39027	Diederich P., Lawrey J.D. & Ertz D. (2025): The 2025 classification and checklist of lichenicolous fungi: documenting a rapidly growing knowledge of diversity. - Bryologist, 128(4): 765–870. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.4.765. Lichenicolous fungi comprise a diverse group of highly specialized organisms inhabiting lichens, occurring as parasites, commensals or saprotrophs, either host-specific or generalists. Since our 2018 checklist, the field has seen remarkable growth, notably through the publication of the first two volumes of the Flora of Lichenicolous Fungi (2022, 2024), which described numerous new species and genera of Basidiomycota and hyphomycetes. Here, we present an updated classification and checklist of lichenicolous fungi in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, incorporating all relevant literature from 2018–2025. The checklist now includes 2,795 taxa (2,442 obligately lichenicolous [non-lichenized], 280 lichenized [including species that are facultatively or obligately lichenicolous, as well as juvenile forms initially growing on lichens before becoming independent], and 73 facultatively or doubtfully lichenicolous [non-lichenized] taxa), distributed among 454 genera, 125 families, 52 orders, and 15 classes—a substantial increase from 2,319 taxa in 2018. This edition reflects recent advances in taxonomy and phylogeny, with no new nomenclatural or taxonomic novelties proposed herein. Our work provides an authoritative and up-to-date reference for the global diversity and classification of lichenicolous fungi. Keywords: Lichenicolous lichens, microbiome, mycoparasites, phylogeny.
39026	Belosokhov A. & Spribille T. (2025): Making fungal-photobiont symbioses in the lab: Past, present, and future of the elusive in vitro lichen. - Annual Review of Microbiology, 79(1): 713–730. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-micro-051524-031834. The ability to synthesize lichen symbioses in vitro from pure cultures of transformable symbionts would be a game changer for experiments to identify the metabolic interplay that underpins the success of lichens. However, despite multiple reports of successful lichen resynthesis, no lichen lab model system exists today. We reviewed 150 years of in vitro lichen studies and found that the term resynthesis is applied to many types of fungal-photobiont cocultures that do not resemble lichens. Some of the most lichen-like results, for their part, were obtained from nonaxenic tissue culture. Only a few studies reported obtaining natural-looking lichens from axenic input cultures, but all appear to have been isolated successes obtained against the background of extensive contamination. We suggest revisiting resynthesis experiments in light of recent advances in our understanding of lichen microbial composition to test whether in vitro lichen morphogenesis requires microbial inputs beyond those of the canonical fungal and algal symbionts. Keywords: algal biology; axenic; bacteria; fungal biology; resynthesis; symbiosis.
39025	Nunes B.B.S., Braga A., Marques M.E.M., Lopes I. & Cardoso J.C.F. (2025): Are lichens biocompasses? Revisiting an old prediction using new techniques. - Plant Biology, 27: 1150–1157. https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70055. Abiotic factors influence not only vertical distributions of epiphytes, but also their radial positioning, such as around tree trunks. Due to planetary patterns of solar incidence, the equator-facing trunk portions receive direct sunlight, creating restrictive microclimatic conditions. Conversely, pole-facing portions remain shaded, providing optimal conditions for some epiphytes. Since trunk microhabitats are continuous, the distribution of epiphytes involves directional (compass-derived) data, requiring circular analytical methods. However, such assessments remain unexplored for avascular epiphytes. In the southern hemisphere, we investigated radial distribution of all lichen crustose and foliose thalli occurring on concentric trunks of a Syagrus oleracea population. We hypothesized that: (1) both lichen types will orient southward, the optimal zone; (2) lichen types do not differ in preferred direction, indicating a stronger microenvironmental than interaction filter; and (3) other variables (height, phorophyte size, canopy cover) do not affect orientation, which is primarily governed by azimuth. We address these questions using circular statistics, including preferred direction tests, between-sample comparisons, and linear-circular regressions. We surveyed 845 lichen thalli (180 crustose, 665 foliose). The lichens were non-uniformly distributed and oriented southward, with similar distributions. Radial orientation was unaffected by height, canopy cover, or phorophyte size, confirming azimuth as the primary determinant of orientation. These results demonstrate how abiotic conditions, driven by planetary patterns, indirectly determine lichen niche occupation on a fine radial dimension of trunks, offering new insights into epiphyte ecology. Keywords: Circular statistics; environmental filters;epiphytic plants; radial orientation.
39024	Maliniemi T., Kiilunen P., Bråthen K.A., Kapfer J., Rosendal T.B., Grytnes J.-A., Saccone P. & Virtanen R. (2025): Long-term homogenization of Fennoscandian heathland and tundra vegetation is connected to the expansion of an allelopathic dwarf shrub. - Ecography, 2025: e07921 [14 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1002/ecog.07921. Boreal and tundra plant communities are expected to change in biodiversity due to increasing global change pressures such as climate warming. One long-term scenario is increasing compositional similarity, i.e. biotic homogenization, which has been relatively little studied in high-latitude plant communities. Here, we study how the composition and diversity of heathland and tundra plant communities have changed in northern Fennoscandia over several decades. In 2013–2023, we resurveyed 275 historic vegetation plots, originally surveyed in 1964–1975, with percentage covers for vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species. We analyzed temporal changes in community composition and diversity across the study area and in different biogeographic zones, continentality-humidity classes and habitat types. We found a strong homogenization trend across the study area, with plant communities becoming more similar in composition over the decades when all taxa were treated together. The observed homogenization was driven especially by the increased similarity of vascular plant and lichen communities and was largely independent of biogeographic zones or continentality-humidity gradient. Homogenization was particularly associated with the drastic encroachment of the evergreen dwarf shrub Empetrum nigrum in habitat types originally dominated by other species, and with the decrease in lichen cover. In general, our findings suggest that Fennoscandian heathland and tundra vegetation is transforming towards a more homogeneous evergreen dwarf shrub-dominated system, which may threaten ecosystem multifunctionality. Our results highlight the importance of exploring biodiversity among different metrics and growth forms to understand the overall changes in heathland and tundra biodiversity. Keywords: biodiversity change, biotic homogenization, compositional dissimilarity, ecosystem condition, Empetrum nigrum, vegetation resurvey.
39023	Roos U., Adler S., Lind T. & Sandström P. (2025): Ground lichen cover and response in relation to forest characteristics in Sweden 1993–2023. - Global Ecology and Conservation, 64: e03946 [16 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03946. Reindeer husbandry is closely connected to the culture and tradition of the indigenous Sami people, and ground lichens are a key bottleneck resource for winter grazing of the semi-domesticated reindeer. Many factors have been linked to the decrease in ground lichens in the boreal zone. Forestry plays a crucial role in the lichen decline in Swedish forests but is also an important actor with the potential to contribute to a recovery. Forestry is obliged to consider the needs of reindeer husbandry, but important details in the dynamics of how forest measures affect lichen cover are still unknown. Our analysis of environmental monitoring data shows that ground lichen cover declined by 57 % in the reindeer husbandry area from 1996 to 2015, while there was no declining trend from 2015 to 2021. Comparing lichen cover change for different age classes of forest, we found that lichen cover increase primarily occurred in clear-cut forest and forest aged
39022	Nascimbene J., Di Musciano M. & Gheza G. (2025): Resampling epiphytic lichens in coniferous forests of the Southern Alps: Veteran trees promote compositional stability. - Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 69: 125904 [8 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ppees.2025.125904. In this study, by means of resampling epiphytic lichens in a timespan of fifteen years in forest stands of the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park (N Italy – Southern Alps), we aim at detecting changes in lichen assemblages by comparing temporal β-diversity patterns between tree individuals of different ages and considering the response pattern of thallus growth forms. Our results indicate that on veteran trees lichen composition seems to be more stable over time. This view is corroborated by lower values of temporal beta-diversity as compared to young trees which are more prone to changes of their lichen biota. In this perspective, dynamics of gains and losses, that translate into compositional changes over time, seem to be more rapid on young than on veteran trees. While the results on the overall dynamics of gains and losses in terms of taxonomic changes are still difficult to interpret, the frequency changes of different thallus growth forms are more explicit in the time frame of our study, indicating a decline in broad-lobed foliose and alectorioid lichens. Overall, our results further support the importance of retaining and increasing the occurrence of veteran trees for long term lichen conservation. Keywords: Alectorioid lichens; Compositional changes; Micro-refugia; Resampling; Temporal β-diversity; Thallus growth forms.
39021	Bargagli R. & Rota E. (2025): Microplastics in lichen thalli: A photo or a movie of local atmospheric deposition?. - Microplastics, 4(4): 85 [12 p.] . https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4040085. Airborne microplastics (MPs) are a global issue, and there is an urgent need to prevent their spread in the environment. Sensitive and reliable methods are also needed to assess their deposition and effectively evaluate risk in terrestrial ecosystems. Current automated monitoring devices are expensive and do not enable large-scale mapping of MP deposition. As with other persistent atmospheric contaminants, developing accurate, cost-effective and easily applicable biomonitoring methods would therefore be highly beneficial. Cryptogams are among the most suitable biomonitors of airborne contaminants, and preliminary surveys show that epiphytic lichens accumulate higher concentrations of MPs in urban areas and near landfills than in control sites. However, the interaction between lichen thalli and MPs is weak and, as discussed in this review, the anthropogenic fibres and plastic fragments intercepted and retained by lichens probably do not reflect the levels in bulk atmospheric deposition. While emphasizing the need for studies evaluating the effectiveness of cryptogams in accumulating different types of airborne MPs under various meteorological conditions, this review also suggests directing future research efforts toward mosses, which seem to accumulate much higher concentrations of MPs than lichens in both active and passive biomonitoring surveys. Keywords: airborne microplastics; biomonitoring; epiphytic lichens; MP interception; MP retention; future research.
39020	Heuberger M., Wehrkamp C.M., Pfammatter A., Poretti M., Graf J.P., Herger A., Isaksson J., Schlagenhauf E., Honegger R., Wicker T. & Sotiropoulos A.G. (2025): A reference metagenome sequence of the lichen Cladonia rangiformis. - BMC Biology, 23: 319 [22 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02428-z. Background: Lichens are an ancient symbiosis comprising the thalli of lichen-forming fungi, their photoautotrophic partners, and their microbiome. So far, they were poorly studied at the genome sequence level. Here, we present a reference metagenome for the holobiont of Cladonia rangiformis, aiming to illuminate the genomic complexity and evolutionary interactions within lichen symbioses. Keywords: Metagenome, Bioinformatics, Transposable element, Asterochloris mediterranea, Chromosome-scale assembly, Cladonia rangiformis, Lichens, Symbiosis, Microbiome. Results: Using long-read sequences from an entire symbiotic complex, plus short-read libraries from 28 additional diverse European lichen samples, we were able to separate genome sequences of 20 individual species. We constructed chromosome-scale assemblies of the C. rangiformis fungus and its trebouxioid green algal photobiont Asterochloris mediterranea. The genome of the fungus comprises ~ 22% transposable elements and is highly compartmentalized into genic regions and large TE-derived segments which show extensive signatures of repeat-induced point mutations (RIP). We found that A. mediterranea centromeres are predominantly derived from two interacting retrotransposon families. We also identified strong candidates for genes that were horizontally transferred from bacteria to both alga and fungus. Furthermore, we isolated 18 near-complete bacterial genomes, of which 13 are enriched in the lichen compared to surrounding soil. Analysis of gene content in fungus, algae, and bacteria identified 22 distinct biosynthetic gene cluster categories for known secondary metabolites. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the thalli of C. rangiformis have a highly complex microbiome, comprising a mix of species that may include opportunists, ecologically obligate symbionts and possibly even lichen-beneficial bacteria. This study provides the first chromosome-scale genomic framework for a lichen holobiont, offering a foundational resource for future research into metagenomics, symbiosis, and microbial ecology in lichens.
39019	Meena S., Chitara D. & Joshi Y. (2025): Mapping potentially toxic elements and ecophysiological stress by using lichen biomonitor Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India. - Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 197: 1285 [16 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-14731-x. Air pollution remains a critical environmental issue with detrimental impact on living organisms and ecosystems’ health. This study evaluates air pollution in Jaipur City using lichen transplantation techniques to examine physiological effects on Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. The lichen specimens were collected from Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary and transplanted to eleven urban locations for 90-day exposure periods. We measured concentrations of six potentially toxic elements (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids), chlorophyll degradation, chlorophyll stability index, and vehicular frequency. Results revealed significantly higher concentrations of all six potentially toxic elements in transplanted lichens compared to control, with decreasing order of abundance: Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd. This study validates P. cocoes as a reliable and cost-effective biomonitoring tool for urban air quality assessment, providing essential baseline data for environmental management and policy development in rapidly urbanizing cities of developing countries. Keywords Air pollution · Biomonitoring · PTEs · Pyxine cocoes · Urban environment · India.
39018	Schumm F. (2025): Bildtafeln zur Gattung Cladonia. - Archive for Lichenology, 77: 1–487. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2077%20Schumm%202025%20Cladoniatafeln.pdf.
39017	Schumm F. (2025): Bildtafeln von Flechten der Lichenotheca Afghanica: Faszikel 1: 01-25 (1986), Faszikel 2: 26-50 (1987), Faszikel 3: 51-78 (1988), herausgegeben von M. Steiner und J. Poelt 1986-88, und zusätzlichen Proben aus dem Herbarium GZU (Graz). - Archive for Lichenology, 76: 1–602. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2076%20Schumm%202025_Afghanistan%20Lichens.pdf.
39016	John V., Mies B., Brown G., Breit E., Hinske P. & Kiebel A. (2025): Ein flechtenkundliches Wochenende in der Osteifel Beitrag zur Kartierung der Flechten in Rheinland-Pfalz. - Archive for Lichenology, 73: 1–35. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2073%20John%202025%20Osteifel.pdf. From 27 to 29 September 2024, a total of 222 lichens and 11 lichenicolous fungi were recorded in 5 survey grid sheets (TK25). 421 reports are first records for a survey grid sheet; 48 are the rediscoveries since 2001. Fuscidea lygaea, Gyalidea lecideopsis, Lecanora sarcopioides, Lecidea aemulans, Leotosillia muelleri, Polycoccum minutulum, Pronectria minuta, Spilonema revertens, Thelidium olivaceum, T. rehmii, Trapelia elacista and Verrucaria minor are new for Rhineland-Palatinate. Pronectria minuta is also new for Germany.
39015	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 33. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 8. - Archive for Lichenology, 75: 1–182. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2075%20Schumm%202025_Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2033%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20Part%208.pdf.
39014	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 32. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 7. - Archive for Lichenology, 74: 1–229. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2074%20Schumm%202025_Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2032%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20Part%207.pdf.
39013	McMullin R.T. (2025): A rare species, Ashy Stipplescale Lichen (Placidiopsis pseudocinerea), discovered for the first time in Ontario from the Hudson Bay Lowlands. - Ontario Plant Press, 37(4): 3–4. .
39012	Wilk T., Bobrek R., Brańka J., Czarnota P., Kościelniak R., Kozak M., Ociepa A.M., Rabiasz J., Scelina M., Wałach K., Wilk K., Wojciechowska U., Zięba A. & Zwijacz-Kozica T. (2025): Koralóweczka śluzowata Multiclavula mucida w polskiej części Karpat – nowe, liczne stanowiska rzadkiego porostu wskaźnikowego lasów naturalnych [Multiclavula mucida in the Polish Carpathians – new, numerous records of the rare lichen species, the old-growth forest indicator]. - Wiadomości Botaniczne, 69: 204516 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.5586/wb/204516. [in Polish with English abstract: ] Multiclavula mucida (Pers.) R. H. Petersen (Clavulinaceae, Basidiomycota) is a rare lichen in Poland, previously recorded at 16 localities. This study presents 63 new sites for the species documented between 2010 and 2024 in the Polish Carpathians. The occurrence of the species was reported at numerous new sites in the Bieszczady Zachodnie, the Beskid Niski range, and the Pogórze Przemyskie. For the first time, it was also reported from the Tatra Mountains and the Góry Sanocko-Turczańskie range. The article presents the basic ecological data for the taxon. Multiclavula mucida was most frequently recorded in natural Carpathian beech forests of the lower montane belt at altitudes of 500–700 meters asl, as well as in spruce forests (Tatra Mts.) at altitudes of 900–1100 meters asl. It was most commonly found on decaying beech (Fagus sylvatica) and fir (Abies alba) logs (in the eastern part of the region) and on spruce (Picea abies) stumps and logs (in Tatra Mts). For the first time in Poland, the species was noted on wood of poplar (Populus sp.) and willow (Salix sp.). A particularly noteworthy observation is the unusual occurrence of the species on soil, suggesting that the substrate, previously considered a key feature distinguishing M. mucida from M. corynoides, may not be as diagnostically significant as previously thought. Carpathians; rare species; lichens; lichenized fungi; distribution in Poland.
39011	Pfingstl T., Vtípilová V., Ghlimová H., Mourek J., Steinová J., Hessinger T.P., Schäffer S. & Resl P. (2025): Oribatid mite fauna of three members of the lichen genus Cladonia in Europe–observations on species richness, endophagous juveniles and their morphology. - Acarologia, 65(4): 1092-1123. https://doi.org/10.24349/nalv-gpxm. Lichen - mite interactions have generally been acknowledged for a long time and yet, despite their ubiquity they are rarely studied in detail. Oribatid mites occur on and in various lichens and prior research has shown that mites use them as shelter and food source. To gain deeper insights into specific mite-lichen relationships, we investigated the oribatid mite fauna of three lichens from the genus Cladonia, C. coniocraea, C. norvegica and C. rubrotincta, from four European countries. In total, we found 61 oribatid mite species in all samples, from which 28 are common in all investigated lichen species. Most abundant were Carabodes areolatus, C. labyrinthicus, C. marginatus, C. subarcticus, Melanozetes mollicomus and Neobrachychthonius marginatus magnus. The species richness and the overall abundance of the oribatid mite fauna were similar between the investigated lichens and independent of geographic origin. The lichen Cladonia rubrotincta is characterized by red spots on its vegetative structures, and these spots have been suggested to be the result of mite feeding activity. Our investigations of these red spots revealed signs of endophagous mite activity in approx. 75% of the cases; immature mite stages were found tunneling, feeding and living inside the lichens. Molecular genetic identification of these juveniles showed that Carabodes areolatus, C. labyrinthicus, C. marginatus and Mycobates carli use Cladonia rubrotincta as kindergarten. Additionally, we characterize the morphology of Carabodes ssp. and Mycobates carli juveniles in detail and show their adaptations to an endophagous lifestyle, e.g. stocky body, short legs, reduced trichobothria and a subterminally positioned anal orifice. We conclude that lichen-mite interactions are versatile and diverse. Adult mites lay their eggs on the lichen, hatched juveniles complete their development inside the lichen and after their final molt, adults leave the lichen. Based on our results, we suggest that Cladonia rubrotincta reacts with color changes to the feeding activity of immature mites. Mite feeding on lichens is generally common, although it remains to be tested whether all life stages can trigger phenotypic responses in their lichen food sources. Keywords: Cladonia rubrotincta; Cladonia norvegica; Cladonia coniocraea; rhodocladonic acid; Carabodes; feeding interactions.
39010	Kondratyuk S.Y., Gromakova A.B., Khodosovtsev A.Y., Kim J.A., Kondratiuk A.S. & Hur J.-S. (2015): Agrestia zerovii (Megasporaceae, lichen-forming Ascomycetes), a new species from southeastern Europe proved by alternative phylogenetic analysis. - Studia botanica hungarica, 46: 69–94. https://doi.org/10.17110/StudBot.2015.46.2.69. Agrestia zerovii is described, illustrated, and compared here with closely related taxa. It is a member of the A. hispida complex of the steppe zone of Ukraine, southeastern Europe, and differs from A. hispida s. str. in having much thicker main thalline lobes, in forming thick “horizontal crust”, and in the lack of black tips of secondary branchlets. The position of the newly described A. zerovii in the alternative combined phylogenetic tree of the Megasporaceae with all members for which reliable data on the nrITS, nrLSU, and mtSSU sequences are hitherto available is discussed. Four new robust branches and their taxonomic diversity are discussed, i.e.: the Agrestia, the Chlorangium, the Sphaerothallia s. str., and the “Circinaria” lacunosa clades being in separate position from the Circinaria s. str. clade (additionally to five genera of the Megasporaceae, i.e. Aspicilia, Circinaria, Lobothallia, Megaspora and Sagedia accepted by previous authors). The genera Agrestia, Chlorangium, and Sphaerothallia, proposed to be resurrected, and a number of aspicilioid lichens the status of which are in need of revision are discussed. Five new combinations for the species of the genus Chlorangium (C. alpicola, C. aschabadense, C. asperum, C. gyrosum, and C. sphaerothallinum) are proposed. Keywords: Agrestia, alternative combined phylogenetic analysis, Chlorangium, ITS and LSU nrDNA, 12S SSU mtDNA, sequences.
39009	Shivarov V.V. & Lőkös L. (2015): New records and rare species of pyrenocarpous lichen-forming fungi from Bulgaria. - Studia botanica hungarica, 46: 111–118. https://doi.org/10.17110/StudBot.2015.46.2.111. Five pyrenocarpous lichen species, Polyblastia cupularis, P. dermatodes, Porina lectissima, Thelidium pertusatii, and Verrucaria umbrinula, are reported for the first time from Bulgaria. All provided descriptions are based on the examined specimens deposited in BP. Description and illustrations of V. bulgarica based on the type material are also provided. T. pertusatii and V. bulgarica known only from few localities worldwide are regarded as rare species. Worldwide distribution, ecological preferences and comments are given for all examined species. Keywords: lichen-forming fungi, Porinaceae, Verrucariaceae.
39008	Chesnokov S.V., Konoreva L.A. & Zueva A.S. (2025): Crustose Stereocaulon species in Russia with a key to species. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 59(2): L19–L30. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2025.59.2.L19. Five crustose Stereocaulon species were found to occur in Russia, of which S. cephalocrustatum is reported here as new to Asia and Russia from Paramushir Island. Its identification is confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis using the nrITS locus. For each species, a brief description of its morphology, as well as information about its chemical composition, ecology, and distribution, are provided. Differences from similar species are discussed. It was found that presence of primitive cephalodia is not a reliable character for distinguishing species. The presence of crystalline granules in the exciple and epihymenium proved to be a highly reliable taxonomic marker, despite its application is limited by the availability of fertile specimens. A key to crustose species of the genus Stereocaulon known from Russia is provided. Keywords: Stereocaulon cephalocrustatum, distribution, phylogeny, secondary metabolites, taxonomy, Russian Far East.
39007	Frolov I.V., Prokopiev I.A. & Tumanina P.D. (2025): New data on a common lichen: a chemotype with an orange thallus and a lichenicolous morph of Blastenia ammiospila. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 59(2): L13–L17. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2025.59.2.L13. In the far northeast of Asia (Wrangel Island and the northernmost part of Kamchatka), two specimens of the previously unknown chemotype of Blastenia ammiospila were found. This chemotype is characterized by the presence of anthraquinones (7-chloroemodin and emodin) in the lichen thallus, whereas atranorin is absent there. Additionally, a lichenicolous specimen of B. ammiospila with small, 0.4–0.8 mm diam., orange-red to pale rusty-red apothecia was found in Yakutia growing on saxicolous thalli of Parmelia sp. and Umbilicaria deusta on granite outcrops. All findings are supported by molecular data (nrITS). Keywords: Caloplaca, Teloschistaceae, Kamchatka, Koryakia, Russia, Wrangel Island, Yakutia.
39006	Андреев М.П. [Andreev M.P.] (2025): Виктор Писаржевский — забытое имя русской лихенологии и его список лишайников России [Victor Pisarzhevsky — the forgotten name of the Russian lichenology and his list of lichens of Russia]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 59(2): L1–L11. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2025.59.2.L1. [in Russian with English abstract: ] The article is dedicated to Victor Dmitrievich Pisarzhevsky, the author of the first published list of lichens of Russia, compiled by him based on publications issued before 1897. The article acquaints a reader with this little-known work, which nevertheless played a certain role in the development of lichenology in our country at its initial stage. The fate of its author— undoubtedly a gifted researcher, was nevertheless sad. Keywords: Moscow University, history of science, flora of Russia.
39005	Kotkova V.M., Afonina O.M., Androsova V.I., Beliaeva T.A., Bely P.N., Bessudova A.Y., Bolsun I.M., Chemeris E.V., Chernova N.A., Chesnokov S.V., Czernyadjeva I.V., Davydov E.A., Doronina A.Yu., Doroshina G.Ya., Freydin G.L., Gorin K.K., Grishutkin O.G., Ignatenko M.E., Ignatova E.A., Iliushin V.A., Ivchenko T.G., Izik T.V., Kapitonov V.I., Kataeva O.A., Kazmin V.D., Kharpukhaeva T.M., Kirkina M.P., Kirtsideli I.Yu., Konoreva L.A., Korolev R.I., Kotova A.S., Kotovshchikov A.V., Lavrinenko O.V., Lebedko V.N., Liksakova N.S., Lukin A.V., Melekhin A.V., Mikhaylova T.A., Mochalova O.A., Mongush Ch.B., Myrzakhan A.D., Norkulov M.M., Notov A.A., Palamarchuk M.A., Pankova I.G., Patova E.N., Paukov A.G., Pchelkin A.V., Philippov D.A., Popova N.N., Potemkin A.D., Pystina T.N., Rakhimova E.V., Savchuk S.S., Selivanov A.E., Semenova N.A., Schuryakov D.S., Shadrina S.N., Shkurko A.V., Sonina A.V., Sterlyagova I.N., Stolbov V.A., Storozhenko Yu.V., Tsurykau A.G., Tulkova E.G., Tynnikov O.A., Vishnyakov V.S., Vlasenko A.V., Vlasenko V.A., Voronova O.G., Yakovchenko L.S., Yatsenko-Stepanova T.N. & Zhdanov I.S. (2025): New cryptogamic records. 16. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 59(2): R1–R37. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2025.59.2.R1. The paper presents the first record for Russia of one species of ascomycota fungus, first records for the Republic of Belarus of one species of siphonous yellow-green algae and three species of lichenicolous fungi, first records for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan of two and one species of lichens, respectively, and of first records for regions of Russia: one red alga for the Leningrad Region, one cyanobacteria for St. Petersburg, ten chrysophyte algae for the Leningrad Region, Komi Republic and Republic of Bashkortostan, one charophyte alga for the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, one species of haptophyte algae for the Irkutsk Region, two species of siphonous yellow-green algae for the Chukotka Autonomous Area and Magadan Region, one species of rust fungus for the Komi Republic, seven lichenicolous fungi for the Murmansk and Tver regions, including one species new for Russia, six species of basidiomycetes for the Altai Territory, Republic of Tuva, and Yaroslavl Region; 25 species of lichens for the Amur, Murmansk, Tyumen regions, republics of Altai, Buryatia, Karelia, Komi, Tuva, Altai, and Krasnoyarsk territories, one species of liverwort for St. Petersurg, 13 species of mosses for the Penza, Tambov, Tula, Tyumen regions, Republic of Dagestan, and Nenets Autonomous Area, including one species new for Siberia. Data on their localities, habitats, distribution are provided. The specimens are kept in the herbaria AA, ALTB, GSU, HERZ, IBIW, KPABG, LE, LECB, MIRE, MSK, MW, NSK, ORIS, PKM, PZV, SYKO, TOB, UUH, VU, in the algological collection in the Laboratory of Cell Ultrastructure of the Limnological Institute SB RAS (LIN). Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene of the cultivated strain of a cyanobacterium and sequence of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 nrDNA region of some specimens of fungi have been deposited in the GenBank (NCBI). Keywords: Ascomycota, Abrothallus santessonii, Anaptychia roemeri, Aporpium macroporum, Arthonia destruens, Arthonia ligniaria, Arthonia phaeophysciae, Aspicilia indissimilis, Basidiomycota, Briancoppinsia cytospora, Bryobilimnia hypnorum, Calyptospora columnaris, Catoscopium nigritum, Chaenotheca sphaerocephala, Chlorophyllum sphaerosporum, Chrysophyceae, Coenogonium pineti, Collemopsidium foveolatum, Endocarpon crystallinum, Epicladonia sandstedei, Epithamnolia xanthoriae, Erythricium aurantiacum, Flavoparmelia caperata, Gyalecta jenensis, Hanstrassia lenae, Haptophyta, Helodium blandowii, Hydropunctaria rheitrophila, Hymenomonas roseola, Hyphoderma setigerum, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Illosporium carneum, Ischnoderma benzoinum, Lecanora boligera, Lecanora leptacinella, Lepidochromonas eiffelii, Mallomonas alpina, Mallomonas cratis, Mallomonas doignonii, Mallomonas rasilis, Mallomonas striata, Mallomonas teilingii, Mallononas tonsurata, Mesoptychia badensis, Micarea botryoides, Micarea laeta, Micarea pseudomicrococca, Micarea soralifera, Micarea tomentosa, Myrinia pulvinata, Neonematogonum carpinicola, Nitella opaca, Nodosilinea nodulosa, Nodosilineaceae, Orthotrichum diaphanum, Paludella squarrosa, Parmelia serrana, Peltigera latiloba, Picipes submelanopus, Placidium imbecillum, Placidium squamulosum, Plagiothecium rossicum, Polysiphonia stricta, Protothelenella sphinctrinoidella, Pseudoleskeella rupestris, Pseudomerulius aureus, Rhodophyta, Santessoniella arctophila, Schistidium flexipile, Schistostega pennata, Sclerophora farinacea, Sphagnum alaskense, Sphagnum obtusum, Stereocaulon capitellatum, Stigmidium cladoniicola, Straminergon stramineum, Synura petersenii, Synura uvella, Tomentypnum nitens, Vaucheria racemosa, Vaucheria schleicheri, Vaucheria taylorii, Verrucaria trabalis, Zyzygomyces aipoliae.
39004	Pykälä J. & Myllys L. (2025): Unexpected species richness of the lichen genus Protoblastenia (Lecanorales, Psoraceae) in Finland. - MycoKeys, 124: 193–226. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.124.162802. The taxonomy of Protoblastenia in Finland was studied, based on morphology and molecular data (nuITS rDNA sequences). Twenty species were recognised, with sixteen species being newly described here: P. arupii sp. nov., P. borealis sp. nov., P. compressa sp. nov., P. dolomitica sp. nov., P. ekmanii sp. nov., P. fennoarctica sp. nov., P. minuta sp. nov., P. oulankaensis sp. nov., P. pseudocompressa sp. nov., P. pseudoterricola sp. nov., P. remota sp. nov., P. rikkinenii sp. nov., P. saanaensis sp. nov., P. timdalii sp. nov., P. violacea sp. nov. and P. westbergii sp. nov. All species are confined to calcareous rocks, except P. terricola which also grows on calcareous soil. The calcareous fells in Enontekiö in NW Finland were identified as hot spots of Protoblastenia diversity. Nine newly-described species (P. arupii, P. fennoarctica, P. minuta, P. pseudoterricola, P. rikkinenii, P. saanaensis, P. timdalii, P. violacea and P. westbergii) are restricted to this area in Finland. Several of the species are semi-cryptic. On average, they may have minor morphological differences, but many specimens cannot be identified, based on morphology only. Protoblastenia rikkinenii is reported from Norway and P. oulankaensis from Italy, based on GenBank sequences. Full descriptions and a preliminary key of Protoblastenia in Finland are provided. Key words: Calcareous rocks, DNA barcoding, Italy, ITS, lichenised fungi, new species, Norway, phylogeny.
