1
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Meyer AR, Koch NM, McDonald T, Stanton DE. Symbionts out of sync: Decoupled physiological responses are widespread and ecologically important in lichen associations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado2783. [PMID: 38875327 PMCID: PMC11177896 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado2783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
A core vulnerability in symbioses is the need for coordination between the symbiotic partners, which are often assumed to be closely physiologically integrated. We critically re-examine this assumed integration between symbionts in lichen symbioses, recovering a long overlooked yet fundamental physiological asymmetry in carbon balance. We examine the physiological, ecological, and transcriptional basis of this asymmetry in the lichen Evernia mesomorpha. This carbon balance asymmetry depends on hydration source and aligns with climatic range limits. Differences in gene expression across the E. mesomorpha symbiosis suggest that the physiologies of the primary lichen symbionts are decoupled. Furthermore, we use gas exchange data to show that asymmetries in carbon balance are widespread and common across evolutionarily disparate lichen associations. Using carbon balance asymmetry as an example, we provide evidence for the wide-ranging importance of physiological asymmetries in symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Meyer
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Natália M Koch
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Tami McDonald
- Department of Biology, Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Daniel E Stanton
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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2
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Worthy FR, Schaefer DA, Wanasinghe D, Xu JC, Wang LS, Wang XY. Acquisition of green algal photobionts enables both chlorolichens and chloro-cyanolichens to activate photosynthesis at low humidity without liquid water. AOB PLANTS 2024; 16:plae025. [PMID: 38770101 PMCID: PMC11102867 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria require liquid water for photosynthesis, whereas green algae can photosynthesise with water vapour alone. We discovered that several Lobaria spp. which normally have cyanobacteria as the sole photobiont, in some regions of the trans-Himalayas also harboured green algae. We tested whether green algal acquisition was: limited to high elevations; obtained from neighbouring chloro-Lobaria species; enabled photosynthesis at low humidity. Lobaria spp. were collected from 2000 to 4000 m elevation. Spectrophotometry quantified green algal abundance by measuring chlorophyll b (absent in cyanobacteria). Thalli cross-sections visually confirmed green algal presence. We sequenced gene regions: Lobaria (ITS-EF-1α-RPB2), green algae (18S-RBC-L) and Nostoc (16S). Phylogenetic analysis determined myco-photobiont associations. We used a custom closed-circuit gas exchange system with an infrared gas analyser to measure CO2 exchange rates for desiccated specimens at 33%, 76%, 86% and 98% humidity. Cross-sections revealed that the photobiont layers in putative cyano-Lobaria contained both cyanobacteria and green algae, indicating that they should be considered chloro-cyanolichens. Chloro-Lobaria had no visible cephalodia nor cyanobacteria in the photobiont layer. Chloro-Lobaria and chloro-cyano-Lobaria had comparable levels of chlorophyll b. Chloro-Lobaria usually contained Symbiochloris. Chloro-cyano-Lobaria mainly associated with Parachloroidium and Nostoc; infrequently with Symbiochloris, Apatococcus, Chloroidium, Pseudochlorella, Trebouxia. Sequences from two green algal genera were obtained from within some thalli. Desiccated specimens of every Lobaria species could attain net photosynthesis with light exposure and 33% humidity. CO2 exchange dynamics over a five-day period differed between species. At all elevations, chloro-cyano-Lobaria spp. had abundant green algae in the photobiont layer, but green algal strains mostly differed to those of chloro-Lobaria spp. Both chloro-Lobaria and chloro-cyano-Lobaria were capable of conducting photosynthesis without liquid water. The data strongly suggest that they attained positive net photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Ruth Worthy
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Douglas Allen Schaefer
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Dhanushka Wanasinghe
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Department of Soil Science, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jian Chu Xu
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Li Song Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Xin Yu Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
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3
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Thakur M, Kasi IK, Islary P, Bhatti SK. Nutritional and Health-Promoting Effects of Lichens Used in Food Applications. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:555-566. [PMID: 37581862 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Lichens have a huge significance which is used in nutrition due to the bioactive components within. Lichen is a nutrient-dense resourceful diet nearly every day meal and has long been used as food; also, these valuable natural resources are now being utilized for a wide range of other purposes. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the nutritional and edible qualities of lichens as well as the possible health benefits of lichens. It is interesting to note that lichen is a nutrient-dense and functional food. It is a nutritional resource that can mitigate the effects of malnutrition to some amount. RECENT FINDINGS There is an indication that an intake of lichens as natural foods was associated with nutritional and health-promoting properties. Lichens have proven to have theoretically rich nutritional value, and their extracts and active constituents have also been shown to have multiple health benefits. Low-fat content, high carbohydrate, and crude fibre content; plentiful mineral components; and good protein sources are all thought to contribute to lichen's nutritional value. There is a lot of potential for using lichens as an effective food source and ensuring people's food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Thakur
- Division Botany, Department of Bio-Sciences, Career Point University, Hamirpur, 176041, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - Indra Kumar Kasi
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Yaswant, Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, 173230, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Pungbili Islary
- Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam, India
| | - Sayeeda Kousar Bhatti
- Department of Botany, Govt. Degree College Mendhar, Jammu and Kashmir, 185211, UT, India
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4
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Styburski J, Skubała K. Do urban air pollutants induce changes in the thallus anatomy and affect the photosynthetic efficiency of the nitrophilous lichen Physcia adscendens? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:112336-112346. [PMID: 37831253 PMCID: PMC10643396 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are generally sensitive to air pollution due to their specific biological and physiological features. Physcia adscendens is a nitrophilous lichen well-known for being resistant to air pollution associated with progressive anthropopressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen oxides and suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on anatomical structure of the thallus and photobiont's photosynthetic efficiency in P. adscendens inhabiting sites that differ in terms of air pollution level and thereby to determine the relevance of these pollutants for shaping the structure of the thallus and the physiological condition of the photosynthetic partner. We found that P. adscendens from polluted sites had increased thickness of the algal layer and the larger size of the algae cells, but a much lower ratio of the algal layer to the whole thallus. Lichens from highly polluted sites had also higher photosynthetic efficiency, which indicates a relatively good physiological condition of the photobiont. This indicates that the photobiont of P. adscendens is well-adapted to function under air pollution stress which may contribute to its success in colonizing polluted sites. Both changes in the anatomy of the lichen thallus and the efficiency of photosynthesis may be related to the enrichment of the environment with nitrogen. The increased photosynthetic efficiency as well as investment in the size of photobiont cells and growth mycobiont hyphae confirms that P. adscendens is well-adapted to urban conditions; however, the mechanism behind those adaptations needs more focus in the context of global environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Styburski
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Kaja Skubała
