ecological research and rangeland management. We present a Landsat based remote sensing model developed using deep neural networks, trained with 8914 field records of lichen volume collected for >20 years. In contrast to earlier proposed machine learning and regression methods for lichens, our model exploited the ability of neural networks to handle mixed spatial resolution input. We trained candidate models using input of 1 × 1 (30 × 30 m) and 3 × 3 Landsat pixels based on 7 reflective bands and 3 indices, combined with a 10 m spatial resolution digital elevation model. We normalised elevation data locally for each plot to remove the region-specific variation, while maintaining informative local variation in topography. The final model predicted lichen volume in an evaluation set (n = 159) reaching an R2 of 0.57. NDVI and elevation were the most important predictors, followed by the green band. Even with moderate tree cover density, the model was efficient, offering a considerable improvement compared to earlier methods based on specific reflectance. The model was in principle trained on data from Scandinavia, but when applied to sites in North America and Russia, the predictions of the model corresponded well with our visual interpretations of lichen abundance. We also accurately quantified a recent historic (35 years) change in lichen abundance in northern Norway. This new method enables further spatial and temporal studies of variation and changes in lichen biomass related to multiple research questions as well as rangeland management and economic and cultural ecosystem services. Combined with information on changes in drivers such as climate, land use and management, and air pollution, our model can be used to provide accurate estimates of ecosystem changes and to improve vegetation-climate models by including pale lichens.

Factors at multiple scales influence the composition of terricolous lichen communities in temperate semi-arid sandy grasslands

AbstractInland dune ecosystems are rich in terricolous lichen species. However, these communities are sensitive to human activities, both locally and globally. Since terricolous lichens have a dominant role in semi-arid sandy grasslands, it is important to explore the composition of their communities and the environmental factors affecting them. We studied the structure of the terricolous lichen assemblages of calcareous grassland in an inland duneland ecosystem by comparing the lichen communities of arid and humid dune sides on two sites with different disturbance histories. Microcoenological data were collected according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Environmental variables include the cover of bare soil, moss, litter, herb cover and height of herbs. We investigated the relationship of these variables and the presence and absence data of terricolous lichen species to sites and dune side. We found that the site had a significant effect on species richness that might reflect the different types and severity of previous disturbance events at the studied sites. On a smaller, ‘dune’ scale, in general lower herb cover and height and a higher moss cover were characteristic of arid dune sides. Most of the frequent species were negatively affected by higher moss cover. Some lichen species were more abundant (e.g. Cladonia furcata) or found only (e.g. Xanthoparmelia subdiffluens, Gyalolechia fulgens) on arid dune sides, while others preferred (e.g. C. pyxidata) or occurred only on (e.g. Peltigera species, C. rei) humid sides. It was observed that the impact of the dune side on several variables differed between sites. The diverse microhabitat types, microclimate and landscape structure, results in species-rich and valuable terricolous lichen communities forming in inland dune ecosystems.

Quantitative variations of usnic acid and selected elements in terricolous lichen Cladonia mitis Sandst., with respect to different environmental factors – A chemometric approach

In the present study, quantitative analysis of usnic acid and the selected elements (Ag, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in samples of Cladonia mitis thalli collected along a North-Central Europe transect, was performed. Additionally, we analysed geographical and environmental factors that could potentially influence the levels of the analytes. With the constructed partial least square (PLS) chemometric model we aimed to establish the relationships between the analysed factors. Our study is the first to provide comparative quantitative data on usnic acid in C. mitis. We proved this lichen species is a rich source of usnic acid (4.52 ± 0.54–21.58 ± 2.23 mg/g dry wt). Significant differences in usnic acid content between samples collected in the open and forest areas were noted, with the predominance of the former (mean 17.4 ± 2.8 and 8.8 ± 2.3 mg/g dry wt, respectively). Our results supported the hypothesis on the relationship between usnic acid and selected heavy metals content in lichens, as the positive correlation of the compound was noted with Pb. Our PLS model indicated also a positive correlation between usnic acid and Cr content, which was reported for the first time.

Lichens as monitors of the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in high elevation Mediterranean ecosystems

In this study we used a terricolous lichen (Cetraria islandica) as bioaccumulator of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to explore spatial patterns of air pollutant deposition along elevational gradients in the Majella Massif (Italy). Samples of C. islandica were collected at 200 m intervals along 6 transects from 1600 to 2600 m, both along the eastern and the western slope of the Majella massif, and analyzed for their PTE content. The results supported the hypothesis that the deposition of PTEs to the Majella massif is largely influenced by elevation and slope. Two main patterns emerged connected either with local soil erosion and long-range atmospheric transport. For some PTEs, namely Al, Cr, Li, Mg, in the absence of any other data, it is supposed that the anthropogenic input is very small compared to the natural input from weathering processes. In contrast, the group of air pollutants subjected to long-range transport, as in the case of Cd, Hg, and Pb, has very limited local input and the main sources responsible for the higher concentrations on the eastern slope are probably to be searched in the Balkan area.