39003	Feng J., Rogge D. & Rivard B. (2018): Comparison of lithological mapping results from airborne hyperspectral VNIR-SWIR, LWIR and combined data. - International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 64: 340-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2017.03.003. This study investigates using the Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging Systems (AISA) visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR) and Spatially Enhanced Broadband Array Spectrograph System (SEBASS) longwave infrared (LWIR) (2 and 4 m spatial resolution, respectively) imagery independently and in combination to produce detailed lithologic maps in a subarctic region (Cape Smith Belt, Nunavik, Canada) where regionally metamorphosed lower greenschist mafic, ultramafic and sedimentary rocks are exposed in the presence of lichen coatings. We make use of continuous wavelet analysis (CWA) to improve the radiometric quality of the imagery through the minimization of random noise and the enhancement of spectral features, the minimization of residual errors in the ISAC radiometric correction and target temperature estimation in the case of the LWIR data, the minimization of line to line residual calibration effects that lead to inconsistencies in data mosaics, and the reduction in variability of the spectral continuum introduced by variable illumination and topography. The use of CWA also provides a platform to directly combine the wavelet scale spectral profiles of the SWIR and LWIR after applying a scalar correction factor to the LWIR such that the dynamic range of two data sets have equal weight. This is possible using CWA as the datasets are normalized to a zero mean allowing spectra from different spectral regions to be adjoined. Lithologic maps are generated using an iterative spectral unmixing approach with image spectral endmembers extracted from the SWIR and LWIR imagery based on locations defined from previous work of the study area and field mapping information. Unmixing results of the independent SWIR and LWIR data, and the combined data show clear benefits to using the CWA combined imagery. The analysis showed SWIR and LWIR imagery highlight similar regions and spatial distributions for the three ultramafic units (dunite, peridotite, pyroxenite). However, significant differences are observed for quartz-rich sediments, with the SWIR overestimating the distribution of these rocks whereas the LWIR provided more consistent results compared with existing maps. Both SWIR and LWIR imagery were impacted by the pervasive lichen coatings on the mafic rocks (basalts and gabbros), although the SWIR provided better results than the LWIR. Limitations observed for the independent data sets were removed using the combined spectral data resulting in all geologically meaningful units mapped correctly in comparison with existing geological maps.
39002	Ferrenberg S., Reed S.C. & Belnap J. (2015): Climate change and physical disturbance cause similar community shifts in biological soil crusts. - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 112(39): 12116–12121. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1509150112. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts)—communities of mosses, lichens, cyanobacteria, and heterotrophs living at the soil surface—are fundamental components of drylands worldwide, and destruction of biocrusts dramatically alters biogeochemical processes, hydrology, surface energy balance, and vegetation cover. Although there has been long-standing concern over impacts of physical disturbances on biocrusts (e.g., trampling by livestock, damage from vehicles), there is increasing concern over the potential for climate change to alter biocrust community structure. Using long-term data from the Colorado Plateau, we examined the effects of 10 y of experimental warming and altered precipitation (in full-factorial design) on biocrust communities and compared the effects of altered climate with those of long-term physical disturbance (>10 y of replicated human trampling). Surprisingly, altered climate and physical disturbance treatments had similar effects on biocrust community structure. Warming, altered precipitation frequency [an increase of small (1.2 mm) summer rainfall events], and physical disturbance from trampling all promoted early successional community states marked by dramatic declines in moss cover and increases in cyanobacteria cover, with more variable effects on lichens. Although the pace of community change varied significantly among treatments, our results suggest that multiple aspects of climate change will affect biocrusts to the same degree as physical disturbance. This is particularly disconcerting in the context of warming, as temperatures for drylands are projected to increase beyond those imposed as treatments in our study. alternate states, biocrusts, community structure, secondary succession, warming
39001	Morgalev Y.N., Lushchaeva I.V., Morgaleva T.G., Kolesnichenko L.G., Loiko S.V., Krickov I.V., Lim A., Raudina T.V., Volkova I.I., Shirokova L.S., Morgalev S.Y., Vorobyev S.N., Kirpotin S.N. & Pokrovsky O.S. (2017): Bacteria primarily metabolize at the active layer/permafrost border in the peat core from a permafrost region in western Siberia. - Polar Biology, 40(8): 1645–1659. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-017-2088-1. The microbial activity in the soils of the permafrost-affected zones is assumed to be one of the major factors that modify the organic carbon and nitrogen cycle under current climate change. In contrast to the extensive research centered on bacterial abundance, diversity, and metabolic activity in permanently and seasonally frozen mineral soils from high latitudes, frozen peat (organic) environments remain poorly characterized in terms of the physiological diversity and metabolic potential of bacteria. The evolution of soil heterotroph microbial number and metabolic activity across the “seasonally thawed (active)—permanently frozen layer” boundary was studied on 100-cm-thick cores from frozen peat mounds located in the discontinuous permafrost zone in western Siberia. There was a systematic decrease of metabolic activity in the upper 40 cm of the peat core from the surface layers of the mosses and lichens towards the beginning of the frozen horizon, followed by an abrupt increase in bacterial metabolism exactly at the border between the thawed layer and the permafrost table. The aerobic viable cell count and total bacterial number from the active layer were similar to those from the permafrost peat layer. The highest metabolic activity was observed at the beginning of the frozen peat layer and might correspond to the highest availability of amino substrates, which were depleted in the active layer but preserved in the deeper frozen horizons. The enhanced microbial activity at the frozen peat-active layer boundary in western Siberia may persist for another 50–100 years based on the current rate of increase in active layer thickness.
39000	Wang W. (2025): Fellhaneropsis sigmoidea sp. nov. (Byssolomataceae, lichenized Ascomycota), a new foliicolous species from China, with a world key to the species of the genus Fellhaneropsis. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 200-205. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101138. A new species of the lichenized genus Fellhaneropsis is described from China. Fellhaneropsis sigmoidea W. C. Wang & J. C. Wei is characterized by a dispersed thallus, brown apothecia with an indistinct margin, 3-septate ascospores (14–20 μm in length), filiform-sigmoid conidia, and a foliicolous growth habit. The placement of the new species within Fellhaneropsis was confirmed by a molecular phylogenetic approach based on mtSSU sequence data. A world key to the species of the genus Fellhaneropsis is provided. Asia, Fellhanera, Micarea, filiform-sigmoid conidia, tropical
38999	Timans H., van Zon S., Nuytinck J. & Stech M. (2025): An epiphyte desert no more: considerable epiphytic lichen diversity on common lane tree species in Amsterdam under contemporary urban environmental conditions. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 224-238. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101084. Recording the epiphytic lichen flora in Amsterdam on 576 trees distributed over eight common lane tree species shows that the urban epiphytic diversity alone is considerable, representing 15.2%, or 100 species, of the total lichen diversity in the Netherlands. The species recorded include many rarities and some that can be viewed as urban opportunists. Trees bear 15 lichen species on average but are greatly influenced by local factors. Species-specific bark qualities such as water-holding capacity, texture and bark-shedding, influence species richness greatly but are often overshadowed by dominant environmental factors. Tree species with a higher water-holding capacity and texture generally bear the highest species richness. Bark qualities are more indicative of species richness than tree species, showing few significant differences between species richness linked to tree species. Platanus × hispanica is the only observed species whose frequent bark shedding causes it to consistently have the lowest lichen species richness, regardless of environmental factors. In general, bark desiccation and eutrophication are the most dominant factors in influencing urban epiphytic lichen diversity, resulting in xerophytic and nitrophytic lichen species being the most common. Pollution is no longer observed to be the main limiting factor for urban lichen diversity as it was in the past. Instead, bark desiccation associated with the Urban Heat Island (UHI) and low air humidity (drought) is the most damaging factor in contemporary urban conditions in Amsterdam, but it rarely reduces species richness to zero or near zero levels. Areas in which eutrophication and desiccation are much less dominant were repeatedly observed. Such areas sometimes showed local dominance of acidophytes or other distinctive communities. In line with long-term improvements to Dutch air quality, the city now offers a niche to a wider range of species. Three ecological groups (acidophytic, lithophytic-minerotrophic, xerophytic-nitrophytic) are described in this context to characterize reoccurring lichen communities in the city that are indicative of contemporary urban conditions. The term ‘lithification’ is proposed in an ecological context to describe the frequently observed urban phenomenon of tree bark taking on the properties of rock and consequently bearing lithophytic communities. Additionally, we show the potential use of lichen species and ecological groups to monitor urban climate factors such as the UHI on a very local and accurate scale. air pollution, ecological groups, eutrophication, lithification, species richness, urban ecology
38998	Sanders W.B. & de los Ríos A. (2025): Lichen symbiont interfaces revisited: ultrastructure of intraparietal contacts between fungal and algal cells in several microlichens with non-trebouxialean chlorobionts. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101096. This work attempts to better understand the significance of morphological diversity among fungal-algal contact zones present in lichens. We used TEM to examine a variety of lichen symbioses involving non-trebouxialean green algae that show intraparietal penetration by the mycobiont. A principal focus was on Endocarpon pusillum, a well-known member of a family (Verrucariaceae; Eurotiomycetes) previously reported to be characterized by unwalled haustoria exposing a naked fungal protoplast. Peg-like haustoria arose from an inner layer(s) of the mycobiont cell wall that broke through outer layers and penetrated a short distance into the wall of the green algal symbiont (Diplosphaera). In both fungal and algal cells at the contact interface, lomasome-like vesicles and tubules occurred as modifications of the plasmalemma intermixed with wall materials at the inner surface of the cell wall. A fungal cell wall was consistently present around the haustorium, which resembled those depicted in earlier TEM studies of Verrucariaceae. Previously published micrographs of Verrucariaceae purporting to show wall-less haustoria surrounded by an empty space are believed to have been misinterpreted. However, in the isidiose Porina and foliicolous Calopadia, Byssoloma and Fellhanera species (Lecanoromycetes), we did observe extreme degrees of reduction in the mycobiont cell wall at symbiont contact interfaces. In those lichens, a broad area of the fungal cell bulged into the adjacent algal symbiont, broadly invaginating the wall of the latter and penetrating it intraparietally without differentiation of a distinct haustorial structure. The mycobiont wall surrounding such protrusions often thinned to near indistinguishability towards its extremity. The protrusion made direct contact with the algal cell wall; no empty space occurred between them. We propose that the short, peg-like intraparietal haustoria bind the symbionts and help maintain cell contacts amid the stresses of tissue expansion and shrinkage, thereby avoiding disruption of the continuous hydrophobic coating that facilitates transfer between them. Broader contact interfaces with extremely thin adjacent walls may facilitate solute flow between symbionts. Reciprocal penetration of algal protrusions into mycobiont cells, noted in Porina as well as other lichens studied previously, is a neglected but potentially significant indication that both symbionts may actively work to maintain functional contact interfaces. cell wall, haustoria, lomasomes, photobiont, phycobiont, plasmalemmasomes, symbiosis
38997	Ertz D., Pinault P. & Diederich P. (2025): Molecular and morphological analyses reveal a new species of Laetisaria (Corticiaceae, Corticiales) from France, lichenicolous on Physcia. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 206-211. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101102. Laetisaria macrospora is a new species of lichenicolous Corticiaceae forming light pink to coral coloured basidiomata on Physcia adscendens and P. stellaris. The basidiomata are usually located on the lower surface of the host thallus and produce basidia with four sterigmata and relatively large basidiospores, 23–34 × 11–18 μm. Phylogenetic analyses using nuITS sequences fully support the placement of the new species in Laetisaria, a genus that is recovered as monophyletic. Laetisaria macrospora was discovered in the Massif Central (France) in lichen communities growing on branches of Juniperus and Genista at the summit of the Puy de Manson. Agaricomycetes, parasite, phylogeny, taxonomy
38996	Aptroot A., dos Santos L.A. & Cáceres M. (2025): Lecanora austrocalcicola (Lecanoraceae, lichenized fungi), a new species from a limestone outcrop in Brazil. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 196-199. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101126. We describe the new lichen species Lecanora austrocalcicola from a limestone outcrop in Brazil, characterized by a verrucose thallus and small apothecia with pale discs with relatively prominent margins that are UV+ yellow, and by the presence of lichexanthone on the apothecium margin. It resembles some species of Myriolecis and Polyozosia but can be distinguished with phylogenetic analyses. Myriolecis, Polyozosia, calcicolous, lichexanthone, tropics
38995	Adhikari R., Nayaka S. & Upreti D.K. (2025): New species of Chiodecton and Enterographa (Roccellaceae, Arthoniales) from India. - The Lichenologist, 57(5): 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101114. A saxicolous species of Chiodecton and two corticolous species of Enterographa are described as new to science. Chiodecton submontanum is characterized by a saxicolous habitat, irregularly verrucose thallus, inspersed hymenium, ascospores usually exceeding 50 μm in length with 6–10 septa and the presence of roccellic acid. Enterographa sparrii has immersed, perithecioid ascomata in indistinct to slightly raised pseudostromata, 40–55 μm long ascospores with 6–9 septa and contains roccellic acid. Enterographa subcaudata has immersed, more or less round ascomata with a black disc, 35–58 μm long ascospores with 6–12(–15) septa and schizopeltic acid in its chemistry. Additionally, an identification key to the members of Roccellaceae reported so far from India is provided. Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, lichenized fungi
38994	Contreras R.A., Pizarro M., Zamora P. & Zúñiga G.E. (2025): Phytochemistry of crustose lichens from Mount Rossman, Ellsworth Land, Antarctica. - Phytochemistry Letters, 70: 104063 [7 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2025.104063. Lichens are symbiotic organisms that inhabit all climate zones of this planet, including even those in Antarctica, thanks to their sophisticated biochemical machinery. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of three lichen species (Pleopsidium sp., Sarcogyne sp., and Rusavskia sp.) collected from Mount Rossman, Antarctica. We used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to putatively assign key secondary metabolites, including anthraquinones and various depsides and depsidones, important for UV protection and antimicrobial defense. We also quantified the lichens’ sugar profiles by high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection (HPLC-RID) using external standards. Here, we provide new perspectives on how these lichens utilize metabolic strategies to survive under extreme desiccation conditions in their terrestrial environment and highlight their biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. Keywords: Antarctica; Lichens; Phytochemistry; Sugars; Union Glacier.
38993	Melekhina E.N., Selivanova N.P. & Korolev A.N. (2025): Oribatid mites (Oribatida) associated with nests of open-nesting birds of the genus thrush (Turdus) in the taiga forests of the European North-East of Russia. - Diversity, 17(10): 735 []. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17100735. For the first time, studies have been conducted aiming at the diversity of the oribatid mites (Oribatida) that inhabit the nests of open-nesting birds of the genus thrushes (Turdus), particularly fieldfare (T. pilaris Linnaeus, 1758) and redwing (T. iliacus Linnaeus, 1766), in the taiga forests of the European north-east. Long-term observations were carried out in the green belt of the city of Syktyvkar (N 61°40′ E 50°50′) in 2021–2025. Among 168 studied thrush nests (fieldfare—138, redwing—30), 1982 specimens of oribatid mites of 35 species from 33 genera and 26 families were found. The nests of thrushes contain a mixed fauna of oribatid mites, including the following: (a) Soil species that obviously enter the nest with building materials collected by birds from the soil surface. These are epigeic species such as Eupelops plicatus, Neoribates aurantiacus, and Chamobates pusillus; hemi-edaphic species such as Heminothrus peltifer; and euedaphic species such as Oppiella nova and Quadroppia quadricarinata. (b) Tree-dwelling species that have been recorded as inhabiting epiphytic lichens in the European north-east, such as Ameronothrus oblongus, Ceratoppia quadridentata, Oribatula propinqua, Trichoribates berlesei, and Diapterobates oblongus. (c) Eurybiont species such as Tectocepheus velatus, Scheloribates laevigatus, and Oribatula tibialis. An increase in the number and diversity of oribatid mites was noted in nests collected after the end of the nesting period and the flight of chicks compared to nests collected in the spring (overwintered nests). Keywords: invertebrates in bird nests; Turdus pilaris Linnaeus, 1758; Turdus iliacus Linnaeus, 1766; seasonal dynamics; diversity.
38992	Kantnerová V. & Škaloud P. (2025): The diverse world within: age-dependent photobiont diversity in the lichen Protoparmeliopsis muralis. - FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 101(11): fiaf096 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiaf096. Understanding the initial formation and development of lichens is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms behind the formation of complex lichen thalli and their maintenance in long-term symbioses. These symbiotic relationships provide significant ecological advantages for both partners, expanding their ecological niches and allowing them, in many cases, to overcome extreme environmental conditions. The correct development of thalli likely relies on the selection of suitable photobionts from the environment. In this study, we focused on the impact of lichen age on the overall diversity of photobiont partners and examined how mycobiont preference toward their symbionts changes at different developmental stages. Using the lichen Protoparmeliopsis muralis as a model organism, we observed a strong correlation between the diversity of photobionts and lichen age, confirmed by both molecular data and morphological observations. Our findings indicate greater photobiont diversity in older thalli, suggesting that lichens retain the majority of algae they collect throughout their lifespan, potentially as an adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, we found that some lichen samples contained only low levels of Trebouxia algae, indicating that P. muralis does not consistently rely on this typical partner and that local environmental conditions may significantly influence its symbiotic composition. Keywords: DNA metabarcoding, lichen ontogeny, photobiont diversity, Protoparmeliopsis muralis, selectivity, Trebouxia.
38991	中西 稔 [Nakanishi M.] (1977): 固着地衣類モジゴケ科の子器発生について [Notes on the development of ascocarps in Graphidaceae]. - Miscellanea Bryologica et Lichenologica, 7(9): 186–188. https://doi.org/10.18968/mbl.7.9_186. [in Japanese with English title and a picture/sketch of development stages of ascomata in Graphidaceae]
38990	占-i 村I [Yoshimura I.] (1970): カプトゴケの土語 [Lung lichen is “ATO” in Kapaukoe language (New Guinea)]. - Miscellanea Bryologica et Lichenologica, 5(5): 76. https://doi.org/10.18968/mbl.5.5_76. a short communication in Japanese
38989	Timoshok E.E. & Timoshok E.N. (2025): Primary vegetation successions at a foreland of the South Chuya glacation [sic!] center (Altai Mountains). - Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 18: 723–733. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425525700398. [Translation of original Russian text published in Sibirskii Ekologicheskii Zhurnal, 2025, No. 5, pp. 762–774.] In the cryoaridic conditions of the South Chuya glaciation center (Altai Mountains) on the foreland of the Sophiysky glacier (2410–2500 m above sea level), primary vegetation successions have been studied from the settlement of the first vascular plants, leafy mosses, and ground lichens and the formation of simple groupings to primary plant communities in a deglaciated area between the modern glacier tongue to the terminal moraine rim of the mid-19th century. Three stages of primary vegetation succession are identified; the species composition of vascular plants, leafy mosses and ground lichens, the primary participants in succession, and dominant species are determined; and the features of primary vegetation are characterized. Conclusions about the course of primary succession in cryoaridic conditions occurring in the upper part of the mountain–steppe belt of the South Chuya Range are made. It has been revealed that, over 150 years, a complex of phytocoenoses similar to high-mountain tundras was formed in these cold and dry conditions. A total of 126 species of vascular plants, 22 species of leafy mosses, and 6 species of ground lichens participate in the primary succession on the foreland of the Sophiysky glacier. Keywords: foreland, primary succession, vascular plants, mosses, lichens, South Chuya glaciation center, Altai mountains.
38988	Semenishchenkov Y.A. & Kupreev V.E. (2025): Diversity and ecological features of dynamic states of psammophylous [sic!] grass vegetation in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia. - Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 18: 708–722. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425525700374. [translation of original Russian text published in Sibirskii Ekologicheskii Zhurnal, 2025, No. 5, pp. 747–761] Based on a comparative analysis of 711 relevés and field surveys, the authors compiled a scale of dynamic states of psammophylous grass vegetation in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia. The following main criteria were chosen for their selection: the area of the total projective cover in communities, the presence of renewal of tree species (Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula) and their age stage, and life forms of pioneer species colonizing the primary substrate or substrate after disturbance. In habitats of six types, in which successions of six variants are realized (A, xerophytic cereal; B, moss–lichen xerophytic; C, undershrub xerophytic; D, forb–cereal xeromesophytic; E, forb–cereal mesophytic; and F, forb fallow xerophytic), five stages of succession were identified, ending with the restoration of forest communities. Certain dynamic states of vegetation are formed in the listed habitats at each of the stages. The associations of the floristic classification of the vegetation are represented by different dynamic states. According to the results of the study, three stages of succession are distinguished for psammophylous grass vegetation. Coenofloras of the samples of communities at the identified stages have statistically significant differences in the total projective cover, and floristic saturation, evenness of abundance, and habitats differ by individual environmental factors. The general patterns of changes in the spectra of life forms according to I.G. Serebryakov were revealed in samples of relevés at different stages of succession: species of different life forms can act as pioneer species forming communities at the initial stage of succession; in the course of succession from stage 1 to 3, the proportion of monocarpic annuals decreases in community samples of all variants; and the total diversity of life form types increases from stage 1 to 3. Considering the high commonality of the coenofloras of psammophylous grass vegetation of different syntaxa due to the wide representation of psammophilic oligotrophic species in their communities, as they invade and take root in the communities, the differences in the coenofloras are leveled. During succession, a convergence of dynamic states occurs, leading to a decrease in their number over time as the oligotrophic pine or birch–pine forest is restored in the studied climatically homogeneous region. Keywords: vegetation dynamics, dynamic state, psammophylous vegetation, Braun-Blanquet approach, Southern Nechernozemye of Russia.
38987	Kaae M.E., Bak J.L. & Damgaard C.F. (2025): Effects of long-term exposure to ammonia from animal farms on the dry and dune heath vegetation: Lessons from a gradient study. - Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 236: 1006 [20 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-025-08686-5. In this gradient study, we examined the effects of ammonia deposition on vegetation in two different heathland habitats, a dry and dune heath (Annex I code: 4030 & 2140, respectively). During the summer of 2020, we conducted a vegetation survey and soil sampling along a transect at each heathland with increasing distance to a farm unit(s). At the dry heath, the transect length was ~ 1420 m; at the dune heath, the transect length was ~ 580 m. The dry heath site was mainly in the downwind or crosswind of a pig—and a cattle farm, while the dune heath site was primarily upwind of the farm. The estimated average exceedance range of the upper end of the empirical critical nitrogen load was at dune heath within ~ 400 m. At the dry heath, the upper end of the empirical critical load was estimated to be exceeded along the entire transect. We documented a significant adverse effect of high nitrogen loads on cryptogams at the dune heath and did not observe them at estimated N deposition levels above 22 kg N ha−1 year−1, confirming results from other studies that bryophytes and lichens are sensitive to excess reactive nitrogen. Moreover, we documented a significantly increased graminoid/dwarf shrub ratio on the dune heath closer to the farm, however, nitrogen deposition did seemingly not affect the graminoid/dwarf shrub ratio on the dry heath. At the dry heath, we found a decline in forbs in areas grazed by sheep and horses.
38986	Opekunov A.Y., Opekunova M.G., Kukushkin S.Y. & Lisenkov S.A. (2025): Assessment of metal pollution of roadside landscapes in the north of Western Siberia using statistical modeling. - Eurasian Soil Science, 58: 160 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229325601416. The article presents an assessment of roadside soil and plant pollution by motor vehicles in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia. The studies were conducted on the Surgut-Salekhard highway near Novy Urengoy and on one of the winter roads south of the town of Tazovsky. A detailed geochemical characteristic of the parent rocks and soils in the study areas is provided. Chemical pollution was mild, since northern roads usually have low to medium traffic intensity. Statistical modeling based on the consistent application of factor and discriminant analyses of multivariate statistics was used to detect and identify pollutants and the pollution level. It has been shown that the Cd–Pb–Zn–Cu–Ni association in soils indicates the motor vehicles pollution. An additional source of impact in the urban area was residential construction through the Ca–Mn–Co–Sr–Zn association. Similar parageneses have been identified in the study of the solid phase of snow collected at the soil sampling sites, indicating the decisive role of aerotechnogenic transfer of metals in pollution of natural and urban environments. Low activity of lateral and radial migration of metals has been shown even in an acidic medium, attributed to the widespread peat horizon that functions as a compound geochemical barrier: alkaline, biogeochemical, and sorptive. A change in the chemical composition of indicator plant species has been established, caused largely by aerotechnogenic transfer of metals coming from motor transport and road surfaces. Soil pollution within the former winter road and in roadside landscapes has been found to be local. However, there were traces of disturbed soil cover, and soil thawing and an increase in the seasonally thawed layer thickness have been established. In general, chemical pollution caused by the impact of motor transport was not pronounced, and the content of the studied metals was below the standards established for soils (MPC and TPC). Calculation of the toxicity probability index (MERMQ) for contaminated soils showed low to moderate risk levels. [Methodology: p. 4: ] "A total of 60 samples were collected from different genetic horizons along the Surgut–Novy Urengoy–Salekhard route (including the city of Novy Urengoy), and 61 samples were collected along the winter road. Along with soil sampling, samples of indicator plant species were taken: 19 samples of wild rosemary Ledum decumbens (Ait.) Lodd. ex Steud. and 16 samples of lichen Cladonia stellaris (L.) Rabh. The representativeness of the material selection was ensured by obtaining an average sample of the above-ground vegetation (10–25 plants) from sampling plots 20 × 25 m in size." [Results: p. 9: ] "The condition of indicator plant species is one of the elements used to assess the impact of motor vehicles on roadside landscapes. For this reason, a study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of plants in the western and eastern sections of the motorway. When compared with background metal contents in Cladonia stellaris and Ledum decumbens [4, 12], it was found that concentrations in lichens in the western section were lower than background levels, while in the eastern section they were higher. In wild rosemary, the content of Na, K, Ca, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb in both sections is below background values. A comparison of the mean metal content in plants using the t-test for two independent samples (eastern and western sections) showed that in the eastern section, Cladonia stellaris had a statistically significant excess of Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ba; and in Ledum decumbens it was Sc, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Ba (Fig. 5). At the same time, higher concentrations of K and Mn were observed in wild rosemary in the western area." Keywords: soils, parent rocks, discriminant analysis, geochemical associativity, indicator plant species.
38985	Calabon M.S., Canto C.M., Bagacay J.F.E., Opiña L.A., Nim J.A. & Silaras M.L. (2025): Philippine mycology: a comprehensive updated taxonomic classification of novel Ascomycota discovered in the archipelago. - Phytotaxa, 724(1): 1–180. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.724.1.1. The Philippines is home to a diverse range of fungal species, yet comprehensive taxonomic assessments remain limited. This study provides an overview of novel Ascomycota species introduced in the Philippines through an extensive review of published records from Index Fungorum, MycoBank, and the Fungal Names databases. A total of 1,698 species within the phylum Ascomycota have been documented, spanning 564 genera, 170 families, 66 orders, and nine classes. This compilation provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of Philippine fungal taxa, highlighting the country’s rich mycological diversity and underscoring the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts. Key words: fungal biodiversity, fungal systematics, microbiological resources, Philippine fungi, tropical mycology.
38984	Varlı M., Ahn E.-J., Bhosle S.R., Moon K,-S., Ha H.-H. & Kim H. (2025): Targeting heat shock protein 90 with usnic acid relieves immune suppression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated mechanisms in lung cancer. - Molecular Biomedicine, 6: 81 [20 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43556-025-00309-z. Immune evasion in lung cancer is closely associated with the dysregulation of molecular chaperones and immunoregulatory pathways. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), which is frequently overexpressed in lung cancer and correlates with poor prognosis, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we investigated whether targeting the HSP90–aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) axis with usnic acid (UA) could suppress immune evasion mechanisms in lung cancer. Through target prediction and molecular docking, UA-bead–based proteomic profiling, and in vitro assays, we identified HSP90 as a direct binding of UA. Unlike classical HSP90 inhibitors, UA downregulates HSP90 protein level and disrupts the HSP90–AhR complex, thereby promoting proteasomal degradation of AhR and reducing its half-life. This disruption suppresses AhR-associated gene expression and tryptophan metabolism-related markers under both AhR ligand-bound and ligand-free conditions. Additionally, the immune checkpoint molecules programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and inducible T-cell costimulator ligand (ICOSL) were markedly downregulated, demonstrating that UA modulates the tumor immune microenvironment via the HSP90–AhR axis. To assess its translational relevance, a water-soluble derivative of UA, potassium usnate (KU), was evaluated in a syngeneic lung cancer mouse model. KU treatment inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, reduced tumor-associated macrophages and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1⁺) T cells, and increased the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8⁺) and helper T cells (CD4⁺). In addition, KU decreased the proliferation marker, antigen Kiel 67 (Ki67⁺), and HSP90⁺ cell populations within tumors. Together, these findings demonstrate that UA/KU targets the HSP90–AhR axis, suppresses immune evasion pathways, and offers a novel immunomodulatory approach for lung cancer therapy. Keywords Usnic acid, Heat shock protein 90, Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Immune checkpoint molecules, Lung cancer.
38983	Giordani P., Calderisi G., Cogoni D. & Fenu G. (2025): Asynchronous postfire recovery dynamics between epilithic lichens and vascular plants in Mediterranean ecosystems. - Journal of Environmental Management, 394: 127645 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127645. Wildfire has been a recurring natural disturbance within the Mediterranean Basin, leading to the evolution of adaptive traits in some plant species that enable them to survive or have high resilience fires. This study investigates the short-term resilience of vascular plants and epilithic lichens in Sardinia, Italy, following a Mediterranean megafire in 2021, focusing on taxonomic and functional diversity. Using a stratified random sampling method, 59 plots (40 burnt and 19 control) were analysed in two years post-fire, examining species richness and functional traits in vascular plant and lichen communities. Results indicate a significant asynchrony in resilience: lichen diversity and species abundance were severely compromised, whereas vascular plants showed a high degree of taxonomic and functional recovery. Lichen α-diversity was positively correlated with rockiness and negatively correlated with fire intensity, indicating that substrate availability is a critical resilience factor. Although vascular plants have recovered well, the lag in lichen resilience highlights a functional imbalance in the ecosystem. Although some lichen species may exhibit fire adaptation, our research demonstrates that the short-term resilience of the epilithic lichen communities we examined was markedly low. The study supports the need for cross-taxon approaches to ecosystem restoration and highlights the importance of considering a variety of taxonomic groups when assessing post-fire resilience. Keywords: Mediterranean ecosystems; Megafire; Vascular plants; Epilithic lichens; Co-resilience; Functional diversity.