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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Delves J, Lewis JEJ, Ali N, Asad SA, Chatterjee S, Crittenden PD, Jones M, Kiran A, Prasad Pandey B, Reay D, Sharma S, Tshering D, Weerakoon G, van Dijk N, Sutton MA, Wolseley PA, Ellis CJ. Lichens as spatially transferable bioindicators for monitoring nitrogen pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121575. [PMID: 37028790 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Excess nitrogen is a pollutant and global problem that harms ecosystems and can severely affect human health. Pollutant nitrogen is becoming more widespread and intensifying in the tropics. There is thus a requirement to develop nitrogen biomonitoring for spatial mapping and trend analysis of tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. In temperate and boreal zones, multiple bioindicators for nitrogen pollution have been developed, with lichen epiphytes among the most sensitive and widely applied. However, the state of our current knowledge on bioindicators is geographically biased, with extensive research effort focused on bioindicators in the temperate and boreal zones. The development of lichen bioindicators in the tropics is further weakened by incomplete taxonomic and ecological knowledge. In this study we performed a literature review and meta-analysis, attempting to identify characteristics of lichens that offer transferability of bioindication into tropical regions. This transferability must overcome the different species pools between source information - drawing on extensive research effort in the temperate and boreal zone - and tropical ecosystems. Focussing on ammonia concentration as the nitrogen pollutant, we identify a set of morphological traits and taxonomic relationships that cause lichen epiphytes to be more sensitive, or more resistant to this excess nitrogen. We perform an independent test of our bioindicator scheme and offer recommendations for its application and future research in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Delves
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, UK
| | - Jason E J Lewis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Niaz Ali
- Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Saeed A Asad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Park Road Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sudipto Chatterjee
- TERI School of Advanced Studies, Plot No. 10 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110 070, India
| | - Peter D Crittenden
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Matthew Jones
- Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Aysha Kiran
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - David Reay
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, High School Yards, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LZ, UK
| | - Subodh Sharma
- Kathmandu University, Nepal GPO Box 6250, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dendup Tshering
- Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, PO Box, 11001, Lower Motithang, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Netty van Dijk
- Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Mark A Sutton
- Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
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6
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Stanton DE, Ormond A, Koch NM, Colesie C. Lichen ecophysiology in a changing climate. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2023; 110:e16131. [PMID: 36795943 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are one of the most iconic and ubiquitous symbioses known, widely valued as indicators of environmental quality and, more recently, climate change. Our understanding of lichen responses to climate has greatly expanded in recent decades, but some biases and constraints have shaped our present knowledge. In this review we focus on lichen ecophysiology as a key to predicting responses to present and future climates, highlighting recent advances and remaining challenges. Lichen ecophysiology is best understood through complementary whole-thallus and within-thallus scales. Water content and form (vapor or liquid) are central to whole-thallus perspectives, making vapor pressure differential (VPD) a particularly informative environmental driver. Responses to water content are further modulated by photobiont physiology and whole-thallus phenotype, providing clear links to a functional trait framework. However, this thallus-level perspective is incomplete without also considering within-thallus dynamics, such as changing proportions or even identities of symbionts in response to climate, nutrients, and other stressors. These changes provide pathways for acclimation, but their understanding is currently limited by large gaps in our understanding of carbon allocation and symbiont turnover in lichens. Lastly, the study of lichen physiology has mainly prioritized larger lichens at high latitudes, producing valuable insights but underrepresenting the range of lichenized lineages and ecologies. Key areas for future work include improving geographic and phylogenetic coverage, greater emphasis on VPD as a climatic factor, advances in the study of carbon allocation and symbiont turnover, and the incorporation of physiological theory and functional traits in our predictive models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Stanton
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Amaris Ormond
- Global Change Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Crew Building, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9FF, UK
| | - Natalia M Koch
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Claudia Colesie
- Global Change Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Crew Building, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9FF, UK
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7
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Kratz AM, Maier S, Weber J, Kim M, Mele G, Gargiulo L, Leifke AL, Prass M, Abed RMM, Cheng Y, Su H, Pöschl U, Weber B. Reactive Nitrogen Hotspots Related to Microscale Heterogeneity in Biological Soil Crusts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11865-11877. [PMID: 35929951 PMCID: PMC9387110 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts covering drylands account for major fractions of terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation and release large amounts of gaseous reactive nitrogen (Nr) as nitrous acid (HONO) and nitric oxide (NO). Recent investigations suggested that aerobic and anaerobic microbial nitrogen transformations occur simultaneously upon desiccation of biocrusts, but the spatio-temporal distribution of seemingly contradictory processes remained unclear. Here, we explore small-scale gradients in chemical concentrations related to structural characteristics and organism distribution. X-ray microtomography and fluorescence microscopy revealed mixed pore size structures, where photoautotrophs and cyanobacterial polysaccharides clustered irregularly in the uppermost millimeter. Microsensor measurements showed strong gradients of pH, oxygen, and nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium ion concentrations at micrometer scales in both vertical and lateral directions. Initial oxygen saturation was mostly low (∼30%) at full water holding capacity, suggesting widely anoxic conditions, and increased rapidly upon desiccation. Nitrite concentrations (∼6 to 800 μM) and pH values (∼6.5 to 9.5) were highest around 70% WHC. During further desiccation they decreased, while emissions of HONO and NO increased, reaching maximum values around 20% WHC. Our results illustrate simultaneous, spatially separated aerobic and anaerobic nitrogen transformations, which are critical for Nr emissions, but might be impacted by future global change and land management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maria Kratz
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Stefanie Maier
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Jens Weber
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Minsu Kim
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Giacomo Mele
- Institute
for Agriculture and Forestry in the Mediterranean, National Council of Research, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Laura Gargiulo
- Institute
for Agriculture and Forestry in the Mediterranean, National Council of Research, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Anna Lena Leifke
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Maria Prass
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Raeid M. M. Abed
- College
of Science, Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos
University, P.O. Box 36, Al Khoud, Seeb 123, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yafang Cheng
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Hang Su
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Bettina Weber
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
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8
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Water-driven microbial nitrogen transformations in biological soil crusts causing atmospheric nitrous acid and nitric oxide emissions. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:1012-1024. [PMID: 34764454 PMCID: PMC8941053 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) release the reactive nitrogen gases (Nr) nitrous acid (HONO) and nitric oxide (NO) into the atmosphere, but the underlying microbial process controls have not yet been resolved. In this study, we analyzed the activity of microbial consortia relevant in Nr emissions during desiccation using transcriptome and proteome profiling and fluorescence in situ hybridization. We observed that < 30 min after wetting, genes encoding for all relevant nitrogen (N) cycling processes were expressed. The most abundant transcriptionally active N-transforming microorganisms in the investigated biocrusts were affiliated with Rhodobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae within the Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. Upon desiccation, the nitrite (NO2-) content of the biocrusts increased significantly, which was not the case when microbial activity was inhibited. Our results confirm that NO2- is the key precursor for biocrust emissions of HONO and NO. This NO2- accumulation likely involves two processes related to the transition from oxygen-limited to oxic conditions in the course of desiccation: (i) a differential regulation of the expression of denitrification genes; and (ii) a physiological response of ammonia-oxidizing organisms to changing oxygen conditions. Thus, our findings suggest that the activity of N-cycling microorganisms determines the process rates and overall quantity of Nr emissions.