Restoration of montane heathlands – Early- and mid-successional stages promote phytodiversity

Heathlands are highly threatened ecosystems with high conservation value. Montane heathlands have suffered from widespread habitat loss due to land-use abandonment and afforestation. The aim of our study was to analyse the long-term effects of montane heathland restoration, nine to ten years after restoration, on vegetation in the Rothaar Mountains (Central Germany). We compared vegetation composition in four vegetation types: (i) early-successional heathland stages on sod cut sites or ski pistes (hereafter referred to as EARLY), (ii) late-successional (old-growth) heathland stages (LATE), (iii) restored heathlands on former spruce forests where seed transfer by hydroseeding or the application of chopper material (crushed aboveground biomass from donor heathland site including seeds) had been applied (RESTORED) and (iv) windthrows with salvage logging (WIND). In every vegetation type, ten vegetation relevés were carried out and the cover of all vascular plant, bryophyte and terricolous lichen species were analysed. Furthermore, soil samples were taken in every relevé and measured with respect to soil acidity as well as carbon, nitrogen, phosphate and potassium contents.Our study demonstrated that the restoration plots were characterised by chemical soil conditions comparable to those of existing heathland communities. RESTORED was the hotspot of phytodiversity. Species richness of vascular plants, threatened vascular plants and target species peaked on RESTORED, followed by EARLY. Additionally, EARLY was characterised by the highest number of terricolous lichen species and threatened bryophyte species.The applied restoration measures were successful in establishing montane-heathland and acidic-grassland vegetation on former spruce forests. However, two usually dominant species of montane heathlands, Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium vitis-idaea, had hardly established. Both species are slow colonisers and require specific microsites characterised by high moisture and organic content of the soil for generative reproduction. Additionally, the study demonstrated that early- to mid-successional stages of montane heathlands play a vital role for the conservation of cryptogams and low-competitive plant species.

Effects of montane heathland rejuvenation on phytodiversity depend on management intensity and succession

Heathlands are of high importance for biodiversity conservation, and most heathlands depend on management. While the effects of management on biodiversity are well-studied for lowland heathlands, studies on Central European montane heathlands are scarce. Therefore, we analysed the effects of heathland rejuvenation measures on soil characteristics and phytodiversity within Central European montane heathlands. We focused on four heathland types: sod-cut heathlands with (i) early-successional stages (SOD CUT-EARLY) and (ii) mid-successional stages (SOD CUT-MID), (iii) choppered heathlands with mid-successional stages (CHOP-MID) and (iv) late-successional heathland stages (CONTROL). For every heathland type, ten vegetation relevés were carried out. In every relevé, we analysed the cover of all vascular plant, bryophyte and terricolous lichen species. Additionally, soil characteristics were measured. Statistical analyses included generalised linear mixed-effects models and non-metric multidimensional scaling.Our study revealed that rejuvenation of montane heathlands reduced soil nutrient levels, increased pH values and had positive effects on phytodiversity. The effects of rejuvenation were persistent. Even after around 20 years following the measures, SOD CUT-MID and CHOP-MID were characterised by lower nutrient levels and different plant assemblages compared to CONTROL.Sod cutting and choppering promoted the rejuvenation of Calluna vulgaris, one target species of montane heathlands. However, the regeneration of Vaccinium vitis-idaea – another ericaceous target species – was clearly favoured by choppering in comparison to sod cutting. By contrast, overall vascular plant species diversity as well as the number of threatened vascular plant and target species were favoured by sod cutting in the long run while early-successional stages after sod cutting had positive effects on lichen diversity. Due to the contrary effects of the two rejuvenation measures, we recommend a spatial mix of high-intensity (sod cutting) and less intensive (choppering) rejuvenation methods in montane heathlands.

Checklist of the lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Sierra Nevada (Spain)

A checklist of lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Sierra Nevada (Granada, southeast Spain) is presented, fruit of the collecting field trip carried out by the Spanish Lichen Society (SEL), complemented with literature references. The authors identified 194 taxa (171 lichens and 23 lichenicolous fungi). As a result of these identifications, 46 lichens and nine lichenicolous fungi are reported for the first time in Sierra Nevada. To date, the catalogue includes 551 taxa (528 lichens and 23 lichenicolous fungi). We confirm both the scarce presence of terricolous lichens in the cryoromediterranean belt and the absence of alpine belt terricolous lichens.