38982	Kalefetoğlu Macar T., Macar O., Kınalıoğlu K., Yalçın E. & Çavuşoğlu K. (2025): Ramalina farinacea mitigates cytogenotoxicity and physiological, biochemical, and anatomical alterations induced by nickel in Allium cepa. - Scientific Reports, 15: 35527 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-19674-4. Environmental contamination by heavy metals is a growing concern due to their adverse impacts on plant health and ecological stability. In this study, the potential of Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach. lichen extract to mitigate the toxic effects of nickel chloride (NiCl₂) on Allium cepa L. was investigated. The bulbs were exposed to various treatment groups, and a series of physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical analyses were performed. Throughout the experimental period, the control group was treated with tap water, while the treatment groups were treated with 0.5 g L−1 R. farinacea extract, 1.0 g L−1 R. farinacea extract, 1 mg L−1 NiCl2, 1 mg L−1 NiCl2 + 0.5 g L−1 R. farinacea extract, and 1 mg L−1 NiCl2 + 1.0 g L−1 R. farinacea extract, respectively. NiCl₂ exposure significantly impaired root development, disrupted mitotic activity, elevated oxidative stress markers, and caused DNA and chromosomal damage. Micronucleus (MN), sticky chromosome, vagrant chromosome, fragment, unequal chromatin distribution, bridge, vacuolated nucleus, and irregular mitosis were among the chromosomal aberrations (CAs) brought on by NiCl₂. However, co-treatment with R. farinacea extract effectively alleviated these adverse effects in a dose-dependent manner. The lichen extract restored mitotic index values, reduced CAs and MN formation, decreased malondialdehyde and proline accumulation, and helped preserve chlorophyll content and meristematic tissue integrity. LC–MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds with known antioxidant and metal-chelating activity, such as p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gentisic acid, vanillin, taxifolin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and syringic acid. These findings highlight the protective role of R. farinacea extract against Ni-induced phytotoxicity and genotoxicity in A. cepa, suggesting its promising potential as a natural bioprotective agent for environmental and agricultural applications. Keywords: Allium cepa, Cytogenotoxicity, Heavy metal, Lichen extract, Phenolic, Ramalina farinacea.
38981	Sandino J., Barthelemy J., Doshi A., Randall K., Robinson S.A., Bollard B. & Gonzalez F. (2025): Drone hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence for monitoring moss and lichen in Antarctica. - Scientific Reports, 15: 27244 [23 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11535-4. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become essential for remote sensing in extreme environments like Antarctica, but detecting moss and lichen using conventional red, green, blue (RGB) and multispectral sensors remains challenging. This study investigates the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for mapping cryptogamic vegetation and presents a workflow combining UAVs, ground observations, and machine learning (ML) classifiers. Data collected during a 2023 summer expedition to Antarctic Specially Protected Area 135, East Antarctica, were used to evaluate 12 configurations derived from five ML models, including gradient boosting (XGBoost, CatBoost) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (G2C-Conv2D, G2C-Conv3D, and UNet), tested with full and light input feature sets. The results show that common indices like normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) are inadequate for moss and lichen detection, while novel spectral indices are more effective. Full models achieved high performance, with CatBoost and UNet reaching 98.3% and 99.7% weighted average accuracy, respectively. Light models using eight key wavelengths (i.e., 404, 480, 560, 655, 678, 740, 888, and 920 nm) performed well, with CatBoost at 95.5% and UNet at 99.8%, demonstrating suitability for preliminary monitoring of moss health and lichen. These findings underscore the importance of key spectral bands for large-scale HSI monitoring using UAVs and satellites in Antarctica, especially in geographic regions with limited spectral range. Keywords: Antarctic specially protected area (ASPA), Bryophyte, Ecological monitoring, Machine learning, Semantic segmentation, Uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).
38980	Noor A., Saba M., Akram W., Ullah M. & Asif M. (2025): Two novel species of Lecanora genus (Ascomycota, Lecanoraceae) from Western Himalaya, Pakistan. - Phytotaxa, 722(3): 247–259. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.722.3.4. During this study we investigate two new species of crustose lichen Lecanora ahmadii sp. nov. and Lecanora haripurensis sp. nov. from district Haripur and Murree, Pakistan. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Lecanora haripurensis sp. nov. is characterized by light greyish white to rough white thallus, lecanorine, black sessile, irregular apothecia, falls in sister clade to species Lecanora epibryon. The other specimen Lecanora ahmadiisp. nov. is characterized by verruculose dark greyish green thallus with light brown apothecia and phylogenetic resemblance to Lecanora pseudargentata. Thus, two new species have been added to lichen flora of Pakistan. They are new additions to science as well. Key words: Taxonomy, apothecia, phylogeny, Haripur, Murree, corticolous, ascospore.
38979	Wu W., Jiang. S.-H., Zhao S., Fu S.-B. & Meng Q.-F. (2025): A new species and a new record of the lichen family Graphidaceae from China. - Phytotaxa, 722(3): 269–278. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.722.3.6. Based on morphological, chemical and molecular data, a new species, Platygramme guizhouensis is described to science, and Phaeographis decipiens is reported as new record to China. Platygramme guizhouensis features lirelliform apothecia with discs open, black, epruinose, proper exciple apically carbonized, wedge-shaped. Asci cylindrical to clavate, 8-spored. Ascospores brown, elongate-ellipsoid, 9–12 transverse septa, I+ violet-purple. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new species and the new record are provided. Key words: Lichenized fungi, Graphidales, Morphology, Phylogeny, Taxonomy.
38978	Elvebakk A., Knight A. & Ford M. (2025): Psoroma urupukapukianum sp. nov. and squamulose Pannaria lichen species in Aotearoa / New Zealand. - Perspectives in Biodiversity, 3(1): 44–58. https://doi.org/10.34074/pibdiv.003105. Psoroma urupukapukianum is described from Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, Te Tai Tokerau / Northland, Aotearoa / New Zealand based on two herbarium collections made in 1980. It has recently been sought at its type locality without success. The species is corticolous and squamulose, developing into a crust of gymnidia, where c. 3/4 represent the chloromorph and the remaining parts are conspicuous cephalodia with the same external morphology as the chloromorph. The species lacks lichen substances by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the asci have apical IKI+ structures like other Psoroma species, but the ascospores differ in having long-apiculate perispores. The new species is hypothesised to represent a separate lineage in Pannariaceae, but fresh material for molecular phylogenetic analysis is needed. Psoroma caliginosum and P. melanizum are both newly treated here as synonyms of Pannaria pholidotoides described from the Otago / Ōtakou area. There is also still another unnamed species and an unresolved name from this area. The ascospores of Pannaria pholidotoides have a gibbose perispore, contrasting the long-apiculate perispores of the related species P. implexa. Knowledge of perispore morphology is decisive for identifying squamulose Pannaria species. Keywords: Pannariaceae, taxonomy, new combinations, Psoroma melanizum, Pannaria pholidotoides, Psoroma caliginosum, lichen, Aotearoa / New Zealand.
38977	Mulroy M., Dart J., Williams C.B., Reese Næsborg R., Fryday A., Johnston S., Kellman K. & Rajakaruna N. (2025): A comparative study of lichen and bryophyte communities on sandstone and ultramafic bedrocks along a maritime gradient in central California. - Journal of Vegetation Science, 36(5): e70072 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.70072. Aims: Lichens and bryophytes are an often overlooked, yet dominant biotic component of rock outcrops and other lithic habitats. Saxicolous lichen and bryophyte communities are frequently species-rich and play important ecological roles, including rock weathering, soil formation, and vascular plant recruitment. In this study, we test whether saxicolous communities differ between two substrate types along a coastal to inland spatial gradient. Location: Ultramafic and sandstone rock outcrops in central California in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Kern counties. Methods: We sampled saxicolous communities of eight ultramafic and eight sandstone outcrop sites along a 70 km maritime influence gradient using 20 × 20 cm quadrats stratified between north- and south-facing rock aspects. For each quadrat, species composition, distance above the ground, and rock microtopography characteristics were recorded. For each site, rock elemental composition and climate parameters including rainfall, temperature, and fog were documented. Results: We recorded 132 lichen and seven bryophyte taxa across 128 quadrats. Saxicolous communities were significantly different between ultramafic rock and sandstone, as well as between coastal, intermediate, and inland sites. Ultramafic rocks hosted fewer species overall but had a higher abundance and diversity of cyanolichens. The effect of rock type on species composition was mediated by maritime influence, with coastal samples showing greater cross-substrate differentiation than intermediate and inland samples. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the interactive roles of substrate, climate, and microtopography in shaping saxicolous communities. The role of substrate in structuring saxicolous communities is mediated by climate and accentuated by the different microtopography profiles of the ultramafic and sandstone rocks. Improving our understanding of how saxicolous communities vary across the landscape is an important step in identifying conservation priorities for these highly diverse and ecologically significant communities. Keywords: bryophyte | community ecology | geoecology | lichen | maritime gradient | sandstone | saxicolous | substrate properties | ultramafic.
38976	Garfias-Gallegos D., Pardo-De la Hoz C.J., Haughland D.L., Magain N., Aguero B., Miadlikowska J. & Lutzoni F. (2025): Central metabolism and development are rewired in lichenized cyanobacteria. - The ISME Journal, 19(1): wraf166 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1093/ismejo/wraf166. Nostoc cyanobacteria are among the few organisms capable of fixing both carbon and nitrogen. These metabolic features are essential for the cyanolichen symbiosis, where Nostoc supplies both carbon (as glucose) and nitrogen (as ammonium) to a cyanolichen-forming fungal partner. This nutrient flow was established by seminal biochemical studies published in the 20th century. Since then, cyanolichen metabolism has received little attention, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie the physiology of lichenized Nostoc remain mostly unknown. Here, we aimed to elucidate the genomic and transcriptional changes that enable Nostoc’s metabolic role in cyanolichens. We used comparative genomics across 243 genomes of Nostoc s. lat. coupled with metatranscriptomic experiments using Peltigera cyanolichens. We found that genes for photoautotrophic carbon fixation are upregulated in lichenized Nostoc. This likely results in a higher rate of carbon fixation that allows Nostoc to provide carbon to the fungal partner while meeting its own metabolic needs. We also found that the transfer of ammonium from Nostoc to the lichen-forming fungus is facilitated by two molecular mechanisms: (i) transcriptional downregulation of glutamine synthetase, the key enzyme responsible for ammonium assimilation in Nostoc; and (ii) frequent losses of a putative high-affinity ammonium permease, which likely reduces Nostoc’s capacity to recapture leaked ammonium. Finally, we found that the development of motile hormogonia is downregulated in lichenized Nostoc, which resembles the repression of motility in Nostoc symbionts after they colonize symbiotic cavities of their plant hosts. Our results pave the way for a revival of cyanolichen ecophysiology in the omics era. Keywords: biological nitrogen fixation; boreal forest; feathermoss; glycogen metabolism; lichen symbiosis; molybdenum nitrogenase; Nostoc; photoautotrophy; symbiotic nutrient exchange; vanadium nitrogenase.
38975	Moriyama T., Endo C., Tanaka C. & Isagi Y. (2025): Ecological and phylogenetic re-assessment of the bryophilous ascomycete Monascostroma sphagnophilum revealed a new style of fungus-alga interaction in the order Capnodiales. - Symbiosis, 96: 305–319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-025-01079-6. Monascostroma sphagnophilum is an ascomycetous fungus that has been reported to grow on Sphagnum, accompanied by algal colonies. Its relationship with the co-existing algae has been poorly investigated. We collected ascomata on gelatinous algal colonies found on Leucobryum sp. in Japan, and morphologically and phylogenetically identified them as M. sphagnophilum. This is the first report of this fungus from Asia. Phylogenetic analysis of the fungal isolates confirmed that they belong to Capnodiales, though not resolved at family level. The associated green algae were isolated and identified as members of the genus Coccomyxa based on our phylogenetic analysis. In natural habitats, hyphae of M. sphagnophilum were observed to grow on and within thick algal extracellular matrix while not infecting cells of Leucobryum sp. In co-culture experiments, growth of M. sphagnophilum hyphae on the algal cell surface of one Coccomyxa isolate was observed. This interaction was also observed when the fungal isolates were co-cultured with Elliptochloris subsphaerica, which served as a negative control, but not with the other Coccomyxa isolate originally associated with M. sphagnophilum. Therefore, interactive specificity was not resolved. Since desiccation tolerance has been considered as a pre-adaptation of fungus-alga symbiosis to inhabit light-exposed and thus potentially desiccated habitats, colonizing gelatinous and water-retaining green algal colonies would be an alternative symbiotic strategy to co-exist with terrestrial algae that should be evaluated in the context of the evolution of fungus-alga symbiosis. Keywords: Environmental tolerance · Dothideomycetes · Lichenization · Substrate preference.
38974	Nordén B., Andreasen M., Gran O. & Menkis A. (2025): Fungal diversity in wood of living trees is higher in oak than in beech, maple or linden, and is affected by tree size and climate. - Biodiversity and Conservation, 34: 3609–3632. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03119-5. Fungi are abundant in wood of living trees, but few studies have compared the diversity of fungi among different tree species and trees of varying age and size, aspects of importance for conservation planning. We investigated if fungal species richness and species composition in wood vary significantly among the temperate broadleaf tree species beech (Fagus sylvatica), linden (Tilia cordata), Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur). Each tree species was represented by four stem size classes, and the total sample included 240 trees in southern Norway. Wood cores were collected from individual trees and fungal DNA was amplified using ITS2 rRNA as a marker and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. In total, we detected 1156 fungal OTUs. Oaks had significantly higher richness of fungal OTUs than any of the other tree species and harboured unique communities. Further, oak hosted most species-specific Indicator species (39) and was the only species to host Red-Listed fungal species (five). The circumference (proxy for age) did not significantly affect neither OTU richness nor its overall composition. However, several individual Red List and Indicator species were found only in trees of the largest size class. There was a significant effect of bioclimatic section on species composition. Our results emphasize the important roles of oaks and to some extent large trees as repositories of fungal diversity, which should be considered in conservation planning. Keywords: Biodiversity · Metabarcoding · Ascomycota · Basidiomycota · Temperate broadleaf trees.
38973	Jansone D., Liepiņa A.A., Barone I., Elferts D., Lībiete Z. & Matisons R. (2025): The older, the richer? A comparative study of tree-related microhabitats and epiphytes on champion and planted mature oaks. - Diversity, 17(7): 484 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070484. The common oak (Quercus robur L.), though ecologically important and long-lived, has declined in Northern Europe due to historical land use and conifer-dominated forestry. In Latvia, where its distribution is limited, oaks support a rich biodiversity through features like tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) and diverse epiphytic communities. This study compared TreM and epiphyte diversity between planted mature oaks and relict champion oak trees across 16 forest stands. Epiphyte species were recorded using fixed-area frames on tree trunks, and TreMs were categorized following a hierarchical typology. Champion trees hosted significantly more TreMs and a greater variety, including 10 unique TreMs. While overall epiphyte diversity indices did not differ significantly, champion trees supported more specialist and woodland key habitat indicator species. The findings underscore the ecological value of legacy trees, which provide complex habitats essential for specialist taxa and indicators of forest continuity. Conserving such trees is vital for maintaining forest biodiversity and supporting ecosystem resilience in managed landscapes. Keywords: biodiversity; epiphytes; tree-related microhabitats; oak; champion tree.
38972	Ivanovich C., Weber L., Palice Z., Hollinger J., Otte V., Sohrabi M., Sheehy S. & Printzen C. (2025): Validation of new combinations in the lichen genus Lecanoropsis (Lecanoraceae). - Phytotaxa, 722(1): 92–94. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.722.1.10.
38971	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 31. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 6. - Archive for Lichenology, 72: 1–258. https://fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2072%20Schumm%202025%20Images%20of%20Lichens%20%20Vol%2031%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20part%206.pdf.
38970	Zhang T., Steckler M.R., Breen A.L., Hoffman F.M., Hargrove W.W., Salmon V.G., Iversen C.M., Wullschleger S.D. & Kumar J. (2025): Mapping wall-to-wall fractional cover of Arctic tundra plant functional types in Alaska using 20-m spatial resolution satellite imagery and harmonized plot observations. - International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 144: 104892 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104892. Estimates of fractional cover (fCover) across given land surfaces are used to assess, and often model, vegetation composition and diversity, which are crucial for understanding the health and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Remote sensing provides a useful means for scaling local, plot-measured fCover estimates to regional scales. Leveraging a recently synthesized and harmonized plot database, this study generated wall-to-wall maps of fCover for six Alaskan-Arctic plant functional types (PFT), including non-vascular plants, forbs, graminoids, and deciduous and evergreen shrubs, using 20-m satellite data (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ArcticDEM) using a machine learning regression approach, specifically the random forest (RF) algorithm, which is well-suited for handling nonlinear relationships and high-dimensional satellite datasets. This study additionally addressed the spatio-temporal inconsistencies e.g., sampling scale, plot size, and collection year in plot measured fCover by adopting a multivariate outlier detection approach—Cook’s distance—to identify high-quality plots for model training and validation. Our approach achieves high accuracy (R2 = 0.59–0.93, root mean squared errors = 0.02–0.10 for all PFTs) between plot-observed and satellite-derived fCover when using high-quality plot samples. The mapped fCover characterizes the spatial patterns of different PFTs across the tundra biome at a 20-m resolution, providing key information needed for improved representation of Arctic tundra vegetation in terrestrial biosphere models to better understand climate-vegetation feedback across the Arctic tundra. Keywords: Plant functional types; Fractional cover; Land surface model; Arctic tundra; Machine learning; SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).
38969	Cannon P., Prieto M., Coppins B., Sanderson N. & Simkin J. (2025): Lichinales [revision 1], including the genera Collemopsis, Forssellia, Lemmopsis, Lichina, Metamelanea, Paulia, Pyrenocarpon, Synalissa and Thelignya (Lichinaceae), Synalissina (Lichinellaceae), Allopyrenis, Peltula and Phylliscum (Phylliscaceae) and Ephebe, Lempholemma, Porocyphus, Pyrenopsis, Thermutis and Watsoniomyces (Porocyphaceae). - Revisions of British and Irish Lichens, 58: 1–29. https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/Lichinales%202_2.pdf.
38968	Danko H., Gärtner J., Kasper F., Heinken T., Dengler J. & Karrenberg S. (2026): Vegetation change in dry grasslands in Northeast Germany over two decades: A resurvey. - Biological Conservation, 313: 111494 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111494. Semi-natural dry grasslands in Central Europe harbor many rare and specialized species and face threats due to altered management practices and environmental change. However, more studies on vegetation change and management effects in dry grasslands are needed, especially with consideration of non-vascular taxa. Here we used a resurvey approach to analyze vegetation change in dry grasslands on loamy and sandy soils (Festuco-Brometea, Trifolio-Geranietea sanguinei and Koelerio-Corynephoretea canescentis) in Brandenburg, Northeastern Germany. We surveyed 157 plots (10 m2) at each of two time points, 1993–1997, and 20–25 years later, 2017–2018. We recorded a total of 362 vascular plants and 84 non-vascular taxa. Species richness per plot remained stable across surveys. We detected, on average, 32.2 and 21.9 species per plot in dry grasslands on loamy and sandy soils, respectively, including 3.25 and 4.8 non-vascular taxa and 7.6 and 2.2 endangered species according to the regional Red List. We found evidence for vegetation homogenization and a reduction in Shannon diversity and Shannon evenness in the recent survey, suggesting early signs of biodiversity decline. Analyses of mean ecological indicator values and plant traits, as well as of winner and loser species, revealed that changes in vegetation composition were accompanied by an increase in competitive, mesophytic species and a decline in disturbance-tolerant specialists. We further show that the highest diversity in dry grasslands on loamy soils was associated with intermediate levels of grazing. Our findings highlight the conservation significance of dry grasslands and suggest intermediate grazing pressure as a suitable management strategy. Keywords: Biodiversity; Semi-natural dry grasslands; Grazing; Homogenization; Resurvey.
38967	Smith E.C. & Griffiths H. (1996): The occurrence of the chloroplast pyrenoid is correlated with the activity of a CO2-concentrating mechanism and carbon isotope discrimination in lichens and bryophytes. - Planta, 198: 6–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00197580. The organic-matter carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) of lichens with a wide range of photobiont and/or cyanobiont associations was used to determine the presence or absence of a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Two groups were identified within the lichens with green algal photobionts. One group was characterised by low, more C4-like Δ values (Δ 18‰). Tri-partite lichens (lichens with a green alga as the primary photobiont and cyanobacteria within internal or external cephalodia) occurred in both groups. All lichens with cyanobacterial photobionts had low Δ values (Δ bouxia as the primary photobiont possessed an active CCM while those containing Coccomyxa did not. Organic Δ values for lichens with Stichococcus as the photobiont varied between 11 and 28‰. The lichen genera Endocarpon and Dermatocarpon (Stichococcus + pyrenoid) had C4-like organic Δ values (Δ = 11 to 16.5‰) whereas the genus Chaenotheca (Stichococcus — pyrenoid) was characterised by high C3-like Δ values (Δ = 22 to 28‰), unless it associated with Trebouxia (Δ = 16‰). Gas-exchange measurements demonstrated that Dermatocarpon had an affinity for CO2 comparable to those species which possessed the CCM, with K0.5 = 200–215 μ1 · 1−1, compensation point (Γ) = 45–48 μl · l−1, compared with K0.5 = 195 μ1 · 1−1, Γ = 44μ1 · 1−1 for Trebouxioid lichens. Furthermore, lichens with Stichococcus as their photobiont released a small pool (24.2 ± 1.9 to 34.2 ± 2.5 nmol · mg−1 Chl) of inorganic carbon similar to that released by Trebouxioid lichens [CCM present, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool size = 51.0 ± 2.8 nmol · mg−1 Chl]. Lichens with Trentepohlia as photobiont did not possess an active CCM, with high C3-like organic Δ values (Δ = 18‰ to 23‰). In particular, Roccella phycopsis had very high on-line Δ values (Δ = 30 to 33‰), a low affinity for CO2 (K0.5 = 400 μ1 · 1−1,Γ = 120 μ1 · −1) and a negligible DIC pool. These responses were comparable to those from lichens with Coccomyxa as the primary photobiont with Nostoc in cephalodia (organic Δ = 17 to 25‰, on-line Δ = 16 to 21‰, k0.5 = 388 μ1 · 1−1, Γ = 85 μ1 · 1−1, DIC pool size = 8.5 ± 2.4 nmol · mg−1 Chl). The relative importance of refixation of respiratory CO2 and variations in source isotope signature were considered to account for any variation between on-line and organic Δ. Organic Δ was also measured for species of Anthocerotae and Hepaticae which contain pyrenoids and/or Nostoc enclosed within the thallus. The results of this screening showed that the pyrenoid is correlated with low, more C4-like organic Δ values (Δ = 7 to 12‰ for members of the Anthocerotae with a pyrenoid compared with Δ = 17 to 28‰ for the Hepaticae with and without Nostoc in vesicles) and confirms that the pyrenoid plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the CCM in microalgal photobionts and some bryophytes. Key words: Anthocerotae - Cyanobacterium - Microalga - Photobiont - Photosynthesis.
38966	Frey D., Beenken L., Blaser S., Bürki T., Gentilini M., Keller C., Lucchini G., Medici E. & Mangili S. (2025): I funghi e i licheni delle Isole di Brissago (Svizzera). - Memorie della Società ticinese di scienze naturali e del Museo cantonale di storia naturale, 14: 195–206. . Fungi and lichens of the Brissago Islands (Switzerland). This contribution summarizes current knowledge of the mycological flora of the Brissago Islands, covering both fungi and lichens. For each group, scientific studies and observations are reviewed. For fungi, special focus is given to the macrofungi inventory conducted by the Locarno Mycological Society in the 1980s and 1990s. The collected data were reanalyzed, visualized, and summarized for the first time. Approximately 15% of the species assessed on the Red List are at risk of extinction. Land use, cultivation practices, vegetation composition, and cultivated species influence fungal communities, with significant impacts on ecological processes and interactions. Certain introduced fungi, brought in with ornamental plants, can severely damage the arboretum. For lichens, limited observations exist; a 2023 inventory will help address this gap. Preliminary findings indicate the Islands host the largest cantonal population of the highly endangered epiphytic lichen Collema subflaccidum (on Populus nigra subsp. nigra trunks), for which the Canton holds special conservation responsibility. In general, preserving the diversity of (micro-)habitats in the riparian zone, including wet and dry rock outcrops, native floodplain trees, dead wood, and driftwood, is essential for maintaining fungal biodiversity. Keywords: Ambrosiella, botanical garden, Collema subflaccidum, conservation, lichenised fungi, neomycetes, urban biodiversity.
38965	Zhang Y., Zhu H., Huang L., He X., Ge S., Lai J., Zhaba D., Li D. & Xia W. (2025): Distribution changes in lichen: a staple fallback food for Yunnan snub-nosed monkey and their implications for the species. - Biology, 14(10): 1369 [19 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14101369. Under the background of global climate change, lichens as a staple fallback food source for the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) exert a critical influence on the survival of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey populations through their distribution dynamics. This study focused on the contiguous habitats of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey in the southern Hengduan Mountains. By species distribution models (SDMs) and landscape pattern analysis, we investigated the changes in suitable habitats of lichens under four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios and their implications for the habitat utilization of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey until 2050. The results indicate that the current suitable habitat for lichen spans approximately 16,821.96 km2, with highly suitable habitats predominantly located in Deqin County and Weixi County. Altitude and vegetation type emerged as primary factors influencing lichen distribution. The overlap rate of suitable habitats between lichens and the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is 72.24%. Furthermore, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey exhibits a preference for selecting habitats characterized by the largest patch index (LPI) of lichen distribution. By 2050, the suitable habitat for lichen is projected to marginally increase in the southern Hengduan Mountains, particularly under the RCP 6.0 scenario, by 22.20% compared to the current expansion. However, both the suitable habitat and the LPI of lichen face potential decline within the habitat of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. Therefore, we recommend conducting a quantitative investigation into the correlation between the actual productivity of lichen radiata and the population dynamics of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey as a priority. This research will offer a more precise scientific foundation for conservation decision-making for Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. Keywords: Yunnan snub-nosed monkey; lichen; climate change; BIOMOD2; change in suitable distribution area.
38964	Стойков Д. [Stoykov D.] (2023): Лихенизирани гъби (Ascomycota) от резерват "Купена" [Lichenized fungi (Ascomycota) from Kupena Reserve]. - In: Георгиев Г., Георгиева М., и др. (Ред.), Сборник Научни трудове на 32 Международна Научна Конференция "Екология и управление на горските ресурси" [In: Georgiev G., Georgieva M. et al. (eds), Collection Scientific works 32 International Conference, p. 90–96, 29-30 юни, София. Изд. Авангард Прима [June 29-30, 2023. Sofia: Avangard Prima]. . Conference Paper [in Bulgarian with English summary :] The aim of this study is to present information on the di versi ty of lichenized fungi, established from Kupena Reserve. Field studies were conducted during the summer of 2014, following the method of linear transects. Processing of the collected specimens and applying of the spot test reactions with chemical reagents (C, K, KC, CK, Lugol's solution), and the tests of lichen thalli with UV light, were performed in laboratory. All ofthe photos were made with the aid of Canon PS digital cameras on binocular microscope Boeco BM-120 LM, and on Boeco B-3500 and Carl Zeiss binocular dissecting microscopes. As a result, 45 species are reported from Kupena Reserve. All of the species belong to Lecanoromycetes. Nearly half of them, 20 species (44%) are included in the Red List of lichenized fungi of Bulgaria. The lichen diversity from this protected area is presented mainly by lichens inhabiting rocks and soil, followed by species, registered on twigs and bark of trees or shrubs, and one species with leprose thallus found on moss. Future field studies, aimed at the establishment of endangered lichen species, and collecting of an additional information on the known diversity of the lichen mycota from this protected area, are needed. Key words: new data, old forests, Lecanoromycetes.
38963	Sabovljević M.S., Tomović G., Sabovljević A.D., Tamas G., Ștefănuţ M.-M., Janković S., Rajčević N., Kutnar L., Denchev T.T., Denchev C.M., Djordjević V., Krdžić S., Antaloudaki E., Kasom G., Stoykov D., Dimitrov D., Aleksić G.R., Alvarado P., Cimerman Ž.L. & Dolničar D. (2024): New records and noteworthy data of plants, algae and fungi in SE Europe and adjacent regions, 17. - Botanica Serbica, 48(1): 105–116. . This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: hemibiotrophic fungus Juglanconis juglandina, lichenised fungi Micarea lignaria var. lignaria, Pertusaria flavicans, and Placidiopsis custnani, parasitic fungi Entyloma gaillardianum and Stegocintractia luzulae, saprotrophic fungi Hericium coralloides, Hericium flagellum, and Rosellinia corticium, liverwort Sauteria alpina, mosses Acaulon triquetrum, Buxbaumia aphylla, and Dicranum viride, monocot Epipactis palustris and dicots Clinopodium vardarense, Helichrysum doerfleri and Opopanax chironium subsp. bulgaricum. Key words: new report, Acaulon triquetrum, Buxbaumia aphylla, Clinopodium vardarense, Dicranum viride, Entyloma gaillardianum, Epipactis palustris, Helichrysum doerfleri, Hericium coralloides, Hericium flagellum, Juglanconis juglandina, Micarea lignaria var. lignaria, Opopanax chironium subsp. bulgaricum, Pertusaria flavicans, Placidiopsis custnani, Rosellinia corticium, Sauteria alpina, Stegocintractia luzulae, SE Europe.
38962	Stoykov D.Y. (2020): Lichenized Fungi (Ascomycota) from the Tisata Reserve (Bulgaria). - Ecologia Balcanica, 12(2): 111–119. . Forty species of lichens are reported from the nature reserve area as a result of field and laboratory work in 2014. Thirteen species, Amandinea punctata, Caloplaca subpallida s.l., Cladonia coniocraea, C. fimbriata, Evernia prunastri, Lecanora carpinea, Lecidea confluens, Lecidella elaeochroma, Opegrapha atra, Parmelina quercina, Pertusaria albescens, Rinodina confragosa, and Sarcogyne privigna, are reported for the first time from the valley of Struma River. Opegrapha atra is less known in Bulgaria. Brief notes and information on their distribution, locations and substrata are included. Key words: biodiversity, lichen mycota, protected area, Tisata.
38961	Stoykov D.Y. (2025): Lichenized fungi (Ascomycota) from Dupkata Reserve (Rhodopi Mts, Bulgaria). - Journal of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 14(1): 65–69. DOI: 10.69085/jbb20251065. Results from the study on lichens in the Dupkata protected area, Rhodopi Mts are presented. Fifty-one species of lichen-forming fungi were reported for the first time from the Reserve. Among them, Arthopyrenia analepta s.l. and Lecanora argentata were new records from the Rhodopi Mts. Data on some rarely recorded and less common species in Bulgaria were briefly discussed. Keywords: Bulgaria, Dupkata, lichen diversity, protected area.
38960	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 30. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 5. - Archive for Lichenology, 71: 1–253. https://fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2071%20Schumm%202025%20Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2030%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20part%205.pdf.