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9
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da Silva BF, Pereira IMC, de Melo JC, Martins MCB, Barbosa MO, Silva AKO, de Siqueira WN, da Silva NH, de Oliveira AFM, Vicente C, Legaz ME, Pereira EC. Cladonia verticillaris (lichen) indicates negative impacts derived from the combustion of biodiesel blends: an alert for the environmental management for biofuels use. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:809. [PMID: 34783906 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel in vehicular engines demands the evaluation of the possible impacts and effects of the gases emitted from their combustion on the environment. Among studies on these questions, biomonitoring using lichens is a viable alternative, given their interactions with the elements dispersed in the atmosphere, as well as its sensitivity and capacity to retain contaminants. In this study, we analyzed the effects of gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel mixture with petroleum diesel on Cladonia verticillaris thalli. Samples of the lichen (10 g) were exposed to the gases emitted by the exhaust of the generator engine during the combustion process of biodiesel mixtures to petroleum diesel (7% (B7), 10% (B10), 40% (B40), 50% (B50), and 70% (B70)). At 90 days after exposure, samples were analyzed for n-alkane profiles, thallus morphology, photosynthetic pigment contents, and secondary lichen metabolites (protocetraric and fumarprotocetraric acids). Sets B7 and B10 showed better resistance of the lichen to pollutants. Set B40 showed a high stress evidenced by the chain elongation of n-alkanes structure and high chlorophyll production, presenting high morphological damages when compared to the control sets, B7 and B10. The results showed significant reductions of n-alkanes profiles for mixtures with high concentrations of biodiesel (B50 and B70), as well as decreases in the chlorophyll content. These groups showed an increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, corroborating the hypothesis that high concentrations of biodiesel in the mixture with petroleum diesel have greater impacts on the lichen. Schematic model for demonstration of using the lichen Cladonia verticillaris as biomonitor of effects from gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel by a stationary engine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F da Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Applied Ecology, Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. São Dimas, 303, 13.416-000, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iwelton M C Pereira
- Collegiate of the Geography Degree Course, Universidade de Pernambuco, R. Cap. Pedro Rodrigues, 55.294-902, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - James C de Melo
- Biofuels Division, Northeast Strategic Technologies Center (CETENE), Av. Prof. Luís Freire, 1, 50.740-545, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mônica C B Martins
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mariana O Barbosa
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Andrezza K O Silva
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Geography, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Williams N de Siqueira
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Nicácio H da Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Phisiology, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Antônio F M de Oliveira
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Carlos Vicente
- Department of Plant Physiology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Novais, 12, 28.040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria E Legaz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Calle José Antonio Novais, 12, 28.040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugênia C Pereira
- Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Geography, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, 50.670-901, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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10
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Grzesiak J, Woltyńska A, Zdanowski MK, Górniak D, Świątecki A, Olech MA, Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk T. Metabolic fingerprinting of the Antarctic cyanolichen Leptogium puberulum-associated bacterial community (Western Shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:818-829. [PMID: 33555368 PMCID: PMC8674174 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are presently regarded as stable biotopes, small ecosystems providing a safe haven for the development of a diverse and numerous microbiome. In this study, we conducted a functional diversity assessment of the microbial community residing on the surface and within the thalli of Leptogium puberulum, a eurytopic cyanolichen endemic to Antarctica, employing the widely used Biolog EcoPlates which test the catabolism of 31 carbon compounds in a colorimetric respiration assay. Lichen thalli occupying moraine ridges of differing age within a proglacial chronosequence, as well as those growing in sites of contrasting nutrient concentrations, were procured from the diverse landscape of the western shore of Admiralty Bay in Maritime Antarctica. The L. puberulum bacterial community catabolized photobiont- (glucose-containing carbohydrates) and mycobiont-specific carbon compounds (D-Mannitol). The bacteria also had the ability to process degradation products of lichen thalli components (D-cellobiose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine). Lichen thalli growth site characteristics had an impact on metabolic diversity and respiration intensity of the bacterial communities. While high nutrient contents in lichen specimens from "young" proglacial locations and in those from nitrogen enriched sites stimulated bacterial catabolic activity, in old proglacial locations and in nutrient-lacking sites, a metabolic activity restriction was apparent, presumably due to lichen-specific microbial control mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Grzesiak
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Woltyńska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marek K Zdanowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dorota Górniak
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1a, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksander Świątecki
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1a, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Maria A Olech
- Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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11
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Zhao Y, Wang M, Xu B. A comprehensive review on secondary metabolites and health-promoting effects of edible lichen. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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12
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Tagirdzhanova G, Saary P, Tingley JP, Díaz-Escandón D, Abbott DW, Finn RD, Spribille T. Predicted Input of Uncultured Fungal Symbionts to a Lichen Symbiosis from Metagenome-Assembled Genomes. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6163286. [PMID: 33693712 PMCID: PMC8355462 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Basidiomycete yeasts have recently been reported as stably associated secondary
fungal symbionts of many lichens, but their role in the symbiosis remains
unknown. Attempts to sequence their genomes have been hampered both by the
inability to culture them and their low abundance in the lichen thallus
alongside two dominant eukaryotes (an ascomycete fungus and chlorophyte alga).
Using the lichen Alectoria sarmentosa, we selectively dissolved
the cortex layer in which secondary fungal symbionts are embedded to enrich
yeast cell abundance and sequenced DNA from the resulting slurries as well as
bulk lichen thallus. In addition to yielding a near-complete genome of the
filamentous ascomycete using both methods, metagenomes from cortex slurries
yielded a 36- to 84-fold increase in coverage and near-complete genomes for two
basidiomycete species, members of the classes Cystobasidiomycetes and
Tremellomycetes. The ascomycete possesses the largest gene repertoire of the
three. It is enriched in proteases often associated with pathogenicity and
harbors the majority of predicted secondary metabolite clusters. The
basidiomycete genomes possess ∼35% fewer predicted genes than the
ascomycete and have reduced secretomes even compared with close relatives, while
exhibiting signs of nutrient limitation and scavenging. Furthermore, both
basidiomycetes are enriched in genes coding for enzymes producing secreted
acidic polysaccharides, representing a potential contribution to the shared
extracellular matrix. All three fungi retain genes involved in dimorphic
switching, despite the ascomycete not being known to possess a yeast stage. The
basidiomycete genomes are an important new resource for exploration of lifestyle
and function in fungal–fungal interactions in lichen symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnara Tagirdzhanova
- Department of Biological Sciences CW405, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Saary
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey P Tingley
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Díaz-Escandón
- Department of Biological Sciences CW405, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - D Wade Abbott
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert D Finn
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Spribille
- Department of Biological Sciences CW405, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Gauslaa Y, Goward T. Melanic pigments and canopy-specific elemental concentration shape growth rates of the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria in unmanaged mixed forest. FUNGAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2020.100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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14
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Kono M, Kon Y, Ohmura Y, Satta Y, Terai Y. In vitro resynthesis of lichenization reveals the genetic background of symbiosis-specific fungal-algal interaction in Usnea hakonensis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:671. [PMID: 32993496 PMCID: PMC7526373 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symbiosis is central to ecosystems and has been an important driving force of the diversity of life. Close and long-term interactions are known to develop cooperative molecular mechanisms between the symbiotic partners and have often given them new functions as symbiotic entities. In lichen symbiosis, mutualistic relationships between lichen-forming fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria produce unique features that make lichens adaptive to a wide range of environments. Although the morphological, physiological, and ecological uniqueness of lichens has been described for more than a century, the genetic mechanisms underlying this symbiosis are still poorly known. RESULTS This study investigated the fungal-algal interaction specific to the lichen symbiosis using Usnea hakonensis as a model system. The whole genome of U. hakonensis, the fungal partner, was sequenced by using a culture isolated from a natural lichen thallus. Isolated cultures of the fungal and the algal partners were co-cultured in vitro for 3 months, and thalli were successfully resynthesized as visible protrusions. Transcriptomes of resynthesized and natural thalli (symbiotic states) were compared to that of isolated cultures (non-symbiotic state). Sets of fungal and algal genes up-regulated in both symbiotic states were identified as symbiosis-related genes. CONCLUSION From predicted functions of these genes, we identified genetic association with two key features fundamental to the symbiotic lifestyle in lichens. The first is establishment of a fungal symbiotic interface: (a) modification of cell walls at fungal-algal contact sites; and (b) production of a hydrophobic layer that ensheaths fungal and algal cells;. The second is symbiosis-specific nutrient flow: (a) the algal supply of photosynthetic product to the fungus; and (b) the fungal supply of phosphorous and nitrogen compounds to the alga. Since both features are widespread among lichens, our result may indicate important facets of the genetic basis of the lichen symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieko Kono
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan.