38959	Moncada B. & Lücking R. (2025): A reassessment of the Pyrenula andina-mastophoroides complex (lichenized Ascomycota: Pyrenulaceae) focusing on the neotropics clarifies taxon concepts and reveals nine new or previously unrecognized species. - Willdenowia, 55: 325–355. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.55.16. In the course of a revision of the historical lichen collections of Alexander Lindig from Colombia, housed in the herbaria PC, BM, G, H, M and S, we came across various specimens fitting the broad concept of Pyrenula andina Aptroot and P. mastophoroides (Nyl.) Zahlbr., including the type material. In order to clarify taxon concepts in this complex, we proceeded to revise numerous collections reported as P. andina and P. mastophoroides from the neotropics (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia), plus one from the eastern palaeotropics (Papua New Guinea), which are almost all housed in the Herbarium Berolinense (B), with some duplicates in the ABL, COL and CR herbaria (including former INBio collections). Much to our surprise, the studied material revealed a total of 17 species, differing in the absence or presence of lichexanthone and in its location (on the thallus surface or in the medulla), the absence or presence of hamathecium inspersion and its extension (entire hamathecium or parts of it), ascospore type and size, and overall thallus and perithecial morphology. As a result, only the type collections of P. andina (from Costa Rica) and P. mastophoroides (from Colombia) represent these species in a strict sense. All other collections are either misidentifications or represent new species or taxa resurrected from synonymy. Misidentifications include P. adacta Fée, P. dermatodes (Borrer) Schaer., P. diamantinensis C. O. Mendonça, Aptroot & M. Cáceres (new for Costa Rica), P. flavoinspersa Aptroot & Sipman, P. gahavisukana Aptroot (new for Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador) and P. quassiicola Fée. Pyrenula mastophoroides var. flavicans (Nyl.) Zahlbr. is removed from synonymy of P. mastophoroides and reinstated as P. flavicans (Nyl.) B. Moncada & Lücking comb. & stat. nov. The following eight species are described as new: P. endoperidermica B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Costa Rica), P. ferruginea B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Costa Rica), P. flavascolea B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Ecuador), P. henrici B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Papua New Guinea), P. inversa B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Colombia), P. latens B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Costa Rica, Colombia), P. tica B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Costa Rica) and P. xanthomaculata B. Moncada & Lücking sp. nov. (Costa Rica, Colombia). Keywords: cryptic speciation, Flora of Bogotá, hidden diversity, lichenized Ascomycota, oil bodies, Pyrenula, Pyrenulaceae.
38958	Islary P., Nayaka S., Kumar V., Joseph S., Upreti D.K. & Daimari R. (2025): Phyllopsora pyxinoides, a new record of lichenized fungi toIndia and 29 others new to Assam. - Journal of Bamboo and Rattan, 24(1): 1–15. https://www.jbronline.org/archive/index.php/br/article/view/10/31. Present paper reports occurrence of 30 new records of lichen biota from Assam belonging to 23 generaand 16 families, from Ultapani Forest Range, Kokrajhar, Assam. Of these, Phyllopsora pyxinoides(Nyl.) Kistenich is identified as a new record to India. Crustoselichen is the most dominantform accounting 67% of the total species, followed by foliose and squamulose forms with 13% each andfruticose forms (7%). Frequent discovery of unreported species from the study area indicatesthe richness of lichen diversity in the region. Keywords: Assam, Kokrajhar, lichenized fungi, new records, Ultapani.
38957	Wong E.L.Y., Calchera A., Otte J. & Schmitt I. (2025): Temperature variability and other climatic attributes linked to genomic features in the lichen-forming fungal genus Umbilicaria. - BMC Biology, 23: 293 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02373-x. Background Many species of lichen-forming fungi exhibit large geographical ranges and broad thermal niches, making them excellent models for investigating the genomics of climate adaptation. In this study, we examined the impacts of climatic variables on genomic features in 11 Umbilicaria species. We compared PacBio genomes of individuals from the same species collected in different climate zones: alpine, cold temperate, or Mediterranean. Results Our findings revealed several links between climatic and genomic features: (1) Selection pressure: in each climate zone, specific genes are under strong selection. (2) Genomic feature correlations: certain temperature variables (BIO2: mean diurnal range, BIO4: seasonality, BIO6: minimum in coldest month, BIO7: annual range) are correlated with GC content and the usage of the amino acids arginine and valine, suggesting these variables may drive convergent evolution of these genomic features. (3) Temperature variability: bioclimatic variables representing temperature variability, e.g. BIO2,4,7 are more influential in shaping genomic features than temperature means or extrema, with BIO6 also playing a significant role. (4) Epigenetic modifications: the rate of 5-methylcytosine (5mc) methylation within species is generally higher in samples from the colder habitat, suggesting that epigenetic modifications may contribute to climate adaptation. Conclusions Overall, our study shows that genome evolution is partially shaped by climate and, particularly, temperature variability. This aligns with numerous ecological and climate modelling studies, which show that climate variability has a stronger impact on species behaviour and evolution than climate means and extrema. Further genomics studies are required to provide additional evidence on this topic. Keywords: Adaptation, Comparative genomics, Freezing, Phylogenomics, Methylation rate, Symbiosis.
38956	Chen L., Li X., Li L., Wang G., Chen S., Wang M., Zhang X., Wang Z., Zhao Z., Xin Q., Chen Z., Zhao Y., Jiang B., Wang B. & Zhao M. (2025): Metagenomic insights into the symbiotic relationships and functional roles of bark microbiomes in tea trees. - Plant Stress, 18: 101007 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2025.101007. Bark represents a fickle microbial habitat that is significantly influenced by environmental factors, tissue age, and etc. The permanent surface of Camellia sinensis bark exhibits the mosaic plaques resulting from the presence of epiphytic microorganisms, particularly on ancient trees. Investigation of microbiome focus on harvested parts of tea tree, but there remains a lack of understanding the associated bark microbial communities. This is significant, as the bark serves as a crucial link between the above-ground harvested components and the subterranean parts of the plant. Here, we utilized amplicon sequencing, microbial isolation and phenotype observation to examine the bark microbiomes of tea trees located on sunny and shady slopes in one grove. Additionally, we conducted metagenomic sequencing, assembly, and binning to explore the potential functions of microorganisms. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in microbial taxa between epiphytic plaques of individual trees and in slope-associated community structures between the two trees. Co-occurrence networks, characterized by hub nodes of lichenicolous microorganisms, demonstrated positive symbiotic relationships among pathogenic and beneficial microbes. Moreover, the abundance of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid production in the metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Acetobacteraceae suggests a potential role in carbon and nitrogen cycles. The genes involved in substance and signal exchange further support the stable symbiont. This study will serve as a valuable resource for guiding future research on utilizing bark microbial resources and genes of primary productivity for agronomical purposes. Keywords: Camellia sinensis; Caulosphere; Metagenome-assembled genomes; Amplicon sequencing; Acetobacteraceae.
38955	Hagge P., King-Doonan E., Lutzoni F., Miadlikowska J., Aguero B., Whitby H., Umbanhowar C., Colesie C., Arnold A.E., Yitong E. & Cassar N. (2025): Nitrogen fixation in Arctic lichens and mosses: A survey across circumpolar subzones. - Science of The Total Environment, 999: 180264 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180264. Nitrogen bioavailability frequently constrains primary production in the Arctic with tundra communities vulnerable to ecological and metabolic disruption from climate variability. Diazotrophs associated with lichens and mosses are the primary source of new nitrogen (N) in the Arctic. We made 526 laboratory measurements of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in 272 lichens and 254 bryophytes representing 23 and 39 genera, respectively. These samples were collected from 49 tundra sites across the Arctic. We found 65 % of lichen and 44 % of bryophyte genera analyzed fixed N. We also identified potentially new cryptogam-diazotroph relationships in the lichen genera Asahinea, Nephromopsis and Thamnolia and the bryophyte genera Dicranoweisia and Amphidium. We found that while over 95 % of individual bryophyte samples fixed N within three months of storage, this dropped to less than 15 % after one year at room temperature. Individual lichen samples maintained a stable ~45 % fixation rate over nearly two years of frozen storage. Our experiments highlight the complexity in establishing robust BNF measurements required for model simulations. Keywords: Nitrogen fixation; Arctic; Lichens; Bryophytes; Diazotrophs; Subzones.
38954	Roos R.E., van Zuijlen K., Birkemoe T., Bokhorst S. & Asplund J. (2025): Mat-forming lichens support contrasting micro-arthropod density. - Fungal Ecology, 78: 101461 [7 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101461. Mat-forming lichens are important components of tundra and alpine vegetation, and affect soil microclimatic conditions, which in turn may influence micro-arthropod communities. Here, we compare the density of Collembola and Oribatida within lichen mats and their abundance in the underlying soil across four different mat-forming lichens at Finse, southern Norway. The lichen mats consisted of Alectoria ochroleuca, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia rangiferina/stygia, or Flavocetraria nivalis. We hypothesized that lichens with high water holding capacity (WHC) create a cool and stable microclimate with few freeze-thaw cycles which sustains a high micro-arthropod density in lichen and abundance in soil. We further test how lichen monocultures affect soil element availability. The abundance of micro-arthropods differed among lichen species. Cladonia rangiferina/stygia supported the highest Collembola density, and lichens with high WHC supported higher densities, and relatively more Collembola in the lichen than the soil underneath. Oribatida were less responsive than Collembola but increased in lichen mats relative to soil with increasing WHC. Lichen mat density, soil temperature and freeze-thaw cycles did not correlate to micro-arthropod abundance. Element availability was higher in bare soil compared to soil covered with lichens driven by differences in temperature and freeze-thaw cycles, which possibly affect microbial activity. Lichen cover in boreal and tundra ecosystems is expected to decrease due to environmental change, which may significantly impact micro-arthropod communities in lichen-dominated vegetation. Keywords: Collembola; Finse; Oribatida; Lichen transplants; Microclimate; Soil arthropod communities.
38953	Persoon C.H. (1794): Nähere Bestimmung und Beschreibungen einiger sich nahe verwandter Pflanzen. - Neue Annalen der Botanik (Usteri), 5: 1–32. . Descriptions of lichens at p. 13–20: Lichen grandis Pers. sp. nov. [= ?Ricasolia amplissima]; Lichen aurantius Pers. sp. nov. [= Variospora aurantia]; Lichen oblitteratus Pers. sp. nov. [= Calogaya oblitterata]; Lichen caerulescens Pers. sp. nov. [= Tephromela grumosa]; Lichen cyanescens Pers. sp. nov. [= Leptogium cyanescens]; Lichen tumidulus Pers. sp. nov. [nom. illeg.]; Lichen albellus Pers. sp. nov. [= Lecanora albella]; Lichen pruinatus Pers. sp. nov. [nom. illeg.]; Patellaria pruinata Pers. sp. nov. [= Pachnolechia pruinata]; Verrucaria grisea Pers. sp. nov. [nom. illeg.]; Verrucaria punctiformis [= Naetrocymbe punctiformis]; Opegrapha cerasi sp. nov. [= Graphis scripta]; Opegrapha rupestris Pers. sp. nov.
38952	Deoli S., Prakash O., Kumar R., Mishra G.K. & Kumar V. (2025): A comprehensive review on lichen-derived bioactive compounds: Integrating synthesis, applications, and nanotechnology. - ChemistrySelect, 10(37): e04515 [25 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202504515. Lichens, symbiotic holobionts composed of fungi and photosynthetic partners, are a prolific yet underexploited source of unique secondary metabolites. This review synthesizes current research on lichen-derived compounds, including contributions from mycobionts, photobionts, cyano-bionts, and endo-lichenic fungi (ELF), emphasizing their significant capability across pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetic, and nanotechnological domains. We bring attention to evolving facets of lichen biology, such as the metabolic roles of cyano-bionts, the increasingly recognized role of ELF, the synergistic bioactivity of crude extracts, and the largely unexplored pesticide potential of specific compounds. Notably, lichen metabolites function as effective bio-reductants and stabilizers in the green synthesis of nanostructures including silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and hybrid graphene-based materials. These nanomaterials exhibit multifunctionality ranging from pharmaceutical relevance to photocatalytic pollutant degradation and environmental sensing, supporting sustainable technological applications. Furthermore, we critically assess advancements in culturing strategies such as axenic culture, ELF propagation, and tissue culture that enable metabolite production without depleting natural lichen populations, directly addressing biomass and conservation challenges. This review offers a forward-looking perspective that integrates classical lichenology with emerging tools in nanoscience, green chemistry, and biotechnology, establishing lichens as a powerful platform for next-generation innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental restoration.
38951	Sankar K., Selvi M.C., Kumar R.S., Karuppiah P., Periyasami G., Karthikeyan P. & Tamil Selvan E.B. (2025): Effectiveness of image-based classifiers for on-site identification of lichens in reserved forest. - Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 239: 110994 [22 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2025.110994. The collection and identification of lichen samples within the reserved forest pose significant challenges, leading researchers to seek alternative methodologies. Manual identification of lichens requires microscopic and chemical analysis, which is time-consuming and requires domain expert knowledge. Deep learning models can automatically learn complex lichen features from images, thereby avoiding manual feature extraction. In this context, an in-depth study was conducted using two approaches to evaluate the efficacy of several network models for the identification of lichens in digital images. In the initial method, a total of 119 lichen images, comprising 15 images from experimental work and additional images from open sources, were employed for the traditional classification approach utilizing MATLAB. In which, 90 different features were extracted from various color models such as RGB, YCbCr, HSV, CMYK, LAB, YIQ and subjected for classification in ANN model, which resulted 76.6 % accuracy for the class of lichen family. With the limited original images, the transfer learning enables effective model training and makes the process faster and scalable. In this approach, each species of lichen images was augmented using generative augmentation tool and subjected for multiclass deep learning network models, precisely transfer learning model. In total, 10,410 images comprising 5 thallus type, 8 order and 77 distinct lichen species were used to train three different network models (VGG16, VGG19, Res.Net50). It was found that Res.Net50 model exhibited highest sensitivity (>0.99) and precision. The class lichen thallus type achieved a maximum accuracy of 86.6 %, while the order exhibited 80 %. Overall, the lichen species under the order of Laccanorals with fruticose thallus type showed highest classification accuracy in all the three models attempted in this study. The study concluded that utilizing transfer learning with a multilayer perceptron model proved to be more effective and accurate for the lichen dataset, especially when dealing with greater complexity in picture information. The obtained results were comparable to those of other recent deep learning approaches. Keywords: Lichens; Classification; Color models; Principal component analysis; Feed forward neural network; VGG16; VGG19; Res.Net50.
38950	Dahlberg A., Pioli S., Jönsson M., Barbi F., Thor G. & Tuovinen Nogerius V. (2025): Detailed analysis of fungal communities in Norway spruce logs reveals stochastic fine-scale patterns of species and detects lichen forming fungi without their photobionts. - Fungal Ecology, 78: 101458 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101458. Fungal ecologists have long been intrigued by the mechanisms behind the high fungal species richness in dead wood at small and large spatial scales. We identified processes resulting in fine-scale fungal community patterns with a network analysis based on a detailed metabarcode mapping of fungi in and on the surfaces of eight naturally fallen Norway spruce logs in northern Sweden. Our results show that (1) dominant species and communities of fungi vary significantly among the logs, (2) wood inside and on log surfaces has distinct and diverse fungal compositions and (3) consistent co-occurrences of fungi in wood are rare. These patterns suggest priority effects favouring primary colonizing species are important for determining which becomes the dominant species, and that colonization of the rest of the community and fungal co-occurrences are largely shaped by stochastic processes. Furthermore, lichen-forming fungi were detected without their photobionts in wood, indicating possible free-living stages. Keywords: Community composition; Co-occurrence; Interspecies interactions; Lichen-forming fungi; Metabarcoding; Wood-decay fungi.
38949	Bişgin D., Halıcı M.G. & Yiğit M. (2025): DNA barcoding of some lichenized fungi from Dismal Island. - Biological Diversity and Conservation, 18(3): 372–388. https://doi.org/10.46309/biodicon.2025.1630503. Lichenized fungi are the most dominant macro organisms in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. Studies on lichens in Antarctica have a history of approximately two centuries. Especially with the recent use of DNA-based techniques in taxonomy studies, lichen biodiversity studies in Antarctica has accelerated. Dismal Island is the largest of the Faure Islands, 1.9 kilometers long and 60 meters high, mostly covered with ice in Marguerite Bay on the west coast of Graham Land. In the literature, there is no study directly addressing or examining lichen biodiversity on Dismal Island. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine anatomically-morphologically and to perform DNA barcoding of some lichenized fungi species from Dismal Island. Lichen samples collected from Dismal Island during the 6th Turkish National Antarctic Scientific Expedition by the second author. The collected samples were identified by anatomical and morphological examinations and DNA barcoding was performed with ITS gene region primers. As a result of the study, DNA barcoding of 11 species was performed. This species are Austroplaca hookerii (C.W. Dodge) Søchting, Frödén &Arup, Buellia russa (Hue) Darb., Candelariella flava (C.W. Dodge & Baker) Castello & Nimis, Mastodia tessellata (Hook & Harv.) Hook & Harv., Polycauliona candelaria (L.) Frödén, Arup & Søchting, Rhizoplaca aspidophora (Vain.) Follmann, Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.) DC., Tephromela atra (Huds.) Hafellner ex Kalb., Tetramelas anisomerus (Vain.) Elix., Umbilicaria antarctica Frey & I.M. Lamb., Usnea antarctica Du Rietz. Keywords: Lichenized fungi , biodiversity , Antarctica , Dismal Island , DNA barcoding.
38948	Kubiak D. & Sucharzewska E. (2025): Nieustający czar „skali porostowej” [The enduring charm of the “lichen scale”]. - Wiadomości Botaniczne, 69: 202952 [7 p.]. https://doi.org/10.5586/wb/202952. The paper discusses the history of the Hawksworth-Rose lichen scale (1970), which played a very important role in the development of bioindication studies and monitoring of atmospheric pollution in Europe. This scale was created to assess air pollution with sulfur dioxide in the period when its concentrations reached unprecedented values today. Due to the significant improvement in air quality and a clear decrease in SO2 concentrations in recent years (below the lower threshold of lichen sensitivity adopted in the scale, i.e. 30 µg/m3), further use of this tool (in accordance with the assumptions adopted by its authors) is not justified. The paper draws attention to the existence of other procedures for assessing the quality of atmospheric air (or more broadly – the environment), based on lichen diversity indicators (e.g. Lichen Diversity Value – LDV). Even though these tools do not allow for the identification of specific threats (both qualitatively and quantitatively), they seem to be as attractive and valuable as the lichen scale, and most importantly – they respond to the most current environmental problems. Keywords: lichens; bioindication; sulphur dioxide; species diversity; new approach methodology.
38947	Szymczyk R., Poławska M., Kukwa M., Kowalewska A., Darmostuk V., Sira O., Hachułka M., Rutkowski K., Maciejewska J., Davies T., Kossowska M., Klimczewska A., Fałtynowicz W., Kościelniak R., Betleja L., Kubiak D. & Smoczyk M. (2025): Materiały do rozmieszczenia porostów i grzybów naporostowych Polski, 5 [Materials for the distribution of lichens and lichenicolous fungi in Poland, 5]. - Wiadomości Botaniczne, 69: 204055 [22 p.]. https://doi.org/10.5586/wb/204055. The paper presents new localities of 38 species of lichens and 7 species of lichenicolous fungi (marked by an asterisk), endangered in the country or considered regionally rare. Several of the recorded taxa (Acrocordia cavata, Catinaria neuschildii, Gyalidea minuta, Knufia peltigerae, Paranectria oropensis, Stigmidium rivulorum and Trichonectria anisospore) were previously known from single localities in Poland. The name of each taxon is followed by data on its diagnostic features and distribution in Poland. Provided lists of localities contain geo- graphic coordinates and ATPOL grid squares, modified by S. Cieśliński and W. Fałtynowicz for the purposes of the Atlas of the Geographical Distribution of Lichens in Poland (published by W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, 1993). Keywords: lichenized fungi; lichenicolous fungi; biodiversity; rare species; distribution in Poland.
38946	Zibold M., Weckesser M. & Scholler M. (2025): Epiphytic lichens in old castle parks in Southwest Germany: A case study. - Urban Ecosystems, 28: 203 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-025-01812-5. Old cultural landscapes, such as old parks and gardens, can be expected to be rich lichen habitats, as they offer otherwise rare microstructures and a high habitat continuity. Yet, old parks are not well studied with regard to their lichen flora. In this study, we investigated three old castle parks in southwest Germany and recorded the epiphytic (bark-inhabiting) lichen flora on 205 native and non-native trees, belonging to 63 tree species. We surveyed lichens on tree stems and assessed tree diameter, bark furrow depth, bark type, and bark pH. We investigated species diversity patterns using a rarefaction/extrapolation approach and community composition using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Then, we analysed patterns in species richness and community composition using generalized linear mixed effect models (GLMMs) and a permutation-based, multivariate ANOVA. Species richness was mainly affected by tree species identity and tree functional group, with highest species numbers recorded for Tilia spp., and deciduous trees hosting significantly more species than evergreen trees. Community composition was mainly affected by tree species identity and marginally by bark pH and bark furrow depth. Most lichen species were generally common epiphytes, with many species being indicative for eutrophication or high temperatures. In contrast to our expectation, rare or red-listed species were only rarely encountered. In summary, our results show that the epiphytic lichen communities in old parks are shaped by internal factors (i.e. tree species identity, tree microhabitats) and external factors (i.e. eutrophication, macroclimate). Based on our study results, we recommend maintaining a high (deciduous) tree species diversity, as different tree species hosted different lichen communities. Keywords: Urban mycology · Century-old cultural landscapes · Habitat continuity · Indicator species · Non-native trees · Natural collections.
38945	Pathak A., Mishra R.K., Shukla S.K., Kumar R., Pandey A., Pandey M. & Dikshit A. (2016): Flavoparmelia caperata, a host for Beauveria sp. in subalpine forest of Chakrata district, Uttarakhand, India, and natural selection in B. bassiana. - Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, 18(4): 983-990. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317212538. Lichen thallus, composed of photobiont, mycobiont and often other fungi and bacteria, can be considered as mini-ecosystem comprising several organisms. The present study was focused on the isolation and identification of the fungusassociated with the corticolous lichen Flavoparmelia caperata collected from subalpine forest of Cedar (Cedrusdeodara (Roxb.) G. Don) in Chakrata district, Uttarakhand, India; comparison of secondary metabolites produced from the isolated fungus and the lichen thallus via Thin Layer Chromatography; and examining the host range or habitats of isolated fungus via studying the effect of natural selection on molecular polymorphism (Tajima's neutral theory of melocular evolution) in isolated fungus population. The fungus was isolated through whole tissue culture method on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and identified morphologically and molecularly. Results suggested that Beauveriaaff.bassiana, a soil borneentomopathogenic fungus, was associated with the lichen thallus and also produces certain compounds. The secondary metabolites produced in the lichen thallus wasa combinedproduct of lichenized fungus andthe isolated fungus. F. caperataacts as a host for B. aff.bassiana and the later associated with the thallus of former one produces secondary metabolites which might help in the antiherbivory and survival of lichen in forests. Due to the effect of natural selection, molecular polymorphism (Tajima's D value= -0.386) exhibited by the B. bassiana population across the globe explains the wide host range or habitats.
38944	Savković Ž., Unković N., Stupar M., Franković M., Jovanović M., Erić S., Šarić K., Stanković S., Dimkić I., Vukojević J. & Ljaljević Grbić M. (2016): Diversity and biodeteriorative potential of fungal dwellers on ancient stone stela. - International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 115: 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.08.027. Biodeterioration caused by fungal colonizers on an ancient stone stela, excavated from the former Roman settlement (Eastern Serbia) was investigated. According to selected biodeterioration elements, average deterioration index was assessed (0.8), prompting the need for conservation. Fungal somatic and reproductive structures, along with lichen thalli and moss fragments, were detected on the surface using different microscopy and cultivation methods. In situ microscopy on the site was implemented, for the first time, in the study of stone monuments. Biodeteriorative potential of 5 selected isolates was tested using qualitative biochemical tests, SEM-EDS and XRPD analyses. Fusarium proliferatum and Penicillium crustosum altered the pH value in broth minimal medium. Pigment production was demonstrated for F. proliferatum, while P. crustosum showed potential for calcite dissolution. All isolates induced biomineralization on solid medium with calcium acetate, where weddellite, calcite and subordinate whewellite crystals were confirmed via SEM-EDS and XRPD. Weddellite and calcite production was documented for P. crustosum in solid medium with calcium carbonate. Conservation treatment was carried out with benzalkonium chloride-based biocide, in addition to mechanical treatment. After conservation, in situ microscopy showed deteriorated stone surface covered with residual lichen thalli fragments, while mycelium and reproductive structures of micromycetes were not detected. In situ microscopy, Micromycetes, Mycogenic minerals, SEM-EDS, Stone deterioration, XRPD
38943	Schmitz D., Putzke J., de Albuquerque M.P., Schünemann A.L., Vieira F.C.B., Victoria F.D.C. & Pereira A.B. (2018): Description of plant communities on Half Moon Island, Antarctica. - Polar Research, 37(1): 1523663. https://doi.org/10.1080/17518369.2018.1523663. During February–March of the austral summers of 2013/14 and 2014/2015, fieldwork was performed on Half Moon Island, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica, to evaluate the distribution and abundance of mosses and lichens, as well as to describe and map the plant communities there. The quadrat (20 × 20 cm) sampling method was employed in a phytosociological study that aimed to describe these communities. The area was mapped using an Astech Promark II® DGPS, yielding sub-metric precision after post-processing with software. The number of species totalled 38 bryophytes, 59 lichens, only one flowering plant (Deschampsia antarctica Desv.), and two macroscopic terrestrial algae. Five types of plant communities were identified on the island, as follows: (1) fruticose lichen and moss cushion, (2) moss carpet, (3) muscicolous lichen, (4) crustose lichen and (5) moss turf.
38942	Adhikari R., Pal N., Nayaka S. & Prakash P. (2025): New species and nomenclatural updates in Graphidaceae from Western Himalaya, India. - Bryologist, 128(3): 551–555. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.3.551. Three new species of Graphidaceae, Allographa binsarensis, Graphis albothallina, and G. moriensis, are described as new to science from the Western Himalayan part of India. Allographa binsarensis differs from the closely related A. semirigida in having short, mostly unbranched lirellae with lateral thalline margins; G. albothallina differs from G. appendiculata in having much prominent lirellae with distinctly striate labia and white lineages along the striae; while G. moriensis differs from G. astrolirellata in having transversely septate ascospores. Graphis makhijae is proposed as a replacement name for G. fulvescens. Keywords: Allographa, Asia, Graphidales, Graphis, Hemithecium, Uttarakhand.
38941	Raynor S.J., Watts J.L. & Manzitto-Tripp E.A. (2025): Polycauliona pancakeana, a new species to science from the Southern Rocky Mountains. - Bryologist, 128(3): 556–566. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.3.556. Polycauliona pancakeana is here described as new to science from four specimens collected in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, U.S.A.) during the 2023 summer field season. It is distinct from other entities morphologically by its continuous, granular thallus composed entirely of fine, pale orange-yellow to yellow-green corticate granules on shaded, deeply sheltered granitic rock, its rare, inconspicuous apothecia, narrow spores with a reduced septum, and the presence of chlorinated anthraquinones in the epihymenium. We additionally used molecular data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS region to place the new species in a phylogenetic context. Two accessions of P. pancakeana formed a reciprocally monophyletic and strongly supported clade that is most closely related to other species of Polycauliona including P. phlogina and P. flavogranulosa. The unique morphology in combination with genetic support resulted in our treatment of entity as a new species to science. Keywords: Teloschistaceae, new taxon, Caloplaca, phylogeny, species description.
38940	Moriyama T., Endo C., Isagi Y., Tanaka C., Ohkuma M. & Hashimoto A. (2025): Trizodia silvestris sp. nov., a novel species of cyanolichen from Japan. - Symbiosis, 96: 53–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-025-01059-w. Unidentified lichenized fungi symbiotic with cyanobacteria collected in Japan were found to exhibit characteristics similar to those of Trizodia acrobia, a fungus that grows on Sphagnum and loosely associates with cyanobacterial colonies. The differences between our samples and T. acrobia were its smaller asci and ascospores and its mode of association with cyanobacteria, wherein our samples formed globose thalli within which hyphal haustoria intruded into cyanobacterial cells, whereas the hyphae of T. acrobia only loosely associate with cyanobacterial cells without forming any structure. Moreover, thalli and ascomata of the collected specimens were found on the moist surface of peeled logs and bryophytes, whereas T. acrobia grows exclusively on Sphagnum. Based on our phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer and large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA regions and mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA region of the mycobiont, the collected specimens were grouped with T. acrobia and an unidentified species of Trizodia. On the basis of these results, we describe T. silvestris to accommodate the collected specimens. The cyanobacteria associated with T. acrobia have been reported to be Nostoc without any molecular approach, whereas the cyanobiont of the collected specimens were found to belong to Nostoc sensu stricto in the analysis based on 16 S rRNA gene. Because the genus Trizodia was not grouped with any other fungal genus symbiotic with Nostoc, the symbiosis with Nostoc might have evolved independently within the genus Trizodia from a loose association to the interaction with a differentiated structure that could be regarded as lichen thalli. Keywords: Ascomycota · Bryophilous fungi · Cyanotrophy · Evolution of lichenization · Lichinomycetes.
38939	de Medeiros B.A.S., Cai L., Flynn P.J., Yan Y., Duan X., Marinho L.C., Anderson C. & Davis C.C. (2025): A composite universal DNA signature for the tree of life. - Nature Ecology and Evolution, 9: 1426–1440. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02752-1. Species identification using DNA barcodes has revolutionized biodiversity sciences. However, conventional barcoding methods may lack power and universal applicability across the tree of life. Alternative methods based on whole genome sequencing are hard to scale due to large data requirements. Here we develop a novel DNA-based identification method, varKoding, using exceptionally low-coverage genome skim data to create two-dimensional images representing the genomic signature of a species. Using these representations, we train neural networks for taxonomic identification. Applying a taxonomically verified novel genomic dataset of Malpighiales plant accessions, we optimize training hyperparameters and find the highest performance by combining a transformer architecture with a new modified chaos game representation. Greater than 91% precision is achieved despite minimal input data, exceeding alternative methods tested. We illustrate the broad utility of varKoding across several focal clades of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. We also train a model capable of identifying all species in the Sequence Read Archive of the National Center for Biotechnology Information using less than 10 Mbp sequencing data with 96% precision and 95% recall and robust to sequencing platforms. The varKoding approach offers enhanced computational efficiency and scalability, minimal data inputs robust to sequencing details and modularity for further development in biodiversity science.
38938	Xiong Q., Zheng L., Zhang Q., Li T., Zheng L. & Song L. (2025): Comparative genomic insights into ecological adaptations and evolutionary dynamics of Trebouxiophyceae algae. - BMC Genomics, 26: 764 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-025-11933-y. Background The Trebouxiophyceae is a diverse and species-rich class within the Chlorophyta, exhibiting a wide array of lineages and remarkable variations in morphology and ecology. This group encompasses various lifestyles, including photobionts in symbiotic relationships, free-living forms, and parasitic heterotrophs lacking photosynthetic capacity. Trebouxiophycean algae have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their fundamental biological significance and their promising applications in biotechnology. This study presents a comprehensive genomic analysis of six newly sequenced strains of Trebouxiophyceae, expanding upon a foundation of 25 previously reported high-quality genomes to conduct comparative genomics and evolutionary assessments. Results Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 18 S rDNA and single-copy orthologues confirmed the accurate identification of species. The analyzed strains exhibited variable genome sizes ranging from 2.37 Mb to 106.45 Mb, with GC content varying between 46.19% and 67.20%, and repeat content ranging from 1.67 to 19.73%. Gene family expansion and contraction analyses revealed that the subaerial species Apatococcus exhibited the most extensive expansions, while Picochlorum, along with the ancestors of the parasitic genera (Auxenochlorella, Helicosporidium, and Prototheca) experienced pronounced contractions. Evolutionary analyses using the branch model and branch-site model in PAML indicated that genera with the most marked gene family expansion and contraction also contained orthogroups undergoing positive selection and rapid evolution. Comparative assessments of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), nitrogen transport and assimilation proteins, hexose-proton symporter-like genes (HUP1, HUP2, and HUP3), and C4-related enzymes across 31 Trebouxiophyceae genomes revealed further patterns of adaptation. Coccomyxa was the only genus containing all the ten types of BGCs, while most other genera exhibited relatively fewer BGCs. The nitrate transporter and the urea active transporter were both absent in the three parasitic genera, and urease, the urease accessory proteins and arginase were nearly universally missing in all the species. All the species possessed the HUP1, HUP2, and HUP3 genes, except that HUP2 was absent in Prototheca and Picochlorum, and the relative abundances of the three genes varied among genera. The NAD-ME, and PCK subtypes of C4-related genes were widely distributed in all the samples, while the malate dehydrogenase (NADP+) was identified only in the four freshwater strains belonging to Chlorella and Coccomyxa. Conclusions Expanded gene families, along with the rapid evolution and positive selection genes, likely played important roles in environmental adaption across terrestrial and marine habitat. Conversely, genome streamlining due to widespread gene families likely contributed to the parasitic heterotrophic lifestyles. Additionally, the distribution of BGCs, nitrogen transport proteins and HUP-like genes, and the types of C4-related enzymes perhaps highlighted the potential of Trebouxiophyceae to adapt to complex and varied environmental conditions. Keywords: Trebouxiophyceae, Comprehensive genomic analysis, Phylogeney, Gene family expansion and contraction, Evolutionary analyses, Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), Nitrogen transport and assimilation proteins, Hexose-proton symporter-like genes.