- Department of Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yoshiaki Kon
- Tokyo Metropolitan Hitotsubashi High School, 1-12-13 Higashikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0031, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Ohmura
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0005, Japan
| | - Yoko Satta
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
| | - Yohey Terai
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
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15
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Nelsen MP, Lücking R, Boyce CK, Lumbsch HT, Ree RH. The macroevolutionary dynamics of symbiotic and phenotypic diversification in lichens. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:21495-21503. [PMID: 32796103 PMCID: PMC7474681 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001913117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbioses are evolutionarily pervasive and play fundamental roles in structuring ecosystems, yet our understanding of their macroevolutionary origins, persistence, and consequences is incomplete. We traced the macroevolutionary history of symbiotic and phenotypic diversification in an iconic symbiosis, lichens. By inferring the most comprehensive time-scaled phylogeny of lichen-forming fungi (LFF) to date (over 3,300 species), we identified shifts among symbiont classes that broadly coincided with the convergent evolution of phylogenetically or functionally similar associations in diverse lineages (plants, fungi, bacteria). While a relatively recent loss of lichenization in Lecanoromycetes was previously identified, our work instead suggests lichenization was abandoned far earlier, interrupting what had previously been considered a direct switch between trebouxiophycean and trentepohlialean algal symbionts. Consequently, some of the most diverse clades of LFF are instead derived from nonlichenized ancestors and re-evolved lichenization with Trentepohliales algae, a clade that also facilitated lichenization in unrelated lineages of LFF. Furthermore, while symbiont identity and symbiotic phenotype influence the ecology and physiology of lichens, they are not correlated with rates of lineage birth and death, suggesting more complex dynamics underly lichen diversification. Finally, diversification patterns of LFF differed from those of wood-rotting and ectomycorrhizal taxa, likely reflecting contrasts in their fundamental biological properties. Together, our work provides a timeline for the ecological contributions of lichens, and reshapes our understanding of symbiotic persistence in a classic model of symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Nelsen
- Department of Science and Education, Negaunee Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605;
| | - Robert Lücking
- Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - C Kevin Boyce
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - H Thorsten Lumbsch
- Department of Science and Education, Negaunee Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605
| | - Richard H Ree
- Department of Science and Education, Negaunee Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605
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16
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Hurtado P, Prieto M, Martínez-Vilalta J, Giordani P, Aragón G, López-Angulo J, Košuthová A, Merinero S, Díaz-Peña EM, Rosas T, Benesperi R, Bianchi E, Grube M, Mayrhofer H, Nascimbene J, Wedin M, Westberg M, Martínez I. Disentangling functional trait variation and covariation in epiphytic lichens along a continent-wide latitudinal gradient. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192862. [PMID: 32156209 PMCID: PMC7126072 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing functional trait variation and covariation, and its drivers, is critical to understand the response of species to changing environmental conditions. Evolutionary and environmental factors determine how traits vary among and within species at multiple scales. However, disentangling their relative contribution is challenging and a comprehensive trait-environment framework addressing such questions is missing in lichens. We investigated the variation in nine traits related to photosynthetic performance, water use and nutrient acquisition applying phylogenetic comparative analyses in lichen epiphytic communities on beech across Europe. These poikilohydric organisms offer a valuable model owing to their inherent limitations to buffer contrasting environmental conditions. Photobiont type and growth form captured differences in certain physiological traits whose variation was largely determined by evolutionary processes (i.e. phylogenetic history), although the intraspecific component was non-negligible. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also had an impact on trait variation, while nitrogen content depended on photobiont type rather than nitrogen deposition. The inconsistency of trait covariation among and within species prevented establishing major resource use strategies in lichens. However, we did identify a general pattern related to the water-use strategy. Thus, to robustly unveil lichen responses under different climatic scenarios, it is necessary to incorporate both among and within-species trait variation and covariation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Hurtado
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Prieto
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - G. Aragón
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - J. López-Angulo
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Košuthová
- Department of Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - S. Merinero
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E. M. Díaz-Peña
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - T. Rosas
- CREAF, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Valles), Catalonia, Spain
| | - R. Benesperi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - E. Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - M. Grube
- Institute of Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - H. Mayrhofer
- Institute of Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - J. Nascimbene
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M. Wedin
- Department of Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M. Westberg
- Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - I. Martínez
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departmento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Wang CH, Hou R, Wang M, He G, Li BG, Pan RL. Effects of wet atmospheric nitrogen deposition on epiphytic lichens in the subtropical forests of Central China: Evaluation of the lichen food supply and quality of two endangered primates. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 190:110128. [PMID: 31891838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the threat posed to biodiversity and ecosystem function by atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been increasingly recognized. The disturbed nutrient balance and species composition of plants induced by higher N deposition can impact the biodiversity of the organisms that consume the plants. In this research, we implemented several experiments to estimate the effects of increased N deposition on the growth, survival, and nutrients of the dominant epiphytic lichens in the subtropical mountains in Central China to assess the lichen food amount and nutritional quality for two endangered primates endemic to China. Our results indicated that the thallus growth and propagule survival of the lichens were significantly decreased when nitrogen addition changed from 6.25 to 50.0 kg N·ha-1·y-1; it was also shown that lichen biomass could be decreased by 11.2%-70.2% when the deposition addition exceeded 6.25 kg N·ha-1·y-1. Further, our study revealed that increased nitrogen deposition also reduced the nutritional quality of the lichens via reducing the soluble protein and soluble sugar levels and increasing the fiber content, which would substantially affect the diet selection of the plants consumers in the region, particularly the populations of the two lichen-eating endangered primate species, Rhinopithecus roxellana and R. bieti. Our experimental study suggested that the nitrogen pollution derived from anthropogenic activities could cause cascading effects for the whole forest ecosystem of Central China; thus, more studies about nitrogen deposition in this region are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Wang
- Engineering Research Centre of Eco-Environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China; Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Centre of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China.