38937	Chen G.-H., Xiong L.-S., Yang R., Zuo S.-Y., Yuan Q., Wang L.-S., Jiang C.-L., Wang X.-Y. & Jiang Y. (2025): Deinococcus lichenicola sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from a lichen sample. - Current Microbiology, 8: 478 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-025-04453-1. A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated as YIM 134068T, was isolated from a lichen. Strain YIM 134068T was non-motile, non-spore forming, coccus shaped, oxidase, and catalase positive. Cells could grow at 10–40 °C (optimum 28 °C) and pH 7.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0), and they could proliferate in the salinity range of 0–3.0% (w/v) NaCl. Strain YIM 134068T possessed MK-8 as the major respiratory quinone, and its predominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), C16:0N alcohol, and C16:0. Polar lipids comprised of phosphatidyl ethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, and seven unindentified phosphoglycolipids. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain YIM 134068T shared the highest sequence similarities with Deinococcus aetherius ST0316T (93.2%) and Deinococcus aestuarii SYSU M49105T (92.1%). The DNA G + C content of YIM 134068T was 69.1% and the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain YIM 134068T and the reference strains were 82.6–83.0% and 26.3–26.7%, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses, strain YIM 134068T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus lichenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 134068T = CGMCC 1.61729T = MCCC 1K08693T = NBRC 117087 T.
38936	España‑Puccini P., Muñoz‑Acevedo A., Llanos‑López N.A., Stadler M., Ganoza‑Yupanqui M.L. & Martínez‑Habibe M.C. (2025): Chemical diversity of three lichens of genus Graphis (Graphidaceae) of the tropical dry forest from the northern region of Colombia. - Mycological Progress, 24: 68 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-025-02080-5. Lichens are specialized complex ecosystems formed by algae/fungi living in interspecific symbiosis, which produce secondary metabolites that function as a defense against pathogens/competitors and/or external abiotic factors acting as antibiotics, antifeedants, UV protectants, etc., but also as a tool for taxonomy of lichen-forming fungi. However, the lichen substance content of crustose lichens of the genus Graphis from Colombian tropical dry forests has been poorly explored. In this work, the chemical composition of total extracts from three lichens belonging to the genus Graphis collected in the tropical dry forests of northern Colombia was determined by TLC/HPLC–DAD/MS (ESI); and from one of them, two depsidones were isolated/structurally characterized (LC-HRMS, 1H-13C (DEPT135, HSQC)-NMR). Consequently, the main findings were as follows: (i) stictic (1)/constictic (2), norstictic (5), and protocetraric (13) acids were the representative depsidones for G. dendrogramma (Tubará), G. dendrogramma (Piojó), and G. supracola, respectively; and (ii) the isolated depsidones from G. dendrogramma (Tubará) were stictic (−)-(1) and constictic (+)-(2) acids. These results provided key insights into the chemical diversity and taxonomic biomarkers of these species, and therefore, it could be concluded that (i) there was chemical variability between G. dendrogramma collected in different places, although all contained stictic acid–derived depsidones; (ii) for the first time, extrolites other than protocetraric acid (13) were identified for G. supracola, as well as norstictic acid (5) as major lichen substance for G. dendrogramma; (iii) the main chemical biomarker [stictic acid (1)] reported in the scientific literature for one of G. dendrogramma sample (Tubará) was confirmed (by LC–MS and NMR analysis); and (iv) for the first time, the specific optical rotation related to the chirality of the two isolated depsidones was determined [(−)-(1), (+)-(2)]. Keywords: Graphis dendrogramma · Graphis supracola · Stictic acid–derived depsidones · Corticolous lichens · Tropical dry forest.
38935	Haughian S.R., Medeiros H.R., Tenwolde K. & Harper K.A. (2025): Effects of gastropod exclusion and phosphate fertilization on Lobaria pulmonaria growth. - Bryologist, 128(4): 746–754. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.4.746. Epiphytic lichens face increasing threats in per-humid temperate and boreal forests where many species are declining. A significant threat to some lichens, particularly those with a cyanobacterial symbiont, is overgrazing by invasive gastropods. This study tests two possible applied conservation measures that could reduce overgrazing from invasive gastropods or promote faster lichen recovery: (1) fertilization with potassium phosphate solution, and (2) slug exclusion via wrapping copper foil around tree bases. Our study took place in a lowland mixedwood forest in Nova Scotia, Canada. Over two years, we measured thallus size, lobe elongation, and grazing damage on two replicate thalli of Lobaria pulmonaria across each of 40 trees. Results indicated that gastropod exclusion significantly enhanced thallus size and lobe elongation, but phosphorus fertilization produced only modest effects. These findings suggest that the exclusion of terrestrial slugs via physical barriers could mitigate grazing pressure, potentially supporting the recovery of endangered cyanolichens. We also recommend further testing of potassium phosphate fertilization as a recovery support measure, particularly in ecosystems that are more likely to be phosphorus limited. Keywords: Lichen, epiphyte, Acadian Forest, Nova Scotia, species at risk, slug.
38934	Brodo I.M. & McMullin R.T. (2025): A revision of Pannaria rubiginosa s.l. (Pannariaceae) in eastern North America. - Bryologist, 128(4): 727–745. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.4.727. Although the western populations of Pannaria rubiginosa s.l. have recently been revised resulting in the description of a new species, P. oregonensis, no detailed review of the eastern populations has been made since Jørgensen's monograph of North American Pannaria species in 2000. The present study, based on morphological, chemical and molecular data, has uncovered a new species in the east, P. subrubiginosa, characterized by its production of pannarin at least in the medulla, and has revised the descriptive details of P. subfusca, a member of the P. rubiginosa complex that lacks pannarin. Sequences of the ITS region show these species are well separated and well supported, differing also from African, Asian, western North American, European and South American species such as P. andina, P. asahinae, P. malmei, P. oregonensis, P. rubiginella and P. rubiginosa s.str. It appears that that all eastern populations containing pannarin are P. subrubiginosa, and all those lacking pannarin are P. subfusca. Pannaria rubiginosa in the strict sense cannot be confirmed as occurring in North America. A key is provided for the corticolous, non-isidiate, non-sorediate members of the P. rubiginosa group in North America. Keywords: Fuscopannaria, Parmeliella, biogeography, phylogeny, cyanolichen, taxonomy, Appalachians, Maritimes.
38933	Schmidt S.K., Cramm M.A., Solon A.J., Bradley J.A., Bueno de Mesquita C.P., Cimpoiasu M.O., Rubin R.R., Quispe Pilco R., Kuras O. & Irons T.P. (2025): Biological soil crust microcolonies reveal how microbial communities assemble following retreat of a High Arctic glacier. - FEMS Microbes, 6: xtaf007 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsmc/xtaf007. Little is known about biological soil crust (BSC) formation during the early stages of primary succession following glacial retreat. Here, we report on focused sampling of twelve discrete BSC colonies near the snout of a retreating glacier in the High Arctic and show that BSC colonies had significantly higher 16S and 18S rRNA gene diversity than the simpler communities of bare sediments sampled next to each colony. Surprisingly, the colonies also had a higher degree of community dispersion than the more clustered bare sediment controls. There were only eight 16S amplicons that showed 100% prevalence in all 12 of the colonies, and the three most abundant of these keystone amplicons were cyanobacteria, including a nitrogen fixing Nostoc. The only 18S amplicon common to all colonies was a diatom related to Sellaphora. This prominence of phototrophs indicates that early-successional BSC colonies are being supported by photosynthesis rather than ancient- or aeolian-derived organic matter. Co-occurrence network analysis among the phototrophs and fungi identified several potential early-successional soil lichens. Overall, our fine-scaled sampling revealed new insights into community assembly and function in actual communities of interacting microbes (as opposed to mixed communities in bulk soil samples) during the early stages of primary succession. Key words: primary succession, carbon sequestration, global warming, cryobiosphere, stochastic community assembly, soil lichens.
38932	Jiang S.-H., Xu Y.-K., Zhao X. & Jia Z.-F. (2025): A morphological and molecular analysis reveals a new species in the genus Diorygma (Graphidaceae, Ostropales) from Zhejiang Province, China. - Phytotaxa, 720(1): 57–66. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.1.5. A new species of the lichenized fungi genus Diorygma is described from China: Diorygma jingningense Shu H. Jiang & Z.F. Jia, collected from Zhejiang Province. It is characterized by a saxicolous and pseudocorticate thallus, erumpent lirellae with complete thalline margin, entire labia, uncarbonized excipulum, hyaline hymenium, small, submuriform, 3 × 0–1-septate ascospores and the presence of norstictic and connorstictic acids. The placement of this new species was confirmed by a molecular phylogenetic approach based on combined mtSSU and nuLSU sequences, and is compared in detail with other similar species in the genus. Key words: Graphidoideae, Jingning County, lichenized fungi, new taxon, taxonomy.
38931	Kono M., Ohmura Y. & Terai Y. (2025): The first whole genome sequencing of historical lichen specimens enables genome-wide analysis of fungal and algal symbionts. - Ecology and Evolution, 15: e72216 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72216. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing techniques, natural history museums and herbaria have become new frontiers for genetic research. Genomic information from historical specimens has provided evidence to solve significant questions in broad research areas. However, access to such valuable genetic resources remains limited in lichens due to experimental challenges in extracting and amplifying highly degraded DNA in historical specimens. So far, only a handful of studies have reported successful sequencing of several short genetic markers from historical lichen specimens despite the increasing importance of genetic information in lichenology. Here, we aimed to establish an efficient method for sequencing the whole genome of historical lichen specimens. We modified a method used in ancient DNA studies and sequenced the whole genome of Usnea and Cladonia specimens, including lectotype and holotype. Our approach shows that 2.7%–23.3% and 3.0%–11.8% of the total sequenced reads originate from the genomes of fungal (mycobiont) and algal (photobiont) symbionts, respectively. The mycobiont- and photobiont-derived reads are comprised of DNA fragments shorter than 46 bp, covering 73%–99% and 92%–99% of the mycobiont and photobiont reference genomes, respectively. We retrieved 792,245 and 410,705 Single Nucleotide Variant sites (SNVs) to perform phylogenetic analysis of the U. hakonensis and C. kurogawae mycobionts, respectively. We also demonstrated experimental modifications that improved proportions of symbiont-derived reads within sequenced data. We believe that our method is applicable to lichen specimens in a broad range of ages and taxonomic groups, thereby potentially converting historical lichen specimens into resources of genome-wide studies. Keywords: genome sequencing | historical specimens | lichen | type specimens.
38930	Haughland D.L., Maloles J.R., Selva S.B., Thauvette D., McMullin R.T., Porter E., Bull R.D., Williston P. & Lane C. (2025): Calicioids of Alberta, Canada, with descriptions of three new genera and 13 new Sphinctrinaceae species to science. - Bryologist, 128(4): 607–726. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.4.607. At 661,848 km2, the province of Alberta, Canada is a biogeographically variable political region, located at the confluence of eight ecoregions. The provincial lichen flora was surveyed in several foundational North American studies, and recent increased survey effort from researchers, environmental impact assessments, group forays, and a province-wide biodiversity monitoring program have built on that foundation. Subsequent collections of calicioid lichens and allied fungi necessitated a large floristic revision including morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular investigations. Prior to this work, 32 calicioids were documented in the lichen literature for Alberta. Here we add 13 species new to science, seven of which are assigned to three newly described genera (Albocalicium candidum, Brevicalicium roseum, Paracalicium betulae, P. caraganae, P. chamaedaphnes, P. piceae, and P. recedens) and six to two existing genera (Chaenothecopsis abscondita, C. caelumsaltator, C. calicii-viridis, C. epifurfuracea, C. yukonensis, and Phaeocalicium alnophilum). Twenty-nine additional species are reported for the first time in the province: Allocalicium adaequatum, Calicium glaucellum, C. lucidum, C. pinastri, C. trachylioides, Chaenotheca chlorella, C. cinerea, C. gracilenta, C. laevigata, Chaenothecopsis debilis, C. marcineae, C. nana, C. parasitaster, C. penningtonensis, C. savonica, C. viridialba, C. viridireagens, C. aff. ussuriensis, Chaenotricha obscura, Coniocybe brachypoda, Microcalicium arenarium, M. disseminatum, M. loraasii, Phaeocalicium betulinum, P. compressulum, P. flabelliforme, P. interruptum, P. polyporaeum, and Sclerophora pallida. We exclude Chaenothecopsis ochroleuca and Sphinctrina turbinata from the flora as the only known collections were redetermined to Chaenothecopsis yukonensis and Acolium inquinans, respectively, bringing the total number of calicioid species known for Alberta to 73, increasing the previously known species richness by 132%. Chaenothecopsis marcineae is reported for the first time from western North America; C. parasitaster, C. penningtonensis, C. ussuriensis and Phaeocalicium interruptum are new to Canada; and Calicium lucidum, C. pinastri, Phaeocalicium betulinum and P. polyporaeum are new to western Canada. We also report Chaenothecopsis ochroleuca, C. yukonensis and Phaeocalicium polyporaeum for the first time from Yukon Territory and Caliciopsis calicioides for the first time from the Northwest Territories. Seventy-three new sequences from 57 specimens across 34 species were generated (43 ITS, 9 LSU, and 21 mtSSU), including sequences for all newly described species and the first published sequences for Chaenotheca selvae, Chaenothecopsis ochroleuca, C. penningtonensis, C. parasitaster (which we also confirm as morphologically, ecologically, and genetically distinct from C. pusilla), and Phaeocalicium flabelliforme. We provide phylogenies for the Caliciaceae, Coniocybaceae, and Sphinctrinaceae. Species descriptions, photographs, and distribution maps are provided for 95% of the species, as well as habitat associations or model results for the more abundant species. Novel clades and traits in Chaenotheca phaeocephala and Stenocybe pullatula are explored. Finally, we provide keys to the species of Chaenothecopsis and Phaeocalicium (including Brevicalicium and Paracalicum) of North America and new images for Phaeocalicium pinaceum and P. boreale. This work helps to address the knowledge gap for calicioid species in the interior of North America. Keywords: Ascomycota, biodiversity monitoring, Coryneliales, Coryneliaceae, Eurotiales, Eurotiomycetes, indicators, Mycocaliciales, Mycocaliciaceae, new taxa, Pertusariales, Pezizomycotina, systematics.
38929	Andrzejowska A., Bernatová M., Hájek J., Sekerák Jr. J.. & Harańczyk H. (2025): Low temperature inhibition of photosystems I, and II in Antarctic lichens of different morphotypes. - Czech Polar Reports, 14(2)[2024]: 336–348. https://doi.org/10.5817/CPR2024-2-21. Chlorophyll fluorescence techniques represent an effective tool for photosynthetic performance of extremophilic poikilohydric autotrophs from cold Earth regions. Many parameteres of these techniques can detect the response of photosystem II (PS II) to a great variety of stressors. Chlorophyll fluorescence parametrs related to PS II funcioning are used quite often. For Antarctic lichens, that evolved several physiological mechanisms to cope with close to 0°C or even at sub-zero temperatures. The data gained from both field- and laboratory based studies helps predict ecophysiological consequeces of episodic drops in in situ temperature as well as resistence of Antarctic terrestial autotrophs to low temperature. However, the effect of low and sub-zero temperature on photosystem I (PS I) funcitioning is studied much less frequently than PS II. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate PS II and PS I activities under low temperature and enlarge the knowledge on the low temperature effects on lichen photosynthesis. The focus of our laboratory experiments was to quantify the effect of a short-term treatment by 0°C on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to PS II and PS I functioning in two species of chlorolichens from Antarctica (Usnea antarctica, Himantormia lugubris). Our results suggest low temperature-induced decline in physiological processes in chloroplast (Performance index decrease) and activation of protective mechanisms (non-photochemical quenching increase). Keywords: Himantormia; Usnea; PS I; PS II; Nelson Island; chlorophyll fluorescence.
38928	Cao S., Yang C., Tian H., Shen Y., Peng F. & Zhou Q. (2025): Deuterostichococcus alpinus sp. nov. (Chlorophyta; Trebouxiophyceae) from Antarctica. - Czech Polar Reports, 15(1): 146–166. https://doi.org/10.5817/CPR2025-1-3. Lichens are the most dominant components in flora of Antarctica. A lichen epiphyte green alga FACHB-2327, isolated from Antarctic lichen Stereocaulon alpinum, was identified as a new species belonging to the genus Deuterostichococcus. The specimen of lichen Stereocaulon alpinum was collected from King George Island, Antarctica. A comprehensive analysis, including morphology, ultrastructure, habitat, phylogeny and secondary structure of SSU rDNA V9 region, was carried out. The green alga FACHB-2327 was described and named as Deuterostichococcus alpinus sp. nov. to recall the continent where it was discovered. The alga FACHB-2327 forms single celled thalli or pseudofilaments up to three cells; cells are cylindrical with mean size 7-18 (20) × 3-5 µm and rounded ends. It can be distinguished from the other species in genus Deuterostichococcus by morphological characters, including cell size, length/width ratio and phylogenetic position using SSU rDNA and ITS rDNA sequences. Keywords: Antarctica; lichen; microalgae; Prasiolales; phylogeny; King George Island.
38927	Konoreva L.A. & Chesnokov S.V. (2025): Lichens in the vicinity of Colesdalen, one of the “hot spots” of the Svalbard archipelago. - Czech Polar Reports, 15(1): 146–166. https://doi.org/10.5817/CPR2025-1-9. This study summarizes the lichen diversity in the Colesdalen area of Svalbard, where a total of 234 species are known. Notably, 112 of these lichen species are reported for the first time in this region. Among them, the newly recorded species are Arthonia granitophila, Ionaspis obtecta, Micarea denigrata, Poeltinula interjecta, Rhizocarpon infernulum, R. subgeminatum, Rinodina mniaroea var. cinnamomea, Sagedia zonata, Sarcogyne lapponica, which are new to Svalbard. Furthermore, Arthonia granitophila and Poeltinula interjecta are documented for the first time in the Arctic. Additionally, 27 species have been identified as new to Nordenskiöld Land (Central Spitsbergen). The ecological conditions of the Colesdalen area, including its unique microhabitats and sub-strate availability, significantly influence the lichen biodiversity and site-dependent vege-tation composition. This research contributes to the knowledge of local biodiversity of lichens and highlights how certain species can thrive beyond their typical ranges due to specific environmental factors – substrate, altitude, anthropogenic impact, distance from glaciers, humidity. Approximately half of the identified species are known only from the study area or from a few locations on Svalbard. This highlights the specificity of the natural conditions of the study area as well as the complex interactions between natural ecosystems and human-modified environments, emphasizing the importance of further study and documentation of Arctic lichens. Keywords: lichens; new records; Arctic; ecology; distribution; Nordenskiöld Land.
38926	Rubio C., Ramírez J., Rojas J.L., Valencia-Islas N.A., Campos C. & Quiñones N. (2025): Antioxidant and Photoprotective Capacity of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Pseudocyphellaria berberina. - Molecules, 30(18): 3833 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183833. Exposure to sunlight, whose main component is UV radiation (UVR), leads to various skin damage such as sunburns, premature aging, or more severe issues such as increased symptoms of autoimmune disease and skin cancer. Therefore, there is a growing interest in developing improved photoprotective agents that can protect skin from sunlight incidence and antioxidants that counteract the oxidative stress caused by it. Lichens are a source of such agents since they adapt to extreme environments including those with high UVR by biosynthesizing metabolites with those properties. In this study, brialmontin 2 (1), physciosporin (2), and pseudocyphellarin A (3) were isolated for the first time from the lichen Pseudocyphellaria berberina (G. Forst.) D. J. Galloway & P. James, along with calycin (4) and 22-hydroxystictan-3-one (5). Their structural characterization was carried out by spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR). Sun protection factor (SPF) along with critical wavelength (λcrit), a UVA/UVB ratio (UVA/UVB-r) of one to five, and acetone extract (AE) were evaluated spectrophotometrically as a measure of their UVB and UVA photoprotective capacities, respectively. Additionally, their antioxidant activity was measured by scavenging DPPH free radicals (RSA). Compounds 2, 4, and AE showed “medium” UVB photoprotective capacities (with SPFs between 15 and 30). Additionally, 4 and AE presented “maximum” UVA photoprotective capacities (λcrit > 370 nm and UVA/UVB-r > 0.8), whereas this activity was “good” for 2 and 3 (λcrit 350 to 370 nm and UVA/UVB-r 0.4 to 0.6), and “moderate” for 1 (λcrit 335 to 350 nm and UVA/UVB-r 0.2 to 0.4). All compounds and AE showed antioxidant activity, standing out were AE and 4 with activity comparable to the controls (ca. 95 and 81 RSA %, respectively, at 1000 ppm). AE and 4 are dual agents with photoprotective (UVB-UVA) and antioxidant capacities that could help prevent skin damage associated with sunlight. In silico assays suggest that 4 spontaneously diffuses into the stratum corneum with limited absorption through the skin. Additionally, 4 lacks potential toxicity to Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (showing viability ca. 70% at 100 ppm); therefore, it is a candidate for the development of sunscreen formulations. Keywords: Pseudocyphellaria berberina; antioxidant activity; photoprotection.
38925	Link H.F. (1837): Elementa Philosophiae Botanicae. Tom I. - Berolini, Sumtibus Haude et Spener, [i-xii+] 501 p. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/MON-B-PHAN_0290_0001-0501.pdf. p. 402-403: Titles of the chapter 99: "Lichen um thallus externe e membrana parum cellulosa constat, interne e fibris tenuissimis siccis." "Der Thallus der Lichenen besteht äusserlich aus einer wenig zelligen Membran, innerlich aus sehr zarten trocknen Fibern."
38924	Sprengel C. (1827): [Caroli Linnæi, equitis stellae polaris, archiatri regii, prof. med. et rei herb. in Univers. Upsal.] Systema Vegetabilium. Editio decima sexta. Voluminis IV, pars I. - Gottingae, Sumtibus Librariae Dieterichianae, 592 p. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/MON-B-PHAN_0255_0001-0592.pdf. taxonomy, systematics; sectio lichenes: p. 237-310
38923	Sprengel C. (1828): [Caroli Linnæi, equitis stellae polaris, archiatri regii, prof. med. et rei herb. in Univers. Upsal.] Systema Vegetabilium. Editio decima sexta. Volumen V. - Gottingae, Sumtibus Librariae Dieterichianae, 749 p. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/MON-B-PHAN_0256_0001-0749.pdf. classification, index to previous volumes
38922	Döbbeler P. (1978): Moosbewohnende Ascomyceten I. Die Pyrenocarpen, den Gametophyten besiedelnden Arten. - Mitteilungen der Botanischen Staatssammlung München, 14: 1–360. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Mitt-Bot-StaatsS-Muenchen_14_0001-0360.pdf. The present study deals with those pyrenomycetes which occur on the gametophytic stage of bryophytes. The special part is devoted to the systematic arrangement and descriptions of the species and genera included; the general part discusses those problems which are specially connected with the bryophilous habit. Although pyrenomycetes are the main concern, reference to other fungal parasites of mosses is frequently included in the text. 1. Of the 123 known taxa, roughly assigned to 33 genera, 89, in 21 genera, are here described in detail and a key to their identification presented. Most of the taxa belong to the Dothideales, a smaller number to the Hypocreaceae and Lasiosphaeriaceae. 2. Nine genera, 62 species and three varieties are newly described. New combinations for a further 24 taxa are proposed, several are placed as synonyms. Numerous new species are to be expected in the course of future research and even in Europe many taxa are not yet completely understood. 3. The genera Lasiosphaeria, Leptomeliola, Pleosphaeria, Pleospora and Teichospora have been omitted. All known records and literature for all the other species have been surveyed and listed. Personal collections, many of which represent first records, have increased the number of samples studied by 85 percent to 1 300 in all. 4. Very great difficulties have been encountered in assigning species to the correct genera. It is supposed that some of the bryophilous fungi have evolved independently on their unique substrate and this substrate cannot be in any way compared with that found in other higher plants. The suggested systematic arrangement cannot at this stage be considered as more than a tentative interpretation. 5. 250 species of bryophytes in 110 genera are indicated as hosts. Probably all liverworts and mosses may be considered as potential hosts. No lager moss associations appear to be without some fungal associates. 6. Long-lived bryophytes without a quick alternation of the gametophytic stage have been shown to provide the most favourable substrates. Polytrichum is the most favoured host genus with 15 recorded fungal associates. On Plagiochila porelloides 7 fungal species have been recorded. In one Prionodon bolivianus tuft no fewer than 19 ascomycetes and fungi imperfecti were recorded. 7. Those fungi growing on bryophytes have been found to be very frequent and in certain regions bryophytes appear to be universally infected. In view of their abundance their neglect is inexplicable. 8. With few exceptions bryophilous fungi are unable to colonize other substrates. As well as nonspecific taxa which occur on a wide range of hosts, there are specialised taxa confined to a single host species. It is suggested that inoculation experiments could clarify some of the questions regarding the choice of host. 9. Observations on the biological nature of the associations indicate that both saprophytic, semi- and truly parasitic species are discernable. In addition, several lichenized species have been noted, which are associated with both bryophytes and algae at the same time. 10. The reduction in the size of the fruit body, vegetative growth and the ability to produce fruits at any time of the year, as well as a marked resistance to dry periods, are to be regarded as specific adaptations for the mode of living of these kinds of fungi.
38921	Franz W.R. (2005): Die Zwergbirken-Alpanazaleen-Zwergstrauchheide (Betulo nanae-Loiseleurieum procumbentis Franz 2004) und andere azidophile Zwergstrauch-bestände in Kärnten. - Carinthia II, 195/115: 327–344. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/CAR_195_115_0327-0344.pdf. In addition to the usual, wind-exposed habitats of communities dominated by Trailing Azalea (Loiseleuria procumbens), this paper presents hitherto unknown habitats of Loiseleuria procumbens and Betula nana community (Betulo nanae-Loisleurietum procumbentis Franz 2004). The former, Gymnomitrio concinnati - Loiseleurietum procumbentis Grabherr 1993, is characterized by significant sickle-shaped, incipient erosion cracks and by open areas poor in vegetation and paved with small stones due to the influence of needle ice, deflation, and thin snowcover. Snow free periods caused by wind exposure in winters can be followed by rare snowfall in springs and autumns which in turn causes needle ice. The latter grows on snow-covered slopes. Both Loiseleurio-Cetrarietum, which occasionally can be sighted on snow-covered slopes, and the newly described Betulo nanae-Loiseleurietum procumbentis Franz 2004 can be found on hummocks (icel. Thufur), with considerably longer snow cover, higher soil wetness and a thick humus layer being the main determinators for their original growth. Betulo nanae-Loiseleurietum procumbentis, is a relic-community, which mainly can be found on nunatakks in the Nockberge (Carinthia and Styria). 1,5 releves of this assoziation are presented in this paper. Key words: Loiseleuria procumbens, Betula nana, dwarf shrub communities, frozen soils, hummocks, Nockberge, Carinthia, Austria.
38920	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 29. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 4. - Archive for Lichenology, 70: 1–221. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2070%20Schumm%202026%20Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2029%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20part%204.pdf.
38919	Prangel E., Reitalu T., Kasari-Toussaint L., Marja R., Jüriado I., Kupper T., Ingerpuu N., Oja E., Tiitsaar A., Karise R., Soon V., Takkis K., Keerberg L., Meriste M. & Helm A. (2025): Grassland restoration drives strong multitrophic biodiversity recovery, but climate extremes jeopardize drought-sensitive species. - Global Change Biology, 31: e70496 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70496. Semi-natural grasslands, Europe's most biodiverse ecosystems, are rapidly declining due to agricultural intensification, abandonment, and afforestation, leading to biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem function. Despite their ecological value, grasslands are often overlooked, while afforestation, for instance, is prioritized for climate mitigation. This study assessed the effects of grassland abandonment, afforestation, and ecological restoration on multitrophic species richness and soil conditions. We used Estonian semi-natural calcareous grasslands (alvars) as a model system. Results showed that historically overgrown and afforested grasslands recover fast and rapidly become species-rich after woody plant removal and low-intensity grazing reinstatement. These grasslands also serve as stable carbon sinks, storing soil carbon at levels comparable to afforested grassland areas, with restoration having no negative impact on carbon storage. Multitrophic species richness responded to restoration in three main ways: fast responders (plants, pollinators, birds) recovered relatively quickly, slow responders (lichens, bryophytes, soil fungi) showed little to no short-term change, and drought-sensitive species (ground-dwelling arthropods) declined due to prolonged drought, which also potentially overshadowed the impact of restoration. Grassland restoration is vital for biodiversity, the sustainable supply of ecosystem services, and climate resilience, with long-term monitoring needed to track recovery.
38918	Yang Y., Liu D. & Yan L. (2025): Staging effects of biological soil crust-driven coupled soil–water-vegetation mechanisms in vegetation-limited areas. - CATENA, 260: 109430 [34 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2025.109430. Vegetation-limited areas (VLAs), characterized by poor soils, water scarcity, and intense anthropogenic disturbances, pose significant challenges for ecological restoration. Owing to their multifunctional biogeochemical roles, biological soil crusts (BSCs), which are composed of symbiotic communities of algae, lichens, mosses, and microorganisms, have emerged as a pioneering solution for overcoming ecological restoration bottlenecks in VLAs. This review systematically elucidates the cascade effects through which BSCs facilitate ecosystem recovery in VLAs: initially, they initiate soil system reconstruction via physical binding, chemical weathering, and biological carbon–nitrogen fixation, significantly enhancing soil structural stability and nutrient storage capacity; subsequently, BSCs regulate evaporation-infiltration-runoff coupling to reshape hydrological balance, where their porous architecture enhances water retention and surface roughness mitigates erosive forces, creating a synergistic “water-retention and erosion-resistance” effect; finally, BSCs promote vegetation succession through seed entrapment, microhabitat engineering, and allelopathic regulation, fostering robust plant–microbe interaction networks. BSCs’ functional roles exhibit pronounced spatial heterogeneity and successional dynamics, and are modulated by climate regimes, substrate properties, and human activities. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding BSCs’ ecohydrological functions and artificial propagation technologies, challenges persist in integrating multiscale processes, evaluating long-term restoration outcomes, and decoding responses to climate change. Future research should prioritize 1) interdisciplinary integration to bridge molecular metabolism with landscape-scale ecosystem functions; 2) the development of AI-driven dynamic monitoring systems for real-time BSC classification, coverage, and health assessment; and 3) the construction of optimized restoration paradigms that merge natural succession with synthetic biology interventions for increased ecological resilience and sustainability. These efforts will advance both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of BSCs in global ecosystem restoration. Keywords: Biological soil crusts; Vegetation-limited areas; Ecological restoration; Pioneer function; Ecohydrological process regulation.