| | - R Hou
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China
| | - M Wang
- Engineering Research Centre of Eco-Environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Daxue Road 8th, Yichang, Hubei Province, 443002, PR China
| | - G He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China
| | - B G Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China; Xi'an Branch of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710043, PR China
| | - R L Pan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, PR China; School of Human Sciences and Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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18
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Wang M, Wang C, Jia R. The impact of nitrogen deposition on photobiont-mycobiont balance of epiphytic lichens in subtropical forests of central China. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13468-13476. [PMID: 31871658 PMCID: PMC6912883 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive nitrogen (N) deposition can impact lichen diversity in forest ecosystems, and this is a particular situation in China. Here, we examined the N uptake, assimilation, and the impact of excessive N deposition on the symbiotic balance of dominant epiphytic lichens in the subtropical forests in the Mts. Shennongjia of central China. The results show that lichen species took up, assimilated and utilized more ammonium than nitrate in a species-specific way, following the increase of N availability. The photobiont of the lichens decreased with the increase of N concentration following an initial increase, while the mycobiont response to the N addition was not apparent. Considerable variation in response to excessive N deposition exists among the lichen species. Usnea longissima could regulate its N uptake, resulting in a stable photobiont-mycobiont ratio among N treatments. In contrast, the photobiont-mycobiont ratio of other four lichens increased initially but decreased when N concentration exceeded a certain level, and N stress may have broken the balance between photobiont and mycobiont of these lichens. Our results suggest that most epiphytic lichens in subtropical forest of central China could uptake and assimilate more ammonium than nitrate and that the balance between photobiont and mycobiont of many epiphytic lichens might change with the increasing N deposition load, which could impact the lichen diversity of this forest ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco‐environment in Three Gorges Reservoir RegionMinistry of EducationChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges AreaChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
| | - Chuanhua Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco‐environment in Three Gorges Reservoir RegionMinistry of EducationChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges AreaChina Three Gorges UniversityYichangChina
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19
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Huang J, Liu W, Li S, Song L, Lu H, Shi X, Chen X, Hu T, Liu S, Liu T. Ecological stoichiometry of the epiphyte community in a subtropical forest canopy. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:14394-14406. [PMID: 31938527 PMCID: PMC6953686 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epiphytes in tree canopies make a considerable contribution to the species diversity, aboveground biomass, and nutrient pools in forest ecosystems. However, the nutrient status of epiphytes and their possible adaptations to nutrient deficiencies in the forest canopy remain unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the stoichiometry of five macroelements (C, N, P, K, and Ca) in four taxonomic groups (lichens, bryophytes, ferns, and spermatophytes) to investigate this issue in a subtropical montane moist evergreen broad-leaved forest in Southwest China. We found that the interspecific variations in element concentrations and mass ratios were generally greater than the intraspecific variations. And there were significant stoichiometric differences among functional groups. Allometric relationships between N and P across the epiphyte community indicated that P might be in greater demand than N with an increase in nutrients. Although canopy nutrients were deficient, most epiphytes could still maintain high N and P concentrations and low N:P ratios. Moreover, ferns and spermatophytes allocated more limited nutrients to leaves than to stems and roots. To alleviate frequent drought stress in the forest canopy, vascular epiphytes maintained several times higher K concentrations in their leaves than in the tissues of lichens and bryophytes. Our results suggest that epiphytes may have evolved specific nutrient characteristics and adaptations, so that they can distribute in heterogeneous canopy habitats and maintain the stability of nutrient metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun‐Biao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wen‐Yao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- Center of Plant EcologyCore Botanical GardensChinese Academy of SciencesXishuangbannaChina
| | - Su Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- Center of Plant EcologyCore Botanical GardensChinese Academy of SciencesXishuangbannaChina
| | - Liang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- Center of Plant EcologyCore Botanical GardensChinese Academy of SciencesXishuangbannaChina
| | - Hua‐Zheng Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- Center of Plant EcologyCore Botanical GardensChinese Academy of SciencesXishuangbannaChina
| | - Xian‐Meng Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tao Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuai Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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20
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Geiser LH, Nelson PR, Jovan SE, Root HT, Clark CM. Assessing Ecological Risks from Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen and Sulfur to US Forests Using Epiphytic Macrolichens. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019; 11:1-87. [PMID: 34712100 PMCID: PMC8549857 DOI: 10.3390/d11060087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Critical loads of atmospheric deposition help decision-makers identify
levels of air pollution harmful to ecosystem components. But when critical loads
are exceeded, how can the accompanying ecological risk be quantified? We use a
90% quantile regression to model relationships between nitrogen and sulfur
deposition and epiphytic macrolichens, focusing on responses of concern to
managers of US forests: Species richness and abundance and diversity of
functional groups with integral ecological roles. Analyses utilized
national-scale lichen survey data, sensitivity ratings, and modeled deposition
and climate data. We propose 20, 50, and 80% declines in these responses as
cut-offs for low, moderate, and high ecological risk from deposition. Critical
loads (low risk cut-off) for total species richness, sensitive species richness,
forage lichen abundance and cyanolichen abundance, respectively, were 3.5, 3.1,
1.9, and 1.3 kg N and 6.0, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.3 kg S ha−1
yr−1. High environmental risk (80% decline), excluding
total species richness, occurred at 14.8, 10.4, and 6.6 kg N and 14.1, 13, and
11 kg S ha−1 yr−1. These risks were further
characterized in relation to geography, species of conservation concern, number
of species affected, recovery timeframes, climate, and effects on interdependent
biota, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda H. Geiser
- Water, Wildlife, Fish, Air & Rare Plants Directorate,
Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 201 14th St SW, Mailstop 1121,
Washington, DC 20250, USA
- Correspondence:
; Tel.: +1-202-756-0068
| | - Peter R. Nelson
- Penobscot Experimental Forest, Northern Research Station,
Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and University of Fort Kent, Maine, 54
Government Road, Bradley, ME 04411, USA
| | - Sarah E. Jovan
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S.
Dept. of Agriculture, 620 SW Main St., Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
| | - Heather T. Root
- Department of Botany, Weber State University, 1415 Edvalson
St., Dept. 2504, Ogden, UT 84408-2505, USA
| | - Christopher M. Clark
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of
Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA
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Could Hair-Lichens of High-Elevation Forests Help Detect the Impact of Global Change in the Alps? DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11030045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change and the anthropic emission of pollutants are likely to have an accelerated impact in high-elevation mountain areas. This phenomenon could have negative consequences on alpine habitats and for species of conservation in relative proximity to dense human populations. This premise implies that the crucial task is in the early detection of warning signals of ecological changes. In alpine landscapes, high-elevation forests provide a unique environment for taking full advantage of epiphytic lichens as sensitive indicators of climate change and air pollution. This literature review is intended to provide a starting point for developing practical biomonitoring tools that elucidate the potential of hair-lichens, associated with high-elevation forests, as ecological indicators of global change in the European Alps. We found support for the practical use of hair-lichens to detect the impact of climate change and nitrogen pollution in high-elevation forest habitats. The use of these organisms as ecological indicators presents an opportunity to expand monitoring activities and develop predictive tools that support decisions on how to mitigate the effects of global change in the Alps.