38917	Mota L.M., Bravo J.V.M. & Pereira B.B. (2025): Urban environmental risk assessment through biomonitoring: a multivariate approach using Mangifera indica, lichens, and air pollutants. - Environmental Pollution, 385: 127102 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127102. Biomonitoring using vegetation and epiphytic lichens has gained prominence as a low-cost and integrative approach to assess air quality impacts on ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation and physiological responses of Mangifera indica leaves and epiphytic lichens across nine monitoring stations in southeastern Brazil, and to develop a predictive environmental risk index based on pollutant concentrations. Heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn) were quantified in soil, leaf, and lichen samples, and Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) was calculated using foliar biochemical parameters. Data from São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB) air quality stations, including PM10, NO, NO2, and NOX, were integrated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), and linear regression modeling. PCA revealed that Cr, Cu, and Zn in foliar and lichen tissues, along with APTI and fluoride, accounted for most of the biological variation. CCA identified nitrogen oxides (NO, NOx) as the primary environmental drivers of biological response. A robust regression model (based on CCA results) was developed to predict a composite biological risk score using air pollution data alone. This model was u91,sed to construct an Environmental Risk Index that accurately classified sites into high, moderate, or low-risk categories. The approach demonstrated here offers a transferable, biologically grounded framework for assessing environmental risk, particularly in urban-industrial contexts, and supports the integration of biomonitoring into environmental and public health policies. Keywords: Ecotoxicology; Environmental health; Bioindicators; Risk toxicity; Heavy metal; Bioaccumulation.
38916	Wang M., Kan Z., Hui T., Song B., Liu H., Yin B., Tao Y., Rong X., Hang W., Zhang Y. & Zhou X. (2025): The development of biological soil crusts reshapes the strategies of non-structural carbohydrates in response to nitrogen deposition. - Environmental and Experimental Botany, 238: 106241 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2025.106241. Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are critical indicators of the carbon acquisition and consumption balance in vascular plants, and are equally important for biological soil crusts (BSCs), which serve as significant carbon sinks in arid regions. Nitrogen (N) deposition significantly alters NSC storage by affecting plant growth, photosynthesis, and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. However, the response of NSC to N deposition may vary across different developmental stages of BSCs due to differences in physiological structures and soil properties. We conducted a long-term field N addition experiment (2010–2021) in the Gurbantunggut Desert, with N rates from 0 to 3 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ and a 2:1 NH₄⁺-N to NO₃⁻-N ratio, to examine the effects of N on NSC and their components (fructose, sucrose, soluble sugars, and starch) in three BSC types: cyanobacterial, lichen, and moss crusts. Our results revealed that the development of BSCs from cyanobacterial to lichen and moss crusts significantly alters NSC allocation, with an increasing ratio of soluble sugars to starch (0.24–1–1.68). As N added levels rise, NSC content in all three BSC types exhibits a nonlinear trend, characterized by low promotion and high inhibition, with distinct threshold points (N1.5-N0.5-N0.5). This phenomenon arises from shifts in the NSC driving factors under N addition: transitioning from soil nutrient dependence (cyanobacteria) to regulation by plant antioxidant enzyme activity (lichen), and ultimately to a more complex physiological regulation involving photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzyme activities (Moss). This study reveals the transition of BSCs from “environmental adapters” to “ecological regulators” throughout their successional stages. These findings provide new insights into the C metabolism of BSCs and have important implications for ecological restoration in N-impacted arid regions. Keywords: Nitrogen deposition; Biological soil crusts; Non-structural carbohydrates; Photosynthetic pigments; Soil nutrients.
38915	Tretiach M., Ceseri S., Salvadori O., Princivalle F. & Salvadori B. (2026): Superficial rock decalcification by the lichen Tephromela atra var. calcicola: what's true?. - International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 206: 106215 [8 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106215. The thallus–substrate relationship of Tephromela atra var. calcarea was investigated to determine whether the colonisation of carbonate-rich rock can be related to a “superficial decalcification” of the substrate, as claimed by some authors. Fragments of thalli still adhering to the substrate from the TSB herbarium were embedded in epoxy resin to obtain cross-sections, which were analysed by FPA-FTIR microspectroscopy in reflection mode to acquire chemical imaging data reflecting the spatial distribution of molecular components. The cross-sections were then stained with periodic acid-Schiff, and the percentage of hyphal spread was measured in selected areas of 2 mm2 at fixed distances along vertical transects from the thallus–substrate interface to the hyphal-free substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on additional fragments to detect any biomineralization products present. The hyphae of T. atra penetrated all calcareous substrates to a maximum depth of 0.8 mm, also piercing single calcite clasts. Hyphal spread varied greatly between substrates, with a minimum in compact limestone and a maximum in porous limestone. XRD analyses showed the presence of the biominerals whewellite and weddellite in varying amounts, and confirmed the presence of calcite in all samples, except in one occurring on Roman brick. High-resolution FTIR chemical maps showed the presence of calcite in medium/high to high concentration at the thallus–substrate interface. No evidence of calcite depletion was observed. These results do not support a significant carbonate depletion of the surface of the carbonate-rich rock colonised by T. atra, whose hyphae can actively penetrate the calcite clasts. Keywords: Biodeterioration; Calcite; Carbonate-rich substrate; Oxalates; FTIR; XRD.
38914	Cheng L., Li H., Xie C., Kuang K., Wan B., Chen P., Sui H., Zhao Q., Cho N. & Cui R. (2025): Usenamine A, an RGS2 inhibitor, exerts anti-NSCLC activity and enhances cytotoxicity of gemcitabine by inducing ER stress and Notch1-mediated autophagy. - Bioorganic Chemistry, 165: 109010 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.109010. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent subtype. Gemcitabine is a primary clinical option for the treatment of NSCLC. Nevertheless, it encounters challenges including drug resistance and severe adverse effects. High expression of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) is associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC. Usenamine A (UD32–3), a natural compound derived from lichen usnea longissimi, exerts anti-tumor activities in certain types of cancer cells, however, its underlying molecular mechanisms in NSCLC are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that UD32–3 exerts anti-NSCLC activity by targeting RGS2, thereby suppressing Notch1 to induce autophagy and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Suppression of RGS2 inhibited cell growth by inducing ROS-mediated ER stress and Notch1-mediated autophagy in NSCLC, whereas its overexpression had the opposite effects. Additionally, combined therapy with UD32–3 and gemcitabine exerted synergistic anti-NSCLC activity. Our findings suggest that RGS2 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC, and combined therapy with UD32–3 and gemcitabine might be an alternative therapeutic strategy for certain NSCLC patients. Keywords: NSCLC; RGS2; Usenamine a; Gemcitabine; Autophagy.
38913	Traversari S., Nicola L., Giovannelli A., Barberini S., Trentanovi G., Tosi S., Traversi M.L. & Emiliani G. (2025): Mycobiome and microbiome resilience of alpine Norway spruce forests in response to disturbances: Can soil and endophytic microorganisms help drive an efficient forest management?. - Science of The Total Environment, 1001: 180432 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180432. Assessing biodiversity and ecosystem services of forests is pivotal to implement effective climate adaptation strategies, especially in unmanaged forests, which, according to the Nature Restoration Law (Reg. EU 2024/1991), are considered as reference systems to restore biodiversity-rich ecosystems. Forest biodiversity includes also the microbiota which can enhance tree ability to adapt to a broad spectrum of environmental stimuli, including anthropogenic disturbances like silviculture. The aim of this work was to compare the mycobiome and microbiome biodiversity, in both soil and plant compartments, between managed and unmanaged alpine Norway spruce forest stands, assessing the variations driven by forestry. Branches, wood, roots, and bulk soil samples were collected from mature spruce trees for bacterial and fungal metabarcoding in parallel with stand structure and soil proprieties. The effect of stand structure was evident in soil and root microbiota, especially for fungi, even if wood and crown compartments also showed peculiar features. Results showed a more favorable soil nutrient cycling in soil-root compartment of managed stand compared to the unmanaged one but also a higher presence of pathotrophic fungal guilds. On the contrary, in the unmanaged stand there was a higher coordination of microorganisms but the presence of potential pathogens in plant compartments. In conclusion, some specific taxa featured the study areas and thus the forest management suggesting the possibility to individuate biomarkers of anthropogenic disturbances that could help in the implementation of sustainable management strategies and the long-term monitoring of forest systems within the framework of climate adaptation and biodiversity restoration policies. Keywords: Alpine forest; Bacteria; Biomarkers; Fungi; Metabarcoding; Microbiota.
38912	Bohannon J. (2013): Who’s Afraid of Peer Review?. - Science, 342(6154): 60–65. DOI: 10.1126/science.2013.342.6154.342_60. On 4 July, good news arrived in the inbox of Ocorrafoo Cobange, a biologist at the Wassee Institute of Medicine in Asmara. It was the official letter of acceptance for a paper he had submitted 2 months earlier to the Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, describing the anticancer properties of a chemical that Cobange had extracted from a lichen. In fact, it should have been promptly rejected. Any reviewer with more than a high-school knowledge of chemistry and the ability to understand a basic data plot should have spotted the paper’s shortcomings immediately. Its experiments are so hopelessly flawed that the results are meaningless. I know because I wrote the paper. Ocorrafoo Cobange does not exist, nor does the Wassee Institute of Medicine. Over the past 10 months, I have submitted 304 versions of the wonder drug paper to open-access journals. More than half of the journals accepted the paper, failing to notice its fatal flaws. Beyond that headline result, the data from this sting operation reveal the contours of an emerging Wild West in academic publishing.
38911	Alrobaish S.A. (2025): Associations and ecological adaptations of two hypolithic Gloeoheppia lichen species in arid desert environments. - Microbiology, 94: 804–816. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0026261725600776. This study focused on the molecular identification and morphological characterization of two saxicolous lichens, Gloeoheppia erosa and Gloeoheppia trugida, from arid desert environments in Saudi Arabia. Belonging to the family Gloeoheppiaceae, these lichens are well-adapted to extreme desert conditions. Using ITS sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, we confirmed the species identities, with G. erosa showing 99% similarity to the reference sequences in GenBank and G. trugida exhibiting 97% similarity. Detailed morphological and anatomical analyses revealed key adaptations, including a crustose thallus, robust upper cortex, and specialized reproductive strategies that enhance resilience to desiccation, intense solar radiation, and nutrient scarcity. Microbial profiling identified the dominant bacterial genera, Arthrobacter, Bradyrhizobium, and Halomonas, which play crucial roles in nitrogen fixation, stress tolerance, and osmoregulation, contributing to the survival of lichens in these harsh environments. Notably, G. erosa hosted unique taxa such as Prochlorococcus marinus, emphasizing its reliance on photosynthesis in nutrient-poor, sunlight-rich settings, whereas G. trugida was characterized by a greater focus on desiccation resistance with such species as Arthrobacter sp. ZM06. Furthermore, we investigated the potential hypolithic lifestyle of these lichens by analyzing their colonization of ventral rock surfaces and assessing how the bacterial communities in these sheltered environments differ from those found in inland habitats. The results revealed distinct structural and compositional features of lichen-dominated hypolithic communities, emphasizing their specialized adaptations to harsh desert microenvironments. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological roles and evolutionary strategies of lichens and their microbial symbionts in extreme desert ecosystems. Keywords: lichens, endolithic lichens, anatomy, metabarcoding, ITS.
38910	Kantvilas G., McCarthy P.M. & Gueidan C. (2025): A remarkable species of Vigneronia (Roccellaceae s. lat.) from the remote southern coast of Tasmania. - Muelleria, 43: 72–77. https://rbgv-prod-cdn-bpfbb4gthrfzb4ab.a03.azurefd.net/media/qmthhesv/muelleria-43-kantvilas-vigneronia-72-77.pdf. Vigneronia meridionalis Kantvilas & P.M.McCarthy is described from littoral, siliceous rocks on the South Coast of Tasmania. It is characterised by its robust, solitary or clustered, carbonised lirellae, sparingly branched and anastomosed paraphysoids, grumulosa-type asci, 3-septate, non-halonate ascospores, filiform-arcuate conidia, the absence of secondary lichen metabolites, and its saxicolous habit. Key words: Australia, Lecanographaceae, lichens, lirellae, new species.
38909	Gueidan C. & Kantvilas G. (2024): Towards a taxonomically curated checklist of lichens from biological soil crusts in Australian drylands. - Mycotaxon, 137(4): [1–13]. https://www.mycotaxon.com/resources/checklists/Gueidan_v135-4-s-checklist.pdf. A non-paginated paper/manuscript available at: https://www.mycotaxon.com/resources/checklists/Gueidan_v135-4-s-checklist.pdf Lichen-dominated biological soil crusts are particularly abundant in a large area extending from East to West across the southern half of Australia. Ecological studies have historically contributed to the knowledge on the diversity and distribution of lichen species found in biocrust communities. A 1996 study of biocrusts in New South Wales recorded 48 lichen species. Subsequently, in 2021, 52 terricolous lichen species were listed across the Australian Capital Territory and the surrounding areas of New South Wales. Ongoing taxonomic studies have since refined our knowledge of biocrust lichens. Here we review the ecological and taxonomic literature and compile the first version of a checklist of lichens from biocrusts in Australian drylands. A total of 127 taxa in 44 genera are reported, with their distribution drawn mostly from the literature. This first version of the checklist contains both yet-to-be confirmed species and yet-to-be revised groups, and will likely evolve as more taxonomic studies are carried out. It aims to provide baseline biodiversity data which will aid the development of new species identification tools for cryptogams from biocrust communities. Keywords – biocrusts, Australian rangelands, terricolous lichens.
38908	Shivarov V.V. & Popova S. (2025): First record of Trichonectria hirta (Bionectriaceae, Ascomycota) from southeastern Europe. - Lindbergia, 2025: e027941 [3 p.]. https://doi.org/10.25227/linbg.027941. Trichonectria hirta is a lichenicolous fungus on corticolous and lignicolous lichens or a saprotroph on wood. It is known from Europe and was a common species in western Europe in the 1980s, but its population has declined drastically over the past few decades. In Bulgaria, the species was found on decorticated wood of Pinus sylvestris, growing on thalli of Lecanora subintricata and Micarea misella or directly on decorticated wood. Here we report T. hirta for the first time from southeastern Europe, Bulgaria with detailed taxonomic description, photographs and ecological notes based on the Bulgarian specimens. Keywords: Bulgaria, coniferous wood, Hypocreales, lichenicolous fungi.
38907	Sanders W.B., Hernández M., Pérez-Ortega S. & de los Ríos A. (2025): Construction of the lichenized aerial mycelium in Botryolepraria (Verrucariales; Eurotiomycetes; Ascomycota): A somatic structure unique among fungi. - American Journal of Botany, 112: e70080 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.70080. Premise: Lichen-forming fungi of genus Botryolepraria build no compact thalli, yet elevate and display algal symbionts upon their open, aerial mycelium. Although Botryolepraria occurs worldwide, the construction of its unique somatic form has not been examined in detail. We applied light microscopy and SEM to better understand how it is built and stabilized and how phycobionts are distributed during development. Methods: Specimens were examined with light microscopy, conventional SEM, and cryo-field emission SEM. Symbiont identity was corroborated by obtaining and comparing nucleotide sequences with those in the NCBI database. Results: Hyphal branches grew centripetally toward clusters of algal symbionts, while other branches grew centrifugally outward before further bifurcating to produce additional hyphal branches that reoriented centripetally toward algal clusters. Anastomosis of hyphae, tip to tip or laterally via short bridging connections, occurred frequently. The lichen was irregularly but often densely covered with thread-like hydrophobic materials that resemble certain forms of plant epicuticular waxes. Repeated interpenetration of suspended algal clusters by anastomosing mycobiont hyphae separated and distributed phycobiont cells within the expanding reticulum. Fungal ITS and LSU and algal rbcL sequences suggest closest proximity of mycobiont and phycobiont to Botryolepraria neotropica and Pseudostichococcus monallantoides, respectively, for the material studied. Conclusions: Anastomosis of hyphae, in regions where algae are absent and at the surfaces of expanding phycobiont clusters, stabilizes the soma of Botrylopraria as a three-dimensional lattice. The dense covering of hydrophobic materials over an open aerial mycelium suggests adaptation to avoid surface condensation and optimize gas exchange.
38906	von Brackel W. (2025): Lichenicolous fungi from the northern Apennines and foreland (Italy). - Borziana, 6: 5–53. https://doi.org/10.7320/Borziana.006.005. During several excursions between 2013 and 2024 to the northern Apennines (including the Tyrrhenian coast near Donoratico) in the regions Lazio, Umbria, Marche, Toscana, EmiliaRomagna and Liguria, we visited 151 locations of potential lichenological interest. The results of these field studies are presented here. It comprises 140 taxa of lichenicolous fungi, 127 of which are non-lichenised, obligatory lichenicolous, validly described species. The new species Arthonia donoraticensis Brackel (Italy and France), Cercidospora appennina Brackel (Italy) and Pronectria lilae Brackel (Italy) are described. Provisional descriptions are given for Arthonia aff. subvarians (on Lecanora carpinea), Cercidospora sp. (on Seirophora villosa), Lichenoconium sp. (on S. villosa), Lichenostigma sp. (on Diplotomma hedinii), Muellerella sp. (on S. villosa), Polycoccum sp. (on Xanthoparmelia conspersa) and Zwackhiomyces sp. (on Collema fuscovirens). New to Italy are Abrothallus parmotrematis, Acremonium antarcticum agg., Cladophialophora denigrans, Codonmyces lecanorae, Cylindromonium lichenicola, Gonatophragmium licheniphilum, Lichenostigma rouxii, Parmeliicida pandemica, Phaeoseptoria peltigerae, Polycoccum alboatrae, P. thallicola, Sarcopyrenia gibba, Stigmidium leprariae, Trimmatostroma rouxii, Weddellomyces erythrocarpae, Xenonectriella zimmermannii, and Zwackhiomyces lithoiceae. Several species are new to the respective regions. Furthermore, a list of all noted lichens from the 151 visited sites is given. Key words: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, lichens, Arthonia, Cercidospora, Pronectria, Mediterranean.
38905	Van den Broeck D. & De Wit D. (2019): Strangospora deplanata met zekerheid ook in België waargenomen. - Dumortiera, 115: 61–64. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.3553727. Strangospora deplanata (Almq.) Clauzade & Cl. Roux, confirmed for Belgium. This species has recently been found for the first time in the Netherlands and in northern France, and its presence is confirmed for Belgium here. It was discovered on July 13, 2019 on Sambucus nigra in a swamp forest in the nature reserve, Forest of Aa at Zemst (province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium). Morphology, ecology, habitat and distribution of the species are described.
38904	Van den Broeck D. (2020): Arthopyrenia analepta, een niet-gelicheniseerde schimmel, na meer dan 150 jaar teruggevonden in Vlaanderen en alweer met verdwijnen bedreigd. - Dumortiera, 116: 39–42. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.4024139. Arthopyrenia analepta (Ach.) A. Massal., a non-lichenized fungus, rediscovered in Flanders after more than 150 years but threatened already. This species has recently been found for the second time in Flanders after more than 150 years. It was discovered on February 22, 2020 on Quercus in a former clay pit at Rumst (Terhagen, province of Antwerp, Belgium). Morphology, ecology, habitat and distribution of the species are described.
38903	Van den Broeck D. & Fleurbaey F. (2021): Een eerste vondst van het licheen Staurothele rugulosa in België. - Dumortiera, 118: 35–37. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.5094316. Staurothele rugulosa recorded for the first time in Belgium. Staurothele rugulosa (A. Massal.) Arnold was discovered on January 16, 2021 on a wall of the ruins of the Saint Bavo’s abbey in Ghent (province of East Flanders). Morphology, ecology, habitat and distribution of the species are described.
38902	Ertz D. (2024): Quatre espèces de lichens et deux espèces de champignons lichénicoles nouvelles pour la Belgique, et d’autres espèces intéressantes pour le pays. - Dumortiera, 124: 28–33. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14186218. Four species of lichens and two species of lichenicolous fungi new to Belgium, and other species of interest for the country. Recent field surveys have yielded several species of lichens and lichenicolous fungi that are interesting or new to Belgium. Species new to Belgium are: Chaenothecopsis pusiola, Inoderma byssaceum, Rinodina biloculata, Porina rosei, Verrucula pusillaria and Xenonectriella physciacearum. Other species of interest for Belgium: Arthonia fuscopurpurea, Melanelia stygia and Unguiculariopsis lettaui were found in Belgium after 156, 49 and 172 years of absence respectively. Catillaria fungoides and Unguiculariopsis thallophila are new to Wallonia; Physciella chloantha is new to Flanders and was found in Wallonia after 152 years of absence. Several of these species (C. pusiola, I. byssaceum and P. rosei) are considered indicators of old forests and therefore deserve the implementation of protection measures.
38901	Hjelm K., Romans E., Högbom L. & Ring E. (2025): Tree growth and ground vegetation 17 years after disc trenching and pre-harvest nitrogen fertilization. - Forest Ecology and Management, 597: 123145 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123145. Silvicultural practices such as site preparation and nitrogen (N) fertilization are commonly used to increase growth of a stand. These practices may affect the forest ecosystem for several decades, impacting not only the trees, but also the stand structure and ground vegetation. Long-term field experiments are thus necessary to study these effects. In our study, two field experiments, Hagfors and Nissafors, established around 1980, were used to study residual effects of previous N-fertilization and disc trenching (DT) on tree growth and ground vegetation 17 years after final felling. At both sites, DT reduced tree mortality and increased individual tree growth, resulting in higher stem numbers and tree volume per hectare after 17 years. Previous N-fertilization had no significant effect on tree growth. The ground vegetation was affected by DT at both sites. At Hagfors, the most pronounced effects were a reduction in the cover of Cladonia rangiferina, and an increase in Calluna vulgaris after DT. Cladonia rangiferina was also negatively affected by previous N-fertilization. At Nissafors, DT caused a shift in cover of Vaccinium vitis-idaea to Vaccinium myrtillus. The impact of DT on the field layer composition appears to have been caused by the soil disturbance but also the increased shading resulting from the increased tree growth and survival. This study indicates that previous N-fertilization and DT affect the ground vegetation in the longer term. This should be considered when developing guidelines and forestry practices. Keywords: Field layer composition; Pinus sylvestris; Planting; Scots pine; Site preparation; Soil disturbance; Volume growth.
38900	Wallenius T., Bjerke J.W., Erlandsson R., Kolari T.H.M., Räsänen A., Tahvanainen T., Tømmervik H., Winquist E. & Virtanen T. (2025): Reconstructing the historical decline of lichen cover across the reindeer fence of the Finnish–Norwegian border. - Ambio, 54: 1683–1704. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-025-02171-3. We analysed the history behind the current contrasting lichen covers of two adjacent reindeer herding districts at the Finnish–Norwegian border. We conducted vegetation field inventories across the border fence and reconstructed a lichen cover history from 1959 to 2020 using aerial and satellite images. The oldest images showed only a slight difference in lichen cover between the different sides of the border fence. Since the late 1950s, lichen cover has decreased in both districts. At present, lichen biomass is approximately three times greater in in the Norwegian winter pasture than in the Finnish herding district, which has less strictly defined seasonal pastures. A lichen biomass model indicated that lichen intake by reindeer cannot explain the decline in lichen biomass in either of the districts. We suggest that the lichen decline is mainly due to trampling and foraging-induced loss, while other unknown ecological and climatological factors may also be involved. Keywords Grazing; Herding; Lichen; Reindeer; Remote sensing.
38899	Lin Y.-Y., Ho H.-C. & Chou J.-Y. (2025): Effects of lichen symbiotic bacteria-derived indole-3-acetic acid on the stress responses of an algal–fungal symbiont. - Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 56: 1567–1584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-025-01693-y. Lichens, comprising filamentous fungi and algae/cyanobacteria engaged in mutualistic symbiosis, exhibit remarkable adaptability to environmental challenges. While fungi safeguard algae from dry conditions, their ability to mitigate other stresses remains uncertain. Additionally, the functions of coexisting bacteria within lichen communities remain relatively unexplored. This study investigates the potential of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) as a stress-response signaling molecule in lichen symbiosis. We subjected IAA-treated monocultures of algae and co-cultures of the fungal–algal complex to various stress conditions. IAA’s role in bolstering resilience was evident, as demonstrated by the release of IAA (0–500 µM) by bacteria isolated from the lichen Parmelia tinctorum. This IAA was subsequently utilized by the lichen photobionts to alleviate oxidative stress. IAA acted as a communication signal, priming algal cells to defend against impending stressors. Further microscopic examinations unveiled that only the fibrous extensions were exposed in fungal cells that were in direct physical contact with viable algal cells. Co-cultivation and subsequent microscopic observations revealed that the algal cells were protected from diverse stressors by a barrier of fungal hyphae. Our findings underscore the significance of IAA in enhancing stress resistance within the context of lichen symbiosis, thereby advancing our understanding of the adaptability of these unique organisms. Further exploration of bacterial functions in lichen symbiosis holds promise for uncovering novel insights into their ecology and biology. Keywords: Holobiont · Lichen · Mutualism · Phytohormone · Symbiosis.
38898	Gasulla F., Casano L.M. & Pérez-Ortega S. (2025): Algae and the city: the genetic and ecophysiological diversity of photobionts in two areas of Madrid (Spain) with contrasting levels of nitrogen pollution. - Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32: 17978–17996. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36681-0. Diverse hypotheses have been proposed to explain the low diversity and abundance of lichens in large cities, including high nitrogen pollution and the heat-island effect. Furthermore, it remains unclear which partner, the mycobiont or the photobiont, is more affected by these stresses that limit lichen survival. This study aimed to explore how nitrogen pollution and xeric conditions affect lichen photobionts. Photobionts from 25 lichen species in seminatural and urban areas of Madrid (Spain) were identified by amplifying the nrITS barcode region. Sixteen species-level strains were detected, including 6 new species-level lineages. Four photobiont strains were selected for physiological experiments based on their hosts' environmental preferences: Trebouxia A74, found only in urban lichens; T. jamesii, found only in semi-natural environments; and T. I01 and T. gigantea, found in both environments. These strains were cultured in vitro, and their photosynthetic activity was monitored under varying concentrations of KNO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ for 12 weeks, with biomass quantified at the end of the experiment. Additionally, the photosynthesis response to long-term desiccation was analysed over 15 months. T. jamesii was negatively affected by exposure to nitrogen compounds and desiccation. In contrast, low concentrations of ammonium and nitrate stimulated growth in the other species, especially in T. A74, while desiccation even improved the photosynthetic performance of T. I01 and T. gigantea. These findings demonstrate that different Trebouxia phycobionts exhibit distinct species-specific physiological traits that may influence their lichen hosts' ability to survive in urban environments. Keywords Chlorophyll fluorescence · Desiccation-tolerance · Lichen · Osmotic stress · Photobiont diversity · Trebouxia.
38897	Knudsen K., Kocourková J., Kondrysová E., Pušová T., Hollinger J., Leavitt S., McCarthy J., Jedličková L. & Westberg M. (2025): Discovering the diversity of Acarosporaceae (Acarosporales, Lecanoromycetes) with carbonized epihymenial accretions in North America. - MycoKeys, 122: 123–148. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.122.162675. Six new species are described: Acarospora anthracina, A. austrooccidentalis, A. oscurensis, and A. profusa from southwestern North America; A. aquatica from wetlands in eastern North America; and A. minuta from the Holarctic flora of Canada. In total, 13 species of Acarosporaceae with carbonized epihymenial accretions are known from North America. No European taxa of Acarospora or Sarcogyne with carbonized epihymenial accretions were found in North America, except A. lapponica, which is part of the Holarctic flora in Alaska, and the lichenicolous calciphyte Sarcogyne pusilla. A key to North American Acarosporaceae with carbonized epihymenial accretions is provided. Sarcogyne joshuaensis is transferred to Acarospora. Key words: Beta-tubulin, integrative taxonomy, keys, new combination, species diversity, undescribed taxa.
38896	Ertz D. (2023): Les lichens et les champignons lichénicoles de la vallée de la Semois entre Bouillon et Bohan, avec dix-neuf espèces nouvelles pour la Belgique. - Dumortiera, 121: 18–44. https://zenodo.org/records/7830895/files/Dum_121_18-44_lichens%20Semois.pdf?download=1. The lichens and lichenicolous fungi of the Semois valley between Bouillon and Bohan, with nineteen species new to Belgium. 335 species of lichens and 24 species of lichenicolous fungi were recorded during inventories carried out between 2020 and 2023 in the section of the Semois valley between Bouillon and Bohan. Nineteen species are new to Belgium: Abrothallus caerulescens, Arthonia digitatae, A. graphidicola, Bacidina piceae, Chaenothecopsis ochroleuca, Cresponea premnea, Dirina fallax, Lecanora cenisia, Lichenostigma alpinum, Mycoblastus caesius, Porina collina, Placopyrenium breussii, Polycoccum microsticticum, Ramonia chrysophaea, Rhizocarpon postumum, Rimularia intercedens, Synarthonia leproidica, Verrucaria devensis and V. lapidicola. New localities were discovered for Aquacidia antricola, Arthopyrenia salicis, Coniocarpon cuspidans, Eopyrenula grandicula, Opegrapha areniseda, Porocyphus coccodes, Pronectria pertusariicola, Rhizocarpon infernulum f. sylvaticum, Sclerococcum sphaerale, Strigula taylorii, Stromatopogon cladoniae and Zyzygomyces bachmannii which were previously known in Belgium from only one or two localities. Strigula taylorii is considered to be a rapidly expanding species in Belgium. Several macrolichens of great conservation value have been observed: Dermatocarpon meiophyllizum, Leptogium cyanescens, Nephroma parile, Ricasolia virens, Peltigera leucophlebia, Scytinium palmatum and Vahliella leucophaea. The majority of records of Porina aenea in Wallonia are probably related to Porina byssophila, which grows both on the bark of various trees and rocks. The status of integral natural reserve of the most diversified sites is strongly desired in order to preserve the species of conservation interest linked to the forest and rocky habitats.
38895	Jones F.A.M., Hardenbol A.A., Hekkala A.-M., Larsson Ekström A., Jönsson M., Koivula M., Strengbom J. & Sjögren J. (2025): Partitioning beta diversity at two spatial resolutions reveals biotic homogenisation with habitat degradation. - Diversity and Distributions, 31: e70080 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70080. Aim: Understanding the effects of habitat degradation on biodiversity is essential for undertaking conservation initiatives, but commonly used metrics of biodiversity, like species richness and beta diversity, can miss important signals of change. Greater insights can be gained by partitioning beta diversity into nestedness, which relates to species loss, and turnover, which relates to species replacement. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity change with habitat degradation, we investigate how nestedness and turnover vary when comparing assemblages from the same or different habitat degradation levels, and how assemblage aggregation resolution influences this relationship. Location: Sweden. Methods: We used beta diversity partitioning to assess lichen, fungi and bryophyte species composition from 120 forest sites across Sweden, from three different habitat degradation levels, and at two aggregation scales (pairwise local assemblages and assemblages pooled at the habitat degradation level across our study sites). We examined how pairwise total beta diversity, nestedness and turnover varied when comparing assemblages from sites of either the same or different habitat degradation levels. In addition, we examined the relationship between total beta diversity, nestedness and turnover when assemblages pooled at the habitat degradation level were compared. Results: We detected a small increase in pairwise lichen total beta diversity (Cliffs delta 0.40) and nestedness (Cliffs delta 0.19), but not in any other pairwise comparisons. In contrast, for all taxa, comparisons between assemblages pooled at the habitat degradation level showed higher values of nestedness and lower values of turnover than the corresponding pairwise comparisons, suggesting biotic homogenisation in highly degraded sites. Main Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of considering biodiversity change across multiple spatial resolutions to fully capture the effects of local species replacements in highly degraded habitats on biotic homogenisation. Keywords: beta diversity partitioning | biodiversity | boreal forest | nestedness | turnover.