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Wang CH, Munzi S, Wang M, Jia YZ, Tao W. Increasing nitrogen depositions can reduce lichen viability and limit winter food for an endangered Chinese monkey. Basic Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Gastropod grazing may prevent reintroduction of declining N-fixing epiphytic lichens in broadleaved deciduous forests. FUNGAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Wang CH, Wang M, Jia RZ, Guo H. Thalli Growth, Propagule Survival, and Integrated Physiological Response to Nitrogen Stress of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica in Shennongjia Mountain (China). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:568. [PMID: 29868046 PMCID: PMC5953340 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, effects of nitrogen (N) availability on growth, survival of Ramalina calicaris var. japonica, and whether it respond nitrogen stress in an integrated physiological way was evaluated. Thalli growth and propagule survival, thalli N and phosphorus (P) content, and activity of phosphomonoesterase (PME) of R. calicaris var. japonica were determined in a field experiment. Its differentiate adsorption in ammonia and nitrate, the activity of glutamine synthetase (GSA) and nitrate reductase (NRA) also were investigated in a series of indoor experiments. The results showed that N deposition significantly decreased the growth and survival of this lichen, and the N sensitivity threshold was suggested at 6.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1. When the N deposition increased from 8.59 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 to 14.24, 20.49, 32.99 and 57.99 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, the growth rates of lichen thalli decreased by 26.47, 39.01, 52.18 and 60.3%, respectively; Whereas the survival rate of the lichen propagules decreased from 92.8% of control (0.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1) to 10.7% of 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1, when they were treated with 0.00, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 kg N⋅ha-1⋅y-1 deposition. Compared with an adequate adsorption of ammonium N, no nitrate adsorption occurred when thalli was submerged in solution lower than 0.4 mM. Our results also suggested that thalli total nitrogen, N:P ratio increased with N availability, and the activity of PME was significantly correlated with thalli total nitrogen. These all indicated that phosphorus limitation occurred when R. calicaris var. japonica treated with higher nitrogen deposition. Compared with slightly effects of NRA, GSA of R. calicaris var. japonica responded nitrogen availability significantly; In addition, GSA and NRA negatively correlated with thalli growth rate and propagule survival significantly. These results indicated that nitrogen stress do decrease growth and survival of R. calicaris var. japonica, and lichen would be impacted by excess nitrogen in a integrated, not a fragmentary way, including nitrogen uptake, assimilation, even nutrient balance of nitrogen and phosphorous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Hua Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Rao-Zhen Jia
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Center of Ecological Protection and Management in the Three Gorges Area, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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25
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Manninen S. Deriving nitrogen critical levels and loads based on the responses of acidophytic lichen communities on boreal urban Pinus sylvestris trunks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:751-762. [PMID: 28938217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) compounds currently predominates over sulphur (S) deposition in most of the cities in Europe and North America. Acidophytic lichens growing on tree trunks are known to be sensitive to both N and S deposition. Given that tree species and climatic factors affect the composition of epiphytic lichen communities and modify lichen responses to air pollution, this study focused on the impact of urban air pollution on acidophytes growing on boreal conifer trunks. The study was performed in the Helsinki metropolitan area, southern Finland, where annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations range from 4-5μgm-3 to >50μgm-3. In addition, background forest sites in southern and northern Finland were included. The results demonstrated elevated N contents (≥0.7%) in Hypogymnia physodes and Platismatia glauca at all the sites where the species occurred. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, a higher frequency of green algae+Scoliociosporum chlorococcum and reduced numerical frequencies of other indicator lichen species (e.g. Pseudevernia furfuracea, Bryoria spp., Usnea spp.) were associated with elevated atmospheric concentrations of NO2 and particulate matter containing N, as well as elevated concentrations of inorganic N in bark. The N isotope values (δ15N) of lichens supported the uptake of oxidized N mainly originating from road traffic. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) also negatively affected the most sensitive species, despite the current low levels (1-4μgm-3yr-1). Critical levels of 5μgNO2m-3yr-1 and 0.5μgNH3m-3yr-1, and a critical load of 2-3kgNha-1yr-1 are proposed for protecting the diversity of boreal acidophytes. This study calls for measurements of the throughfall of various N fractions in urban forest ecosystems along precipitation and temperature gradients to verify the proposed critical levels and loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirkku Manninen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Viikinkaari 2a, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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26
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Palmqvist K, Franklin O, Näsholm T. Symbiosis constraints: Strong mycobiont control limits nutrient response in lichens. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:7420-7433. [PMID: 28944027 PMCID: PMC5606882 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbioses such as lichens are potentially threatened by drastic environmental changes. We used the lichen Peltigera aphthosa-a symbiosis between a fungus (mycobiont), a green alga (Coccomyxa sp.), and N2-fixing cyanobacteria (Nostoc sp.)-as a model organism to assess the effects of environmental perturbations in nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P). Growth, carbon (C) and N stable isotopes, CNP concentrations, and specific markers were analyzed in whole thalli and the partners after 4 months of daily nutrient additions in the field. Thallus N was 40% higher in N-fertilized thalli, amino acid concentrations were twice as high, while fungal chitin but not ergosterol was lower. Nitrogen also resulted in a thicker algal layer and density, and a higher δ13C abundance in all three partners. Photosynthesis was not affected by either N or P. Thallus growth increased with light dose independent of fertilization regime. We conclude that faster algal growth compared to fungal lead to increased competition for light and CO 2 among the Coccomyxa cells, and for C between alga and fungus, resulting in neither photosynthesis nor thallus growth responded to N fertilization. This suggests that the symbiotic lifestyle of lichens may prevent them from utilizing nutrient abundance to increase C assimilation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Palmqvist
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG)Umeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Oskar Franklin
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)LaxenburgAustria
| | - Torgny Näsholm
- Department of Forest Ecology and ManagementSwedish University of Agriculture Sciences (SLU)UmeåSweden
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27
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Carter TS, Clark CM, Fenn ME, Jovan S, Perakis SS, Riddell J, Schaberg PG, Greaver TL, Hastings MG. Mechanisms of nitrogen deposition effects on temperate forest lichens and trees. Ecosphere 2017; 8:10.1002/ecs2.1717. [PMID: 34327038 PMCID: PMC8318115 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the mechanisms of deleterious nitrogen (N) deposition impacts on temperate forests, with a particular focus on trees and lichens. Elevated anthropogenic N deposition to forests has varied effects on individual organisms depending on characteristics both of the N inputs (form, timing, amount) and of the organisms (ecology, physiology) involved. Improved mechanistic knowledge of these effects can aid in developing robust predictions of how organisms respond to either increases or decreases in N deposition. Rising N levels affect forests in micro- and macroscopic ways from physiological responses at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels to influencing individual species and entire communities and ecosystems. A synthesis of these processes forms the basis for the overarching themes of this paper, which focuses on N effects at different levels of biological organization in temperate forests. For lichens, the mechanisms of direct effects of N are relatively well known at cellular, organismal, and community levels, though interactions of N with other stressors merit further research. For trees, effects of N deposition are better understood for N as an acidifying agent than as a nutrient; in both cases, the impacts can reflect direct effects on short time scales and indirect effects mediated through long-term soil and belowground changes. There are many gaps on fundamental N use and cycling in ecosystems, and we highlight the most critical gaps for understanding potential deleterious effects of N deposition. For lichens, these gaps include both how N affects specific metabolic pathways and how N is metabolized. For trees, these gaps include understanding the direct effects of N deposition onto forest canopies, the sensitivity of different tree species and mycorrhizal symbionts to N, the influence of soil properties, and the reversibility of N and acidification effects on plants and soils. Continued study of how these N response mechanisms interact with one another, and with other dimensions of global change, remains essential for predicting ongoing changes in lichen and tree populations across North American temperate forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese S. Carter
- US Global Change Research Program, ICF Contractor, 1800 G Street NW, Suite 9100, Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
| | - Christopher M. Clark
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Global Change Research Group, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20460 USA
| | - Mark E. Fenn
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, California 92507 USA
| | - Sarah Jovan
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 620 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205 USA
| | - Steven S. Perakis
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Jennifer Riddell
- Sustainable Technology Program, Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California 95482 USA
| | - Paul G. Schaberg
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 705 Spear Street S, Burlington, Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Tara L. Greaver
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 USA
| | - Meredith G. Hastings
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
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Sigurbjörnsdóttir MA, Andrésson ÓS, Vilhelmsson O. Nutrient scavenging activity and antagonistic factors of non-photobiont lichen-associated bacteria: a review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 32:68. [PMID: 26931608 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-016-2019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are defined as the specific symbiotic structure comprising a fungus and a green alga and/or cyanobacterium. Up until recently, non-photobiont endothallic bacteria, while known to be present in large numbers, have generally been dismissed as functionally irrelevant cohabitants of the lichen thallus, or even environmental contaminants. Recent analyses of lichen metagenomes and innovative co-culture experiments have uncovered a functionally complex community that appears to contribute to a healthy lichen thallus in several ways. Lichen-associated bacteriomes are typically dominated by several lineages of Proteobacteria, some of which may be specific for lichen species. Recent work has implicated members of these lineages in several important ecophysiological roles. These include nutrient scavenging, including mobilization of iron and phosphate, nitrogen fixation, cellulase, xylanase and amylase activities, and oxidation of recalcitrant compounds, e.g. aromatics and aliphatics. Production of volatile organic compounds, conferring antibacterial and antifungal activity, has also been demonstrated for several lichen-associated isolates. In the present paper we review the nature of non-phototrophic endolichenic bacteria associated with lichens, and give insight into the current state of knowledge on their importance the lichen symbiotic association.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Auður Sigurbjörnsdóttir
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Borgir vid Nordurslod, 600, Akureyri, Iceland.