38894	Francesconi L., Di Musciano M., Conti M., Di Nuzzo L., Gheza G., Grube M., Mayrhofer H., Martellos S., Nimis P.L., Pistocchi C., Vallese C. & Nascimbene J. (2025): Range shift and climatic refugia for alpine lichens under climate change. - Diversity and Distributions, 31: e70079 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70079. The mountain biodiversity is highly threatened by climate change, with many species facing habitat reduction and/or local extinction. Poikilohydric organisms like lichens are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and changes. A comprehensive overview of the impact of climate change on the future distribution of lichens is still missing. Thus, we quantified the range shift, loss in suitable areas and potential climatic refugia for more than 250 lichens, exploring these trends for each species and grouping them by their ecological needs and functional traits. Location: Alps chain and surrounding areas (Europe). Methods: We performed species distribution models to investigate the range shifts of 272 lichens under different climate change scenarios. Range shift was investigated by modelling gain and loss in suitability score along the elevational gradient, for each species separately and grouping them based on growth forms and temperature-affinities. Based on the ‘high suitability score stability’ index we developed maps of potential refuge areas. Results: We predicted a huge loss of habitat suitability over time, especially under the SSP5-5.8. Fruticose lichens and cryophilous species will be the most impacted. Moreover, contrary to the assumption of an upward range shift, most species showed no significant relationship between altitude and increase in habitat suitability, suggesting different redistribution patterns for lichens. In the same way, climatic refugia are not only identified at high elevations but also in deep valleys and cold exposure. Main Conclusions: The response of lichens to climate change is extremely heterogeneous, and an upper-range shift is less common than expected. Spatial redistribution is highly distinct among functional groups. The identified climatic refugia confirm this pattern, underlining the urgent need to improve the conservation effort, especially for fruticose and cryophilic species. Keywords: altitudinal redistribution | climatic refugia | cold-adapted lichens | Dolomites | range-shift | SDM.
38893	Tanner L.H. (2025): Distribution of biological soil crusts on a young glacial foreland in southern Iceland and their role in primary succession. - Land, 14(9): 1827 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091827. This work examines the occurrence of biological soil crusts (BSCs) on glacial foreland moraines and their relationship to other vegetative components of the post-glacial landscape. BSCs on moraines of all ages are biologically complex composites of cyanobacteria, mosses, lichens, liverworts, and fungi. The amount of surface cover by BSCs and other components of the successional communities vary approximately with the ages of the surfaces. During the pioneer successional stage, BSCs are more abundant than other community components and consist primarily of filamentous cyanobacteria. On the youngest moraines, vascular plants, with the exception of graminoids, occur exclusively where BSCs are present. On successively older moraines, the coverage by mosses and vascular plants generally increases while that of BSCs decreases, although substantial variations occur that are attributed to exposure to environmental factors, primarily wind. Overall successional patterns suggest an essential role of BSCs in facilitating vascular plant colonization mainly during the pioneer stage, likely through enhancement of soil moisture and nutrient availability. The importance of facilitation by BSCs appears to decrease on older moraines as BSCs are replaced or subsumed by vascular plants and mosses. Keywords: biological soils crusts; primary succession; glacial foreland; chronosequence; cyanobacteria; liverworts; moraine.
38892	Breuss O. (2025): Neue und seltene Flechtenfunde aus Wien (Österreich) – mit aktualisierter Gesamtliste. - Österreichische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde, 33: 129–149. . 20 notable records of lichen species are reported from the city of Vienna, Austria. Nine species (Acarospora versicolor, Arthonia didyma, A. spadicea, Enchylium coccophorum, Lecania flavescens, Rinodina oxydata, Verrucaria elevata, V. pseudovirescens, and V. viridula) are additions to the lichen biota of Vienna. A checklist for all 282 lichen species yet reported from Vienna is added. Key words: Lichenized Ascomycota, urban lichens, new records. – Mycobiota of Vienna, Austria.
38891	Berger F., Cezanne R. & Eichler M. (2025): Unguiculariopsis stenospora, the first parasitic fungus on Celothelium lutescens. - Österreichische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde, 32[2023]: 105–108. . Unguiculariopsisstenospora (Cordieritidaceae, Leotiales, Ascomycota) is described as a new species. It is the first parasitic fungus on Celothelium lutescens, an ascomycete frequently found on bark of old Prunus avium trees in deciduous forests. Key words: Cordieritidaceae, lichenicolous fungi, new species, taxonomy. – Mycobiota of Germany.
38890	Breuss O. (2025): The catapyrenioid lichen genera (Ascomycota, Verrucariales) in North America 1. Introduction and Catapyrenium s. str.. - Österreichische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde, 32[2023]: 117–149. . A monographic study of the catapyrenioid lichen genera in North America, from arctic Canada to temperate Mexico, is presented in a series of four papers. Catapyrenioid genera are characterized by a squamulose or squamulose-areolate thallus, perithecia lacking interascal filaments and hymenial algae, and simple or one-septate ascospores. Altogether 36 species belonging to seven genera are treated: Catapyrenium (4 spp.), Clavascidium (3 spp.), Heteroplacidium (5 spp.), Involucropyrenium (1 sp.), Neocatapyrenium (2 spp.), Placidiopsis (4 spp.), and Placidium (17 spp.). Keys to genera and species are presented and the circumscriptions of the genera are discussed. For each species a detailed description and accounts on ecology and distribution are provided. Distribution dot maps of more common species are supplied. Key words: Lichenized Ascomycota, Verrucariaceae, taxonomy, mycobiota of Canada, United States, Mexico.
38889	Hoang L.-T.-T.-T., Phan H.-V.-T., Nguyen-Si H.-V., Tran T.-N., Vo T.-P.-G., Le H.T.T., Dao N.-V.-T., Huynh T.-M.-S., Mai D.-T., Dong P.-S.-N. & Nguyen V.-K. (2025): Tinctoric acid A-B, two new hopan-type triterpenoids from the Vietnamese lichen, Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) hale with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. - Natural Product Research, 39(13): 3640–3647. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2305659. Two new hopan-type triterpenoids, namely tinctoric acid A-B (1-2), were isolated from the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR). The absolute configuration at C-22 of 1 was established through DP4 probability. Compounds 1-2 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and found to be more potent than those of positive control (acarbose, IC50 168 µM) with values IC50 74.7 and 98.2 µM, respectively. Both of these compounds interacted well with enzyme α-glucosidase MAL32 through H-bonds and hydrophobic interaction. Keywords: Parmeliaceae; Parmotrema tinctorum; hopan-type triterpenoids; tinctoric acid; α-glucosidase inhibition.
38888	Lendemer J.C. (2025): Recent literature on lichens—278. - Bryologist, 128(3): 595–604. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-128.3.595. bibliography
38887	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 28. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 3. - Archive for Lichenology, 69: 1–211. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2069%20Schumm%202025%20Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2028%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20part3.pdf.
38886	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 27. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 2. - Archive for Lichenology, 68: 1–209. https://www.fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2068%20Schumm%202025%20Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2027%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20part%202.pdf.
38885	Alok K., Joseph S. & Mol V.P. (2025): First report of manglicolous lichens from the Ramsar Kol Wetland of the southwest coast of India. - Biology Bulletin, 52: 196 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359025600771. This paper represents the first report of manglicolous lichens from Central Vembanad Lake, documenting a total of 31 species belonging to 23 genera and 14 families. Among these, 13 species are identified as new distributional records to Kerala, namely Anisomeridium biforme (Schaer.) R.C. Harris, Arthonia simplicascens Nyl., Bactrospora myriadea (Fée) Egea and Torrente, Cresponea proximata (Nyl.) Egea and Torrente, Enterographa tropica Sparrius, Graphis caesiella Vain., Graphis furcata Fée, Graphis handelii Zahlbr., Graphis librata C. Knight, Graphis modesta Zahlbr., Herpothallon cinereum G. Thor, Porina tetracerae (Ach.) Müll. Arg., and Pyrenula thelomorpha Tuck. The genus Cresponea is a new generic record to Kerala. Keywords: Lichen, wetlands, mangroves.
38884	Vitorino L.C., Rosa M., Cruvinel B.G., Marques M.M.S., Santos A.M.D. & Bessa L.A. (2025): Photochemical responses of Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea barbata to light variations in Cerrado landscapes. - Plants, 14(17): 2802 [25 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172802. Epiphytic lichens are vital to tropical biodiversity, their distribution shaped by light. Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea barbata, common in open Cerrado, endure high radiation, necessitating photoprotection. This study tested the hypothesis that the primary photochemistry of P. tinctorum and U. barbata responds differentially to light conditions across distinct landscapes of the Brazilian Savanna, to the height at which lichens were sampled, and to radiation levels from different components of the visible spectrum. Our results demonstrate that P. tinctorum and U. barbata possess efficient photoprotective mechanisms, such as energy dissipation as heat, which enable their survival in the dry and highly illuminated landscapes of the Brazilian Savanna. In particular, stressful environments such as Cerrado and Cerrado Ralo exhibited high DI0/RC values, leading to lower photochemical performance in lichen thalli. However, U. barbata showed greater resilience to light stress than P. tinctorum, likely due to the presence of antioxidant metabolites such as usnic acid. Lichens sampled at higher stem positions and exposed to elevated levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) dissipated less energy as heat and exhibited lower photochemical performance, suggesting photosystem II (PSII) damage under these conditions. Conversely, when different components of the visible spectrum were analyzed separately, increasing light intensities reduced DI0/RC and enhanced Pi_ABS in the thalli, highlighting photodamage resistance in P. tinctorum and U. barbata. The ability of both species to adapt to high-light environments, combined with their physiological plasticity, supports their broad distribution in these tropical ecosystems. Keywords: Brazilian savannah; energy dissipation; photobionts; photoinhibition; fluorescence; photosynthetically active radiation.
38883	Mazur E. & Śliwa L. (2025): A synopsis of the genus Pulvinora Davydov, Yakovcz. & Printzen (Lecanoraceae, Lecanorales). - MycoKeys, 122: 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.122.152331. This study shows that Lecanora cavicola and L. subcavicola are closely related to the recently described genus Pulvinora. These taxa are nested in a sister position to the known Pulvinora spp. in a phylogenetic reconstruction based on three loci: mtSSU, nuITS, and nuLSU. The clade incorporating all the above-mentioned taxa is shown to be monophyletic and strongly supported. Consequently, a broader circumscription of the genus is proposed, along with two new taxonomic combinations: Pulvinora cavicola (Creveld) Mazur & Śliwa and Pulvinora subcavicola (B.D. Ryan) Mazur & Śliwa. Additionally, based on similarity to other members of Pulvinora, a new combination for Lecanora brandegeei is made. A key for the identification of all Pulvinora species is provided as well. Key words: Lichenized fungi, Lecanora s.l., multilocus phylogeny, new combinations, taxonomy.
38882	Aanderud Z.T., Smart T.B., Wu N., Taylor A.S., Zhang Y. & Belnap J. (2018): Fungal loop transfer of nitrogen depends on biocrust constituents and nitrogen form. - Biogeosciences, 15: 3831-3840. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3831-2018. Besides performing multiple ecosystem services individually and collectively, biocrust constituents may also create biological networks connecting spatially and temporally distinct processes. In the fungal loop hypothesis rainfall variability allows fungi to act as conduits and reservoirs, translocating resources between soils and host plants. To evaluate the extent to which biocrust species composition and nitrogen (N) form influence loops, we created a minor, localized rainfall event containing 15NH4+ and 15NO3−. We then measured the resulting δ15N in the surrounding dry cyanobacteria- and lichen-dominated crusts and grass, Achnatherum hymenoides, after 24 h. We also estimated the biomass of fungal constituents using quantitative PCR and characterized fungal communities by sequencing the 18S rRNA gene. We found evidence for the initiation of fungal loops in cyanobacteria-dominated crusts where 15N, from 15NH4+, moved 40 mm h−1 in biocrust soils with the δ15N of crusts decreasing as the radial distance from the water addition increased (linear mixed effects model (LMEM)): R2 = 0.67, F2,12 = 11, P = 0.002). In cyanobacteria crusts, δ15N, from 15NH4+, was diluted as Ascomycota biomass increased (LMEM: R2 = 0.63, F2,8 = 6.8, P = 0.02), Ascomycota accounted for 82 % (±2.8) of all fungal sequences, and one order, Pleosporales, comprised 66 % (±6.9) of Ascomycota. The seeming lack of loops in moss-dominated crusts may stem from the relatively large moss biomass effectively absorbing and holding N from our minor wet deposition event. The substantial movement of 15NH4+ may indicate a fungal preference for the reduced N form during amino acid transformation and translocation. We found a marginally significant enrichment of δ15N in A. hymenoides leaves but only in cyanobacteria biocrusts translocating 15N, offering evidence of links between biocrust constituents and higher plants. Our results suggest that minor rainfall events may initiate fungal loops potentially allowing constituents, like dark septate Pleosporales, to rapidly translocate N from NH4+ over NO3− through biocrust networks.
38881	Kulyugina E.E. (2018): Features of the composition and structure of communities with Acomastylis glacialis in the area border (Subpolar Urals). - Theoretical and Applied Ecology, 1: 73-79. http://envjournal.ru/ari/v2018/v1/18108.pdf. Vegetation of the west macroslope in the highest part of Subpolar Urals that includes Barkova Mountain is understudied. Acomastylis glacialis is rare plant species in the Komi Republic of Russia living here at its border of distribution area. It was found in the rocky mountain belt of several peaks upstream the Kozhim River and the Schugor River. Vegetation of the Barkova Mountain was studied in 2012 and 2015. Rocky mountain deserts are mixed here with mountain tundra communities including herb-lichen ones where Acomastylis glacialis is relevant. 132 species (48 vascular plants, 25 mosses and 59 lichens) were revealed in the model community type Carex arctisibirica - Acomastylis glacialis - Alectoria ochroleuca located in the rocky mountain belt at the terrace on the top of the mountain and border slopes (1272-1321 m above sea level). Species richness is high (41-60 species). This is 1.5-2 times higher than in other bordering regions. Diagnostic species besides Acomastylis glacialis are presented by taxa with high (Carex arctisibirica, Poa arctica, Cladonia mitis, Rhytidium rugosum, Lagotis minor, Cladonia coccifera, Valeriana capitata, Solorina crocea, Rhodiola quadrifida, Myosotis asiatica, Bryoria nitidula, Salix numullaria, Stellaria peduncularis, Hylocomium splendens and Ptilidium ciliare) and average (Lusula nivalis, Polemonium boreale, Tephroseris atropurpurea, Politrichum juniperinum and Eritrichium villosum) abundance that occur rarely in the bordering regions. Total projective cover varied from 50 to 98%; vegetation plots are mixed with stones. Groups of Acomastylis glacialis are mixed with sites covered by lichens and Carex arctisibirica. Height of herbal plants is 15 cm, lichens - 5 cm. Specific feature of the studied communities is an occurrence of 21 vascular plant species protected in the Komi Republic. The data on composition and structure of communities Carex arctisibirica - Acomastylis glacialis - Alectoria ochroleuca add current information about mountain tundra vegetation of the Subpolar Urals are important for preservation these unique regional ecosystems. Classification of the community in the system of highest syntaxonomic units is still under discussion.
38880	Çolak S., Geyikoǧlu F., Bakir T.Ö., Türkez H. & Aslan A. (2016): Evaluating the toxic and beneficial effects of lichen extracts in normal and diabetic rats. - Toxicology and Industrial Health, 32(8): 1495-1504. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233714566873. Lichens can be used as a novel bioresource for natural antioxidants. However, there is need for further investigations to validate the lichens used in medicinal remedies. In this study, the effects of Cetraria islandica and Pseudevernia furfuracae lichen species in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were evaluated. Diabetic rats were treated with aqueous lichen extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks starting at 72 h after STZ injection. On the 14th day, animals were anesthetized, and then metabolic and biochemical parameters were evaluated between control and treatment groups. Pancreatic histology and β-cell mass were examined by hematoxylin and eosin and insulin immunohistochemistry stainings. Our findings revealed that these lichen species could be used safely in this dose range. In addition, C. islandica extracts showed prominent results compared to the doses of P. furfuracae extract for antioxidant capacity. However, the protectivity of C. islandica extract was inadequate against diabetes-induced pancreatic damages via forming oxidative stress. In conclusion, the usage of C. islandica might serve for early intervening in the risk reduction of type 1 diabetes.
38879	McCune B., Ali N., Hartley R.J. & Hunt W.J. (2017): Estimating age of rock cairns in southeast Alaska by combining evidence from successional metrics, lichenometry, and carbon dating. - Arctic Science, 3: 698-715. https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2016-0057. We estimated ages of rock cairns in alpine tundra in southeast Alaska by combining information from three general classes of methods, each of them imperfect, but considered together providing better estimates than any of the three alone. We used lichenometry, radiocarbon dating, and five successional metrics: score on a nonmetric multidimensional scaling axis of vegetation composition, cover-weighted average successional class of organisms, overgrowth of contact points between rocks, sum of species cover, and species richness. Lichenometry estimated absolute ages, but with considerable error because we violated key assumptions. Successional metrics provided relative ages, probably with more precision than lichenometry, but did not provide absolute ages. Although the relative age estimates from traditional lichenometry seemed least reliable, collectively they supported the hypothesis of prehistoric origins for the cairns with a range of possible absolute ages of 258–892 years. Similarly, radiocarbon dates for the cairns suggested cairn construction before European settlement, about 450–1500 years B.P. The five successional metrics were in general agreement with each other on relative ages. Combining all methods provided more information than any of the methods alone. We conclude that the cairns were built over a range of times, probably over centuries, most likely 500–1500 years B.P.
38878	Kumar N., Rawat S., Nayaka S. & Adhikari R.S. (2024): Lichens of Tehri Garhwal: Exploring diversity, distribution, and ethnobotanical significance in the Western-Himalayan region. - Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 27: 41 [11 p.]. https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/6412. Background: Lichens are used traditionally in the North-Western Himalayas due to their uses as food, medicine, perfumes, spiritual values, etc. The present study is an attempt to measure the diversity of ethnobotanically significant lichens in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. The paper explains the use of lichens as food, medicine, and for other purposes by local communities. The study was done on the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand in the Northwestern Himalayas. Methods: Data collection was done by various field visits and questionnaires. Food value (FV), ritual and spiritual value (RSV), ethnoveterinary value (EVV), medicinal value (MV), and dye-producing value (DV) value were noted along with demographic data of the respondents. Results: In our study, we found that lichens were used significantly by local people of the area and the lichen genus Hypotrachyna cirrhata was the most used lichen. Family Parmeliaceae was the most well-used family in the study area. Conclusions: Quantification and documentation of this data will help in the conservation of lichens in the future, as well as preserve lichens as a key species in ethnobotanical studies. Keywords: Lichen, Ethnobotanical, Ethnomedicinal value, Food value.
38877	Li B., Gao J., Wang X., Ma L., Cui Q. & Vest M. (2016): Effects of biological soil crusts on water infiltration and evaporation Yanchi Ningxia, Maowusu Desert, China. - International Journal of Sediment Research, 31(4): 311-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsrc.2016.05.005. Biological soil crusts serve as a vanguard for improving the ecological environment in arid, semi-arid desertification areas. It is a good indicator of the level of improvement which the local ecological environment is undertaking. In desert areas, water condition is a key factor of improving the ecological environment. As a first layer protection, biological crusts play an important role in local vegetation succession due to their abilities to conserve and maintain moisture. Using Maowusu desert in Yanchi of Ningxia province as an example, after three years of research, this paper chooses three kinds of biological crusts including lichen, moss and cyanobacterial which are under the cover of Artemisia ordosica as research objects. The results of this study indicate that, the closer biological crusts are to Artemisia ordosica vegetation, the thicker they become. In the same position of Artemisia ordosica vegetation, the thickness of moss crusts is the highest, followed by lichen crusts, and the thickness of cyanobacterial crusts is the lowest. Biological soil crusts coverage protects the natural water content of soil layers from 0 to 5 cm. Also, it effects falling water to infiltrate deeper, and cannot prevent the surface water content from evaporating effectively. The effect of biological crusts blocking water infiltration decreases with the increase of rainfall. At the same rainfall level, moss crusts provide the strongest water infiltration blockage, followed by lichen crusts and cyanobacterial crusts. With the increase of rainfall, the depth of water infiltration increases. At the same rainfall level, the relationship of water infiltration depth is as follows: cyanobacterial crusts>lichen crusts>moss crusts. With the increase of biological crusts thickness, they blocking water infiltration capacity is stronger, and the depth of water infiltration is smaller. Analysis on the characteristic of simulated rainfall process on biological crusts shows that sandy land can be fixed by applying appropriate artificial biological crusts to build a sustainable forest protection system and to create a stable ecosystem in desertification area.
38876	Harańczyk H., Casanova-Katny A., Olech M. & Strzałka K. (2017): Dehydration and freezing resistance of lichenized fungi. - Plant Adaptation Strategies in Changing Environment, 77-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6744-0_3. The poikilohydrous nature of lichens provides them the ability to resist low temperature, deep dehydration and deficit in light irradiance. The process of water uptake can be correlated with the resistance for dehydration below water percolation threshold (fractal exponent characteristic for approximately two-dimensional lattice). Gaseous phase hydration kinetics presents tightly bound water and mobile loosely bound water fractions, differentiated in hydration/dehydration rate and in proximity to thallus surfaces. Some lichens have the ability to hydrate from snow to the level sufficient for activation of photosynthesis. Freezing tolerance of lichens combines resistance to low temperature and duration of freezing. Antarctic lichens reveal the lowest temperature of net photosynthesis. In number of species, water supercools; however, some lichen taxa tolerate ice nucleation activity (INA) for temperatures at which the active photosynthesis process still occurs. A number of factors contribute the lichen freezing resistance. The decrease in hydration rate of freezing loosely bound water pool; active transfer of freezing, loosely bound water pool to non-freezing one; presence of tightly bound nonfreezing water fraction; and non-cooperative immobilization of supercooled bound water are important factors to the lichen freezing resistance together in the, at higher hydration levels INA for supercooled bound water, diffusion-induced migration of supercooled water molecules to ice microcrystallites (which is not phase growth in thermodynamic system but is implied by the structure). Freezing resistance and dehydration resistance direct lichens for testing Panspermia theory. Several endolithic lichens may survive the space conditions; however, their survival during re-entry from the space was not yet demonstrated.
38875	Burrascano S., de Andrade R.B., Paillet Y., Ódor P., Antonini G., Bouget C., Campagnaro T., Gosselin F., Janssen P., Persiani A.M., Nascimbene J., Sabatini F.M., Sitzia T. & Blasi C. (2018): Congruence across taxa and spatial scales: Are we asking too much of species data?. - Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27(8): 980-990. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/geb.12766. Aim: Biodiversity monitoring and conservation are extremely complex, and surrogate taxa may represent proxies to test methods and solutions. However, cross-taxon correlations in species diversity (i.e., cross-taxon congruence) may vary widely with spatial scale. Our goal is to assess how cross-taxon congruence varies with spatial scale in European temperate forests. We expect that congruence in species diversity increases when shifting from fine to coarse spatial scales, with differences between species richness and composition, and across pairs of taxonomic groups. Location: European temperate forests. Time period: Present. Major taxa studied: Vascular plants, bryophytes, birds, epiphytic lichens, saproxylic beetles and wood-inhabiting fungi. Methods: We used field data (354 plots across 23 sites) encompassing Italy, France and Hungary, with species information for six taxonomic groups. We accounted separately for spatial grain (the size of elementary sampling unit) and extent (the geographical area included in the survey) and evaluated the relationships within all the possible pairs of taxa. Results: Although no pair of taxa had its species richness consistently correlated across scales, we found no changes in the direction of correlations when analysing species composition. However, when increasing grain and extent, we did find a general increase in the magnitude of correlations in species composition and partial changes in significance, with plants having the highest number of significant correlations. Main conclusions: Species richness congruence among taxa is strongly scale dependent owing to differences in the relative contribution of large- and small-scale processes across taxa. Cross-taxon congruence in species composition is scale dependent only for its magnitude, because life-history traits of individual species make responses to environmental factors similar across scales. Forest monitoring should consider multi-taxon sampling and limit the use of surrogates at specific spatial scales, especially for species richness. Sampling plant species composition in scattered plots across different sites may effectively summarize the whole community composition.
38874	Bačkor M., Bačkorová M., Goga M. & Hrčka M. (2017): Calcium toxicity and tolerance in lichens: Ca uptake and physiological responses. - Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 228: 56. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-017-3239-2. Although differential sensitivity of lichens to calcium excess has been documented previously at the community level, ecophysiological studies, which would shed light on the calcifuge or calcicole nature of lichens, are virtually absent. In the present study, we compared physiological responses of two morphologically similar foliose lichens, Dermatocarpon miniatum (calcicole lichen) and Umbilicaria hirsuta (calcifuge lichen) to Ca excess (up to 100 mM). The degree of total Ca uptake by the lichens after 24-h prolonged exposure was compared with selected physiological markers including levels of assimilation pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, soluble proteins, ergosterol, TBARS, and hydrogen peroxide. Both tested lichens accumulated Ca from the applied solutes of CaCl2 by a dose-dependent manner, although excess of Ca did not change content of assimilation pigments in both tested lichens, as well as integrity of lichen symbiont membranes (tested as TBARS, K content, and ergosterol content) when compared to respective controls. However, we observed significant, concentration-dependent decrease of chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of soluble proteins, and hydrogen peroxide production in U. hirsuta, while in D. miniatum were all these parameters stable through all tested Ca concentrations.
38873	Dudáš M., Lőkös L., Molnár C. & Sinigla M. (2024): Taxonomical and chorological notes 20 (200–203). - Studia Botanica Hungarica, 55: 285–293. https://doi.org/10.17110/StudBot.2024.55.2.285. Floristical records of one lichen-forming fungus and 3 flowering plants are reported from Hungary, i.e. 2nd occurrence of the lichen-species Physcia clementei, and three additions to the distribution of Taraxacum parnassicum from the Bükk Mts and from Lake Balaton; the microspecies Taraxacum plumbeum and the infraspecific taxon Bromus hordeaceus subsp. longipedicellatus seem to be new to Hungary: T. plumbeum was collected in the Vértes Mts, and Bromus hordeaceus subsp. longipedicellatus in the Cserehát. A short synopsis is given on the botanical and chorological results of the series started in 2015. Key words: Asteraceae, Bromus, flowering plants, lichen-forming fungi, Hungary, Physcia, Physciaceae, Poaceae, Taraxacum.
38872	Sinigla M., Lőkös L., Varga N., Matus G., Dobronoki D. & Farkas E. (2024): The distribution of Vulpicida pinastri (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales) in Hungary. - Studia Botanica Hungarica, 55: 205–222. https://doi.org/10.17110/StudBot.2024.55.2.205. Vulpicida pinastri is considered as a vulnerable, rare lichen species in Hungary. According to the old and recent records it prefers humid, boreal-montane habitats of the Northern and the Transdanubian mountain ranges, occurring between 125 and 950 m elevations, growing especially on decaying wood and also on bark of more than 10 host tree species. Hungarian specimens are usually underdeveloped and small sized compared to those living in typical habitats in high mountains. A distribution map together with detailed locality data and some remarks on its substrate preference in Hungary are presented. Keywords: distribution maps, biodiversity, Hungary, localities, floristics, Vulpicida pinastri.
38871	Timofeeva E.A., Himelbrant D.E., Tsurykau A., Stepanchikova I.S., Bolsun I., Kirichenko V.E., Skvortsov K.I. & Neshataeva V.Y. (2025): New records of lichens and allied fungi from Koryakia (Northern Kamchatka, Russia). - Folia Cryptogamica Estonica, 62: 41–49. https://doi.org/10.12697/fce.2025.62.04. Based on the collections of Koryak geobotanical expeditions of the Komarov Botanical Institute, 21 species of lichens and lichenicolous fungi are reported as new to Koryakia: 13 of them are also new to Kamchatka; Arthonia granitophila, A. peltigerea, and Protoparmelia ochrococca are new to the Russian Far East; Fuscidea lowensis and Polycoccum microcarpum are new to Russia. Altogether 550 species of lichens and allied fungi are currently known for Koryakia. Keywords: Koryak State Reserve, Beringia, North Pacific, lichenized fungi.
38870	Ren Z., Li R., Wang C., Xue J., Wang L., Wang X. & Zhang L. (2025): Morphology, chemistry, and phylogeny reveal three new species of Lecidea (Lecideaceae) from China. - MycoKeys, 121: 341–356. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.121.161062. Three new species, Lecidea flavothallia, L. sublaboriosa, and L. tibetica, are reported from China based on morphological, chemical, and molecular characters. Lecidea flavothallia is characterized by an orange thallus and the presence of schizopeltic acid. Lecidea sublaboriosa is characterized by a sparsely developed thallus, brown hypothecium, and the presence of 4-O-demethylplanaic acid in the apothecia. Lecidea tibetica is characterized by a well-developed thallus, I+ violet medulla, hyaline to pale straw-colored hypothecium, and the presence of 2′-O-methyperlatolic acid as the major secondary metabolite. All of the new species were collected from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau in Southwest China. Detailed descriptions, discussions, and figures are provided for each species, along with a key for all known Chinese Lecidea s. str. species. Key words: East Asia, Lecidea s. str., lichen, Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, taxonomy.
38869	Zhong C.-J., Zhao Z.-T. & Hu L. (2025): The phylogeny and taxonomy of Violella (Tephromelataceae, lichenized Ascomycota), including a new species from China. - MycoKeys, 121: 329–340. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.121.155353. Violella yunnanensis C. J. Zhong & L. Hu is described as new to science. It is characterized by its esorediate, areolate to weakly warted thallus, hymenium heavily pigmented with Fucatus-violet pigment, brownish inner ascospore walls, and its chemistry (atranorin and fumarprotocetraric acid). In addition, we collected specimens of Mycoblastus sinensis Kantvilas and Violella wangii T. Sprib. & Goffinet from the holotype localities. Mycoblastus sinensis is transferred to the genus Violella based on its morphology, chemistry and phylogeny, and it is proposed as Violella sinensis (Kantvilas) C. J. Zhong & L. Hu. The morphological descriptions, pictures and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the species are provided, along with a key to the Violella species known from world. Key words: EF1-α gene, lichenized fungi, new combination, new taxa, Yunnan.