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Ólafur S Andrésson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Vatnsmýrarvegur 16, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Oddur Vilhelmsson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Borgir vid Nordurslod, 600, Akureyri, Iceland
- Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Vatnsmýrarvegur 16, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland
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Gauslaa Y, Yemets OA, Asplund J, Solhaug KA. Carbon based secondary compounds do not provide protection against heavy metal road pollutants in epiphytic macrolichens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:795-801. [PMID: 26437350 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are useful monitoring organisms for heavy metal pollution. They are high in carbon based secondary compounds (CBSCs) among which some may chelate heavy metals and thus increase metal accumulation. This study quantifies CBSCs in four epiphytic lichens transplanted for 6months on stands along transects from a highway in southern Norway to search for relationships between concentrations of heavy metals and CBSCs along a gradient in heavy metal pollutants. Viability parameters and concentrations of 21 elements including nutrients and heavy metals in these lichen samples were reported in a separate paper. Medullary CBSCs in fruticose lichens (Ramalina farinacea, Usnea dasypoga) were reduced in the most polluted sites, but not in foliose ones (Parmelia sulcata, Lobaria pulmonaria), whereas cortical CBSC did not change with distance from the road in any species. Strong positive correlations only occurred between the major medullary compound stictic acid present in L. pulmonaria and most heavy metals, consistent with a chelating role of stictic acid, but not of other studied CBSCs or in other species. However, heavy metal chelating did not protect L. pulmonaria against damage because this species experienced the strongest reduction in viability in the polluted sites. CBSCs with an accumulation potential for heavy metals should be quantified in lichen biomonitoring studies of heavy metals because they, like stictic acid, could overshadow pollutant inputs in some species rendering biomonitoring data less useful. In the two fruticose lichen species, CBSCs decreased with increasing heavy metal concentration, probably because heavy metal exposure impaired secondary metabolism. Thus, we found no support for a heavy metal protection role of any CBSCs in studied epiphytic lichens. No intraspecific relationships occurred between CBSCs versus N or C/N-ratio. Interspecifically, medullary CBSCs decreased and cortical CBSCs increased with increasing C/N-ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yngvar Gauslaa
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Olena A Yemets
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Johan Asplund
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Knut Asbjørn Solhaug
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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30
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Lenhart K, Weber B, Elbert W, Steinkamp J, Clough T, Crutzen P, Pöschl U, Keppler F. Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from cryptogamic covers. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:3889-900. [PMID: 26152454 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptogamic covers, which comprise some of the oldest forms of terrestrial life on Earth (Lenton & Huntingford, ), have recently been found to fix large amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (Elbert et al., ). Here we show that they are also greenhouse gas sources with large nitrous oxide (N2 O) and small methane (CH4 ) emissions. Whilst N2 O emission rates varied with temperature, humidity, and N deposition, an almost constant ratio with respect to respiratory CO2 emissions was observed for numerous lichens and bryophytes. We employed this ratio together with respiration data to calculate global and regional N2 O emissions. If our laboratory measurements are typical for lichens and bryophytes living on ground and plant surfaces and scaled on a global basis, we estimate a N2 O source strength of 0.32-0.59 Tg year(-1) for the global N2 O emissions from cryptogamic covers. Thus, our emission estimate might account for 4-9% of the global N2 O budget from natural terrestrial sources. In a wide range of arid and forested regions, cryptogamic covers appear to be the dominant source of N2 O. We suggest that greenhouse gas emissions associated with this source might increase in the course of global change due to higher temperatures and enhanced nitrogen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lenhart
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Department of Plant Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Gießen, 35392, Germany
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234-236, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Bettina Weber
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Elbert
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Jörg Steinkamp
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, 60325, Germany
| | - Tim Clough
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Paul Crutzen
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Frank Keppler
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234-236, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
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31
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Marks JA, Pett-Ridge JC, Perakis SS, Allen JL, McCune B. Response of the nitrogen-fixing lichenLobaria pulmonariato phosphorus, molybdenum, and vanadium. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es15-00140.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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32
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Tree species shape the elemental composition in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes transplanted to pairs of spruce and beech trunks. FUNGAL ECOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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33
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Boltersdorf SH, Werner W. Lichens as a useful mapping tool?--an approach to assess atmospheric N loads in Germany by total N content and stable isotope signature. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:4767-4778. [PMID: 24729179 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To assess whether nitrogen (N) content and δ(15)N ratios in nitrophytic lichen species (Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. (1860) and Physcia spp. (Schreb.) Michaux (1803)) reflect the quantity and quality of atmospheric N loads, 348 lichen samples from 174 sampling grid cells were investigated in the western part of Germany. The analysed lichen N content ranged between 0.98 and 4.28 % and δ(15)N ratios between -15.2 and -1.3 ‰. Based on the N concentrations and the δ(15)N ratios of lichens, different landscape categories and coupled N deposition rates could be inferred for different regions of Germany. By analysing environmental variables like altitude, ammonia emission density, livestock unit and different defined deposition types, a direct relationship was found between lichen chemistry and N compounds produced from agricultural activity. The results support the development of a monitoring method which could be used nationally or even internationally to support current N deposition measurements, by providing reliable information on the quantity and quality of N deposition in high N environments.
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Nascimbene J, Fontana V, Spitale D. A multi-taxon approach reveals the effect of management intensity on biodiversity in Alpine larch grasslands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 487:110-116. [PMID: 24784735 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In the Alps, larch grasslands form one of the most pleasing aspects of the landscape. However, their effectiveness in contributing to biodiversity conservation may depend on the intensity of their management. We used a multi-taxon approach to evaluate the effects of the intensification of management practices and those of abandonment on the biodiversity of the main autotrophic organisms hosted in this habitat, including vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. The study was carried out in the eastern part of South Tyrol, in the Italian Alps, where the diversity patterns of these three organismal groups were compared among intensively managed, extensively managed, and abandoned stands. The management intensity was found to strongly influence the biodiversity of the organisms, with a general pattern indicating the best conditions in extensively managed stands. Both abandonment and management intensification were detrimental to biodiversity through different mechanisms that led to species loss or to major shifts in species composition. However, the most negative effects were related to management intensification, mainly due to the high nitrogen supply, providing evidence for the increasing impact of eutrophication on Alpine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Nascimbene
- Nature Museum of South Tyrol, Via Bottai 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Veronika Fontana
- Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Daniel Spitale
- Nature Museum of South Tyrol, Via Bottai 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
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35
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Rousk K, Jones DL, DeLuca TH. Moss-cyanobacteria associations as biogenic sources of nitrogen in boreal forest ecosystems. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:150. [PMID: 23785359 PMCID: PMC3683619 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N) is a major pathway for available N entering ecosystems. In N-limited boreal forests, a significant amount of N2 is fixed by cyanobacteria living in association with mosses, contributing up to 50% to the total N input. In this review, we synthesize reports on the drivers of N2 fixation in feather moss-cyanobacteria associations to gain a deeper understanding of their role for ecosystem-N-cycling. Nitrogen fixation in moss-cyanobacteria associations is inhibited by N inputs and therefore, significant fixation occurs only in low N-deposition areas. While it has been shown that artificial N additions in the laboratory as well as in the field inhibit N2 fixation in moss-cyanobacteria associations, the type, as well as the amounts of N that enters the system, affect N2 fixation differently. Another major driver of N2 fixation is the moisture status of the cyanobacteria-hosting moss, wherein moist conditions promote N2 fixation. Mosses experience large fluctuations in their hydrological status, undergoing significant natural drying and rewetting cycles over the course of only a few hours, especially in summer, which likely compromises the N input to the system via N2 fixation. Perhaps the most central question, however, that remains unanswered is the fate of the fixed N2 in mosses. The cyanobacteria are likely to leak N, but whether this N is transferred to the soil and if so, at which rates and timescales, is unknown. Despite our increasing understanding of the drivers of N2 fixation, the role moss-cyanobacteria associations play in ecosystem-N-cycling remains unresolved. Further, the relationship mosses and cyanobacteria share is unknown to date and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Rousk
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor UniversityBangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Davey L. Jones
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor UniversityBangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Thomas H. DeLuca
- School of Environment and Forest Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattle, WA, USA
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Domaschke S, Vivas M, Sancho LG, Printzen C. Ecophysiology and genetic structure of polar versus temperate populations of the lichen Cetraria aculeata. Oecologia 2013; 173:699-709. [PMID: 23649754 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We studied polar and temperate samples of the lichen Cetraria aculeata to investigate whether genetical differences between photobionts are correlated with physiological properties of the lichen holobiont. Net photosynthesis and dark respiration (DR) at different temperatures (from 0 to 30 °C) and photon flux densities (from 0 to 1,200 μmol m(-2) s(-1)) were studied for four populations of Cetraria aculeata. Samples were collected from maritime Antarctica, Svalbard, Germany and Spain, representing different climatic situations. Sequencing of the photobiont showed that the investigated samples fall in the polar and temperate clade described in Fernández-Mendoza et al. (Mol Ecol 20:1208-1232, 2011). Lichens with photobionts from these clades differ in their temperature optimum for photosynthesis, maximal net photosynthesis, maximal DR and chlorophyll content. Maximal net photosynthesis was much lower in Antarctica and Svalbard than in Germany and Spain. The difference was smaller when rates were expressed by chlorophyll content. The same is true for the temperature optima of polar (11 °C) and temperate (15 and 17 °C) lichens. Our results indicate that lichen mycobionts may adapt or acclimate to local environmental conditions either by selecting algae from regional pools or by regulating algal cell numbers (chlorophyll content) within the thallus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Domaschke
- Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution, Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
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Asplund J, Sandling A, Wardle DA. Lichen specific thallus mass and secondary compounds change across a retrogressive fire-driven chronosequence. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49081. [PMID: 23145078 PMCID: PMC3493489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the long-term absence of major disturbances ecosystems enter a state of retrogression, which involves declining soil fertility and consequently a reduction in decomposition rates. Recent studies have looked at how plant traits such as specific leaf mass and amounts of secondary compounds respond to declining soil fertility during retrogression, but there are no comparable studies for lichen traits despite increasing recognition of the role that lichens can play in ecosystem processes. We studied a group of 30 forested islands in northern Sweden differing greatly in fire history, and collectively representing a retrogressive chronosequence, spanning 5000 years. We used this system to explore how specific thallus mass (STM) and carbon based secondary compounds (CBSCs) change in three common epiphytic lichen species (Hypogymnia phsyodes, Melanohalea olivacea and Parmelia sulcata) as soil fertility declines during this retrogression. We found that STMs of lichens increased sharply during retrogression, and for all species soil N to P ratio (which increased during retrogression) was a strong predictor of STM. When expressed per unit area, medullary CBSCs in all species and cortical CBSCs in P. sulcata increased during retrogression. Meanwhile, when expressed per unit mass, only cortical CBSCs in H. physodes responded to retrogression, and in the opposite direction. Given that lichen functional traits are likely to be important in driving ecological processes that drive nutrient and carbon cycling in the way that plant functional traits are, the changes that they undergo during retrogression could potentially be significant for the functioning of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Asplund
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.
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Larsson P, Solhaug KA, Gauslaa Y. Seasonal partitioning of growth into biomass and area expansion in a cephalolichen and a cyanolichen of the old forest genus Lobaria. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 194:991-1000. [PMID: 22452484 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Growth in two old forest lichens was studied to evaluate how temporal (seasonal) and spatial (aspect-wise) partitioning of biomass and area growth respond to seasonal changes in light and climate. We monitored relative growth rates during annual courses in the cephalolichen Lobaria pulmonaria and the cyanolichen Lobaria scrobiculata transplanted in boreal clear-cut to five fixed aspects in winter, spring, summer, and autumn. For each annual set, growth was quantified in January-March, April-June, July-September and October-December. Mean biomass and area increased in all seasons, but growth was highest in July-September. Mass growth did not follow area increment during a year. As a result, mass per area (specific thallus mass (STM)) declined (L. scrobiculata) or stayed constant (L. pulmonaria) in the dark, humid October-December season, whereas it strongly increased in the dry, sunny April-June season. Aspect influenced growth in species-specific ways. Seasonality in biomass growth mainly followed light availability, whereas area growth was strongest during humid seasons. The substantial STM changes across seasons, species, and aspects can be explained as passive responses to seasonal climate. However, as STM, according to the literature, is a driver of water storage, recorded changes probably improve fitness by prolonging hydration in places or during times with high evaporative demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Larsson
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Knut Asbjørn Solhaug
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Yngvar Gauslaa
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
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