38868	Rapaccini G., Porro Z., Passatore L., Trentanovi G., Zoderer B. M., Pirelli P., Guerci L., Galasso G., Quaglini L.A., Cardarelli E., Stefanelli S., Comolli R., Ferré C., Gheza G. & Zacchini M. (2025): Interdisciplinary approach to regenerate contaminated urban sites with novel ecosystems: The multi-layer analysis of La Goccia Forest, a case study in Milan. - Forests, 16(9): 1410 [31 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091410. In the face of mounting challenges related to limited availability of urban land and ecological degradation, emerging novel ecosystems offer unique opportunities for ecological regeneration, social redefinition of space, and alternative urban visions. This study presents the multi-layer analysis of the Goccia Forest in Milan (Italy), a wild urban woodland that has developed over sealed and polluted post-industrial land, aiming to investigate the potential of this novel ecosystem to sustain Nature-based Solutions (NbSs). Using an integrated approach (surveys on fauna, vascular flora, lichens, analysis of forest evolution, mapping of sealed surfaces, and soil characterization) the research looks at the novel ecosystem as a whole, highlighting its ecological dynamics and Ecosystem Services (ES). La Goccia Forest serves as a prime example of how the implementation of NbSs is intricately intertwined with the spontaneous regeneration of urban brownfields. The present study offers the opportunity to rethink urban policies, ensuring their alignment with the demands of the population and the latest scientific knowledge. Keywords: brownfields; informal greenspaces; Nature-based Solutions; post-industrial landscape; soil desealing; spontaneous vegetation; urban regeneration; urban woodlands.
38867	Yang M., Hu H., Gao J., Lai Q.W.S., Eshboev F., Leung K.W., Dong T.T., Xu Q. & Tsim K.W.K. (2025): The identification of gyrophoric acid, a phytochemical derived from lichen, as a potent inhibitor for aggregation of amyloid beta peptide: In silico and biochemical evaluation. - International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(17): 8500 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178500. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation and neurodegeneration. This study identified gyrophoric acid, a lichen-derived phenolic metabolite, as a dual-action Aβ42 inhibitor preventing aggregation and disassembling of mature Aβ42 fibrils. Integrated in silico studies revealed that gyrophoric acid was a strong thermodynamic stabilizer of Aβ42 (MM–GBSA: −27.3 kcal/mol) via entropically driven hydrophobic interactions and disruption of aggregation-prone conformations (100 ns MD simulations). Through biochemical analysis of the fluorescent dye thioflavin T (ThT), gyrophoric acid induced rapid Aβ42 fibril disassembly within 5 h, with time-lapse confocal microscopy quantitatively confirming the near-complete dissolution of large aggregates by 24 h. ADMET profiling revealed favorable pharmacokinetics (moderate oral absorption: 48.5%–57.3%; low toxicity) and Lipinski’s rule compliance. These results establish gyrophoric acid as a promising natural bioactive compound for anti-AD therapeutics with a unique hydrophobic-stabilization mechanism. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; gyrophoric acid; natural bioactive compound; amyloid beta peptide; fibril disassembly; molecular dynamics; therapeutic development.
38866	Popovici V., Bucur L., Popescu A., Caraiane A. & Badea V. (2018): Determination of the content in usnic acid and polyphenols from the extracts of Usnea barbata L. and the evaluation of their antioxidant activity. - Farmacia, 66(2): 337-341. https://farmaciajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018-02-art-21-Popovici_Bucur_Badea_337-341.pdf. The aim of this study was the identification and quantification of the main active compounds from different Romanian Usnea barbata L. extracts and evaluation of their antioxidant activity. The vegetal product Usneae lichen was harvested from Călimani Mountains, Suceava County, Romania, in March 2016. We prepared 10% extracts in: acetone, 96% ethanol and water. The quantitative analysis of the identified constituents was performed using an HPLC method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenger DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. For this analysis, we prepared 20% extracts in: acetone, 96% ethanol and water. For each extract, we prepared two dilutions: 1:2 and 1:4. Our results showed that each extract contains usnic acid and polyphenols. The intensity of the antioxidant activity varied with the different solubility of polyphenols in each solvent.
38865	Boudreault C., P. Drapeau, M. Bouchard, M.-H. St-Laurent, L. Imbeau & Y. Bergeron (2015): Contrasting responses of epiphytic and terricolous lichens to variations in forest characteristics in northern boreal ecosystems. - Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 45(5): 595-606. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2013-0529. The main environmental factors that drive lichen communities are still poorly known in northern boreal ecosystems. This study compares the effects of forest stand characteristics (height, canopy cover, and age) on fruticose epiphytic and terricolous lichen communities across a large region located at the interface between closed-crown boreal forests and northern open woodlands in the province of Quebec (Canada). The dataset consists of 875 plots spread across a 242 000km2 territory that ranges from the eastern to the western extremities of the province. The biomass of fruticose epiphytic lichens (Alectoria, Bryoria, Evernia, and Usnea) was evaluated at the branch, tree, and plot levels, and terricolous lichen cover (Cladonia spp.) was evaluated at the plot level. The results indicate that epiphytic and terricolous lichens respond significantly but differently to variations in forest characteristics. At the plot level, epiphytic lichen biomass was highest in the oldest stands (>100 years) and lowest in stand with low canopy cover (<25%) or in stands dominated by relatively short trees (<7 m). By contrast, terricolous lichen cover was highest in stands dominated by short (<7 m) or mid-sized (7–12 m) trees and lowest in stands with a relatively high canopy cover (>40%) or stands of intermediate age (60 to 100 years old). Species composition of epiphytic communities was also examined, and some species or genera exhibit a strong association with older stands (Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach., Bryoria spp.) or with specific regions along the ca. 1500 km east–west gradient (Evernia mesomorpha Nyl. in the western part, Bryoria spp. in the central part, and A. sarmentosa in the eastern part). In terms of conservation, these results indicate that epiphytic lichens communities are potentially sensitive to the preferential logging of older stands. Both epiphytic and terricolous lichen communities are also potentially sensitive to expected climate change effects such as increased fire requencies or increased forest growth. © 2015, National Research Council of Canada. All right reserved. Boreal forest, Bryoria, Cladonia, Epiphytes, Lichen, Climate change, Ecology, Ecosystems, Forestry, Boreal forests, Bryoria, Cladonia, Epiphytes, Lichen, Fungi, Alectoria, Alectoria sarmentosa, Bryoria, Cladonia, Evernia, Evernia mesomorpha, Usnea
38864	de Albuquerque M.P., Putzke J., Schünemann A.L., Vieira F.C.B., Victoria F.D.C. & Pereira A.B. (2018): Colonisation of stranded whale bones by lichens and mosses at Hennequin Point, King George Island, Antarctica. - Polar Record, 54(1): 29-35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0032247418000062. This paper presents the details of lichens and mosses found on whale vertebrae substratum in the Admiralty Bay area, King George Island, Antarctica. Samples were taken in the coastal area at Hennequin Point, a relict of the Antarctic whaling era. The samples were collected from the upper surface of the whale bones found in the study area during the austral summer 2010–2011. A total of 15 lichen and two moss species were found. All species sampled are known in the Admiralty Bay area, both as pioneers and in more advanced succession stages in ice-free areas. These results suggest that the colonisation of whale bones is not new for Antarctic plants, but it is an additional substrate on which these plants can develop. A map showing the distribution of colonised bones and details of the usual substrata for the lichens and mosses found in this study are provided.
38863	Boguslavsky A., Yurkevich N., Saeva O. & Gaskova O. (2017): Biosorption of uranyl ion from radioactive solution. - International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, SGEM, 17(52): 113-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.5593/sgem2017/52/S20.015. U(VI) biosorption by six natural materials: three types of peats, Polytrichium moss, Eichhórnia crássipes water plant and Cladonia stellaris lichen was investigated. Natural sorbents were selected, as it is available, cheap and accessible materials. The effects of initial concentration of UO2 2- in the model radioactive solution and pH on the sorption uranyl ions were assessed. Adsorption isotherms and constants for given adsorbates and adsorbents were determined. Equilibrium is well described by Freundlich equation with the maximum biosorption capacity for Polytrichium moss as 70 mg/g after its interaction with UO2(NO3)2 solution (uranium initial concentration 959 mg/L, pH 4.4) during 24 hours. Our results reveal that peat is an efficient adsorbent for uranium that could be leached out from nuclear waste or U-containing rocks. One g/L of peat proved to be sufficient amount to remove contamination concentration of 0.3 mg/L U in contact time of 24 hours. IR spectroscopy allowed us to conclude that several functional groups in the organic compounds of examined sorbents participate in binding of the uranyl-ion: -CH, -COO, -COOH, -C=O. Therefore, the uranyl-ion bind with organic compounds of the peat and moss samples mainly due to the interaction of carboxyl group with uranyl-ions. The increased sorption in alkaline conditions and pH values decreased after experiments confirm the chemical sorption. However, the Freundlich adsorption isotherms and SEM mapping of the U species indicate surface adsorption also.
38862	McKenzie T., Normand L., Iwanycki N., Miller G. & Prior P. (2018): Assessing the utility of a novel terrestrial biodiversity quality indicator with 10 years of monitoring data. - Ecological Indicators, 85: 422-431. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.09.049. We introduce a novel terrestrial biodiversity quality index developed to inform conservation management at a regional/local scale. Our index, the indicator species score (ISS), is derived from data for indicator birds, amphibians, mammals, plants and lichens representative of the major landscape-scale habitat types in the region and a range of sensitivities to urbanization. The ISS incorporates the conservation concern scores of the species monitored.
38861	Tacan R.O., Tina-Picaza P.L.D., Leysa-Yama S.R.J.R. & Cardinas N.F. (2025): Baseline survey of lichen flora in the montane forests of Mt. Mayo Range, Tarragona, Davao Oriental. - Psychology and Education, 42(10): 1457–1461. doi: 10.70838/pemj.421010. This study presents a baseline survey of lichen flora in the montane forests of Mt. Mayo Range, Tarragona, Davao Oriental, an understudied region in southeastern Mindanao, Philippines. Lichens, known bioindicators and key ecological contributors, are increasingly threatened by deforestation and climate variability, yet little is known about their distribution in many Philippine montane ecosystems. Using a transect walk sampling method, 54 lichen specimens were collected, of which 16 species were identified across 7 families and 11 genera, indicating moderate species richness. Lobariaceae and Parmeliaceae showed the highest genus richness (3 genera each), while Physciaceae exhibited the greatest species count within a single genus (4 species), suggesting adaptability and ecological resilience. Diversity indices—Shannon (H = 1.787), Simpson’s dominance (D = 0.188), and Evenness (E = 0.918)— revealed a moderately diverse and balanced community structure. These results highlight the ecological stability of Mt. Mayo's montane habitat and its potential for hosting diverse lichen communities. This initial inventory fills a critical data gap and underscores the need for extended lichenological surveys and conservation strategies across Mindanao’s unexplored forest ecosystems. The findings provide foundational data for future ecological assessments, conservation planning, and possible ethnobotanical applications of lichens known for their bioactive compounds. Keywords: species richness, philippines, lichen diversity, Mt. Mayo Range, Davao Oriental, transect method.
38860	Anilkumar A., Christy A. & Sequeira S. (2025): Pyxine janakiae (Caliciaceae): A new lichen species from the Southern Western Ghats, India. - Phytotaxa, 716(1): 65–70. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.716.1.7. A new saxicolous lichen species, Pyxine janakiae, belonging to the family Caliciaceae is described from Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala, India. The new species is morphologically similar to Pyxine himalayensis but differs by the absence of pseudocyphellae on the thallus, an internal stipe that is brown to brownish orange with a white colouration in the lower region, and different TLC components. Keywords: Lichenized Ascomycota, Western Ghats, Kerala, Idukki, Mathikettan Shola National Park.
38859	Paoli L., Fačkovcová Z. & Guttová A. (2025): Reconstructing air pollution trends in remote forests of Central Europe using lichen herbarium specimens. - Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 89: 34–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-025-01134-9. Lichen collections may contribute to a better understanding of past environmental conditions. By analysing herbarium specimens and recently collected material of the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria, this study reconstructs six decades (1960–2022) of air quality changes in remote forests of Central Europe (the Western Carpathians). Twenty specimens were selected for retrospective analysis of major and trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, and Zn), focusing on both historical and current background concentrations. The results revealed peaks of potentially toxic elements (As, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, S, and Sb) up to 1989, with a progressive decline observed thereafter, particularly for Pb following the introduction of unleaded gasoline. Background element concentrations from 1960 to 1989 were at least four times higher than actual levels. The study highlights the value of herbarium collections for reconstructing air pollution history and tracking changes in background element concentrations in remote areas, particularly when alternative data sources are unavailable. It also addresses both the opportunities and limitations of this approach.
38858	Dúhová D., Hofmeister J., Meigs G.W., Halda J., Kozák D., Ferenčík M., Gloor R., Markuljaková K., Pavlin J., Pardus I., Salerno A.R., Frankovič M., Janda P., Dušátko M., Svoboda M. & Mikoláš M. (2025): Biodiversity in primary vs. managed forests: Biological legacies of old living and large dead trees drive lichen diversity. - Forest Ecosystems, 14: 100374 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100374. Anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to the loss and fragmentation of primary forests across the globe, which has accelerated biodiversity decline, particularly among highly specialised species dependent on unique forest structures. Nevertheless, comparative studies between primary and managed forests are scarce, despite their importance for effective monitoring and conservation planning. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comparative study using a unique dataset of permanent study plots established across some of the best-preserved, mixed-beech primary forests and their adjacent managed counterparts in the Western Carpathian Mountains. We assessed the effects of forest structure and tree age—determined through extensive dendrochronological reconstructions—on contemporary lichen communities. Lichen species richness and the richness of red-listed species were 26% and 50% higher in primary forests than in managed forests, respectively, highlighting the outstanding conservation importance of primary forests. Generalised least squares (GLS) modelling demonstrated that in managed forests, lichen species richness was strongly associated with structural attributes: It increased with maximum tree age and the diameter of standing deadwood, and decreased with higher basal area (BA) of living trees, likely due to reduced understory light. In contrast, no structural variables significantly explained richness in primary forests, likely due to structural saturation and widespread microhabitat availability. Elevation emerged as the sole variable with significant explanatory strength. These findings underscore the critical role of structural complexity in supporting lichen diversity under different management regimes and provide a robust evidence base for promoting elements such as old trees, deadwood—especially large standing deadwood—and reduced canopy density. At the same time, they reaffirm the irreplaceable value of primary forests as biodiversity refuges and highlight the need for landscape-level conservation strategies that integrate both intact primary and structurally enriched managed forests. Keywords: Species richness; Biodiversity conservation; Forest management; Forest structure; Deadwood; Old-growth forest.
38857	Rosentreter R., DeBolt A. & Robb B. (2025): Fire effects on lichen biodiversity in longleaf pine habitat. - Forests, 16(9): 1385 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091385. Longleaf pine forests are economically important habitats that stabilize and enrich the soil and store carbon over long periods. When mixed with oaks, these forests provide an abundance of lichen habitats. The tree canopy lichens promote greater moisture capture and retention and encourage canopy insects. Ground lichens limit some vascular plant germination and growth, promoting a more open and healthy pine community. There is a longstanding mutualistic relationship between longleaf pine habitat and lichens. Longleaf pine habitat has a long history of natural summer burning, which promotes a diverse understory and limits tree densities. Lichen diversity exceeds vascular plant diversity in many mature longleaf pine habitats, yet information on the impacts of prescribed fire on lichen species in these habitats is limited. We assessed lichen diversity and abundance before and after a prescribed ground fire in a longleaf pine/wiregrass habitat near Ocala, Florida. Pre-burn, we found greater lichen abundance and diversity on hardwoods, primarily oak species, than on pines. Post-burn, lichen abundance on hardwoods dropped overall by 28%. Lichen abundance on conifers dropped overall by 94%. Ground lichen species were basically eliminated, with a 99.5% loss. Our study provides insights into retaining lichen diversity after a prescribed burn. Hardwood trees, whether alive or standing dead, help retain lichen biodiversity after burning, whereas conifer trees do not support as many species. Landscapes may need to be actively managed by raking pine needle litter away from ground lichen beds, moistening the ground, or removing some lichen material before the burn and returning it to the site post-fire. Based on these results, we suggest retaining some oaks and conducting burns in a mosaic pattern that retains unburned areas. This will allow for lichens to recover between burns, significantly enhancing biodiversity and the ecological health of these longleaf pine communities. Keywords: prescribed fire; ecology; Florida; restoration; oaks; management.
38856	Francesconi L., Conti M., Martellos S., Di Nuzzo L., Gheza G., Nimis P.L., Pistocchi C. & Nascimbene J. (2025): Dolichens: An Information System on the Lichens of the Dolomites. - Journal of Fungi, 11(9): 624 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090624. Lichens, despite their key role as environmental indicators and their ecological importance, remain underrepresented in conservation policies, largely due to fragmented exploration of several areas, as well as limited availability of data in digital platforms. The UNESCO World Heritage area of the Dolomites (N Italy) is well-investigated as far as lichen diversity is concerned, with a long history of lichenological exploration since the 19th century. However, the relevant amount of data produced by these efforts was scattered and often not accessible in digital format, thus hindering data accessibility and usability. In this paper, we present Dolichens, a novel web platform designed to aggregate data about lichen diversity in the Dolomites. The platform aims at making available a comprehensive resource to support research, monitoring, and conservation of lichen diversity in the Dolomites, while ensuring data interoperability with the most relevant global repositories. Keywords: Alps; biodiversity informatics; Darwin Core; data mobilization; open data; web-GIS.
38855	Hansen E.S. (2018): Contribution to the lichen biota of South West Greenland, Ivittuut area. - Botanica Lithuanica, 24(2): 143-149. https://doi.org/10.2478/botlit-2018-0014. The paper lists 180 lichen taxa from Ivittuut area, South West Greenland. Nine lichen taxa are new to South West Greenland, viz. Aspicilia aquatica, A. berntii, Candelariella dispersa, Cephalophysis leucospila, Endocarpon pulvinatum, Ionaspis suaveolens, Lecanora atromarginata, Thelidium pyrenophorum and Vestergrenopsis elaeina.
38854	Calabria L. M., Arnold A., Charatz E., Eide G., Hynson L. M., Jackmond G., Nannes J., Stone D. & Villella J. (2015): Bryophytes and Lichens from the South Puget Sound Prairies of Western Washington. - Evansia, 32(1): 30-41 . https://doi.org/10.1639/079.032.0106. We present a checklist of soil-dwelling bryophytes and lichens for the south Puget Sound prairies based on field investigations of seven prairie sites conducted over the period of 2012–2014. We report a total of 32 terrestrial bryophyte taxa including 27 mosses and 5 liverworts, representing 20 families and 27 genera. We report a total of 32 terrestrial lichen taxa, representing three families and three genera. Four lichens, Cladonia novochlorophaea, Cladonia ciliata var. ciliata, Cladonia ciliata var. tenuis and Cladonia portentosa ssp. pacifica are proposed State-listed lichens considered rare by the Washington Natural Heritage Program. We report one additional species that was not listed on the WNHP rare lichen list, but appears to be rare in Washington: Cladonia concinna. We recommend that Cladonia concinna be added to the Washington Natural Heritage list of rare lichens. We did not find any State-listed bryophytes. We did, however, find one non-native moss, Pseudoscleropodium purum, which appears to be introduced to the Puget Sound prairies and one native ephemeral moss, Funaria hygrometrica, that may have been unintentionally outplanted to burned areas of the prairies we surveyed along with greenhouse grown native vascular plant plugs. The species list presented here should provide a starting point for assessing the current and future conservation status of soil-dwelling bryophyte and lichen communities of the south Puget Sound prairies.
38853	Ahmed E.F., Elkhateeb W.A., Taie H.A.A., Rateb M.E. & Fayad W. (2017): Biological capacity and chemical composition of secondary metabolites from representatives Japanese lichens. - Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 7(1): 98-103. https://dx.doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2017.70113. Lichens represent a well-known symbiotic system. Brachythecium velutinum (Brown), Brachythecium rutabulum, Lepraria incana, Brachythecium velutinum (Green) and Dirinaria applanata were collected from the tree trunks and rocks in Japanese forests. The alcoholic extracts of these lichens were examined for their antioxidant and cytotoxicity effect. Dirinaria applanata methanolic extract (2.5 mg /mL–1) was the most active in scavenging DPPH free radical (75.09±0.37%) and in reducing Fe3+/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form (1.88±0.03). It was also the most potent in ABTS•+ scavenging activity using ABTS assay 89.35%) at a concentration (0.5 mg.mL–1). Brachythecium rutabulum and Dirinaria applanata extracts demonstrated a significant in vitro cytotoxic effect on 549 human lung carcinoma cell line with IC50 values (34.7±2.1 and 38.6±2.8) µg/mL, respectively. Dereplication of these extracts using LC-HRMS was performed to gain insight about secondary metabolism profiles of these lichens and their rule in the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.
38852	Melekhin A.V. (2025): Atrophysma cyanomelanos (Pannariaceae) – a new lichen genus and species for Eurasia from the Polar Urals (Russia). - Turczaninowia, 28(1): 84–87. https://www.doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.28.1.9. Atrophysma cyanomelanos is reported for the first time for the Eurasia from the European part of the northern end of the Polar Urals (Russia). Morphological features of the Russian specimen were identical to those from Alaska. The main morphological differences of this species from related taxa are given in this manuscript. Substrate chemistry, light conditions and moisture regime were similar for the specimens found in the Polar Urals and Alaska. Keywords: Alaska, Arctic, biogeography, cyanolichens, new record.
38851	Харпухаева Т.M. [Kharpukhaeva T.M.] (2025): Новые местонахождения видов рода Lepraria (лихенизированные аскомицеты) в Сибири и Казахстане [New data of Lepraria species (lichenized Ascomycetes) in Siberia and Kazakhstan]. - Turczaninowia, 28(2): 149–162. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.28.2.15 . [in Russian with English abstract: ] The paper presents data on eleven species of the genus Lepraria for Kazakhstan and the Asian part of Russia. Two species, L. caesioalba and L. eburnea, are reported as new for Kazakhstan and the Republic of Altai (Russia). Lepraria diffusa is new for Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Buryatia. Lepraria alpina, L. caesioalba, L. neglecta are new for Central Siberian Plateau. Lepraria nivalis is new for Krasnoyarsk Territory and Irkutsk Region. Three new records for the Republic of Buryatia and new localities for seven species are presented. Keywords: Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve, Altaisky Biosphere State Nature Reserve, Central Siberian Plateau, Dzherginsky State Reserve, Irkutsk Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Republic of Altai, Republic of Buryatia, Russia, Tunkinsky National Nature Park.
38850	Naranjo-Orrico D., Purhonen J., Furneaux B., Ketola K., Ovaskainen O. & Abrego N. (2025): The importance of within-log sampling replication in bark- and wood-inhabiting fungal metabarcoding studies. - Environmental DNA, 7: e70181 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70181. Despite the widespread use of metabarcoding approaches in wood-inhabiting fungal studies, there is currently no standardized procedure for sampling deadwood. How to sample and how much to replicate within logs varies among studies, making comparisons difficult. Here, we provide quantitative results about how bark-and wood-inhabiting fungi vary along logs in early decay stages, compared to how they vary between logs. For this, we used two datasets: one representing variation in the sample's location along the logs (tree part; bottom, middle or top) and across tree species (pine or spruce), and another representing small-scale variation (tens of centimeters) in sampling location and variation in sample type (wood or bark). Additionally, we conducted a visual survey of epiphytic lichens to assess the efficiency of bark metabarcoding for surveying epiphytic lichens. Our results show that the diversity of fungi varies greatly between tree species and among the tree parts. Yet, within the tree parts, fungal community composition is relatively homogeneous, with an increasing number of samples only moderately increasing the number of species detected. Strikingly, our results reveal bark samples to be especially species-rich, holding threefold the diversity of the wood beneath it, which represents a subset of the diversity found in bark. This finding suggests that the common practice of excluding bark-inhabiting fungal diversity in studies of saproxylic species in early decay-stage logs overlooks a substantial part of the saproxylic diversity. We found a poor overlap between lichen species identified morphologically and those detected via bark metabarcoding; however, both methods captured consistent patterns in how lichen diversity varied across the logs. We conclude that to gain a representative view of the fungal community composition in early decay-stage deadwood, bark should be included in fungal surveys and that replication within logs should focus on covering the different tree parts. Keywords: deadwood | eDNA metabarcoding | lichen | molecular survey | sampling standardization | saprotrophic | saproxylic.
38849	Гагарина Л.В., Степанчикова И.С., Гимельбрант Д.Е. & Комарницкая Н.А. [Gagarina L.V., Stepanchikova I.S., Himelbrant D.E. & Komarnitskaya N.A.] (2025): О некоторых эпифилльных лишайниках, собранных В. К. Семашко на Кавказе [About some foliicolous lichens collected by V. Semashko in the Caucasus]. - Вестник Тверского государственного университета. Серия: Биология и экология [Vestnik/Herald of Tver State University. Series: Biology and Ecology], 2025/2(78): 111–117. . [in Russian with English abstract: ] As a result of the revision of historical collection of lichens from Caucasus, one new species of lichenicolous fungi for Transcaucasia was identified – Bryostigma phaeophysciae (Grube & Matzer) S.Y. Kondr. & Hur, and the lichenological question of the first half of the 20th century has been solved. Keywords: Bryostigma phaeophysciae, Hyperphyscia adglutinata, Physciella chloantha, historical collections, botanical gardens.
38848	Martínez-Habibe M.C., Espana-Puccini P. & Miranda-González R. (2025): Little giants: Lichens in tropical dry forests. - Forests, 16(9): 1364 [24 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091364. Lichens, complex symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic partners, are widespread in terrestrial ecosystems but remain poorly studied in tropical dry forests (TDFs). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diversity, ecological roles, adaptive traits, and ethnobotanical uses of lichens in TDFs, with a focus on the Neotropics. As most lichens discussed here are crustose species that inhabit tree bark, this paper also provides a thoughtful review of the origin, distribution, and highly heterogeneous floristic composition of TDFs, which directly shape lichen habitats. It discusses how lichens have evolved to cope with seasonal water stress, emphasizing desiccation tolerance as a key feature of the symbiosis. This review also explores lichen community composition, interactions with host trees, microclimatic conditions, herbivory, and soil crust formation. Despite evidence of high species richness, functional diversity, and ecological importance, lichens in TDFs are largely overlooked in conservation strategies. Moreover, several regions remain vastly understudied, and many species likely remain undescribed. Ethnolichenological practices, though scarce, underscore the cultural and medicinal value of these organisms. Given the high rates of habitat loss and endemism in TDFs, there is a pressing need to expand research on lichen diversity and to investigate the evolutionary origins of their survival strategies. The conservation of these lichens is inseparable from the conservation of TDFs themselves. Understanding how lichens adapt to the harsh and variable conditions of TDFs is essential for integrating them into biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration frameworks. Keywords: tropical dry forest; ethnolichenology; forest conservation; lichen diversity; ecology.
38847	Kantvilas G. (2025): Further notes on and additions to the thelotremoid Graphidaceae (lichenised fungi) in Tasmania, with the description of six new species. - Phytotaxa, 715(2): 101–116. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.2.1. The following new taxa are described, based principally on collections from Tasmania: Diploschistes infestans Kantvilas, also present in New Zealand and subantarctic Macquarie Island, a lichenicolous species on Stereocaulon, with (2–)4–6(–8)-spored asci and ellipsoid, muriform ascospores, 26–46 × 12–22 μm, with 5–7(–8) transverse and 1–3 longitudinal septa; Thelotrema oleariae Kantvilas, with 8-spored asci and fusiform, faintly amyloid, grey-brown to brown, sparingly muriform ascospores, 35–78 × 9–15 μm, with 10–15 transverse and 0–1 longitudinal septa; T. pinicola Kantvilas, with generally 8-spored asci and fusiform-ellipsoid, non-amyloid, brown to grey-brown, richly muriform ascospores, 44–130 × 14–30 μm, with c. 20–30 transverse and up to 5 longitudinal septa; T. subdefectum Kantvilas, with (6–)8-spored asci and ellipsoid, faintly amyloid, hyaline, muriform ascospores, 25–46 × 10–20 μm, with 5–8 transverse and 1–3 longitudinal septa; Topeliopsis obscura Kantvilas, with 4–8-spored asci, hyaline, fusiform to narrowly ellipsoid, non-amyloid ascospores, 50–122 × 9–22 μm, with 9–19 transverse septa, and usually containing traces of stictic acid; T. scopulana Kantvilas, a saxicolous species with a relatively thick, well-developed thallus lacking lichen substances, 2-spored asci, and hyaline, richly muriform, ellipsoid, intensely amyloid ascospores, 44–110 × 13–34 μm, with (8–)10–15 transverse and 1–4 longitudinal septa. Identification keys for Thelotrema and Topeliopsis in Tasmania and southern Australia are provided. Ocellularia jugalis Müll.Arg. is a new synonym for Thelotrema bicavatum Nyl. Catillaria stereocaularum (Th.Fr.) H.Oliver, a further parasite on Stereocaulon, is recorded for Australasia (Tasmania) for the first time. Key words: Athrotaxis, Australia, Catillaria, Diploschistes, lichenicolous fungi, new species, New Zealand, Thelotrema, Topeliopsis.
38846	Wu W., Jiang S.-H., Chai L.-S., Bo H.-Y., Jayawardena R.S., Fu S.-B. & Meng Q.-F. (2025): Four new species of the lichen genus Diorygma (Graphidaceae, Ostropales) from Guizhou, China. - MycoKeys, 121: 111–142. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.121.157714. Four new species of the lichen genus Diorygma from China are described based on morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic evidence. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using both RAxML and Bayesian posterior probability inference, based on combined LSU and mtSSU sequences. The characteristic compounds were analyzed by colorimetric reactions and thin-layer chromatography. Diorygma guizhouense is characterized by small apothecia, a narrow to slightly open disc covered with white pruina, and the presence of stictic, salazinic, and norstictic acids. Diorygma leigongshanense is characterized by small, oval apothecia, a disc surrounded by entire, raised, and widely open thalline margins covered with thin, pale yellowish pruina, and the same chemical substances as D. guizhouense. Diorygma locitonitrus is distinguished by the presence of salazinic acid and hyaline, richly muriform ascospores, notably with distinctly smaller peripheral cells compared to the central cells. Diorygma weii is characterized by stellately branched apothecia with a closed to slit-like disc, a milky white thallus tinged with green, and the presence of only norstictic acid. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new species are provided, along with a comprehensive species checklist highlighting the diagnostic characteristics of the known species in this genus. Key words: 4 new species, lichenized fungi, morphology, muriform, phylogeny.
38845	Khymych E.O. & Khodosovtsev O.Ye. (2025): Rare lichens and lichenicolous fungi from the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. - Чорноморський ботанічний журнал [Chornomorski Botanical Journal], 21(2): 144–152. https://doi.org/10.32999/ksu1990-553X/2025-21-2-4. [in Ukrainian with English title and abstract:] Question: What rare lichens have been found recently in Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park? Location: Zakarpattia region, Ukraine. Materials and methods: field research, microscope technique. Nomenclature: Index Fungorum. Results: Thirteen rare lichen species Absconditella sphagnorum, Arthonia granitophila, Dendrographa latebrarum, Enterographa zonata, Halecania viridescens, Ionaspis lacustris, Fellhanera subtilis, Gyrographa gyrocarpa, Haematomma ochroleucum, Stereocaulon dactylophyllum, S. pileatum, Trapelia corticola, Zamenhofia pseudohibernica, along with two species of lichenicolous fungi, Taeniolella friesii and Zyzygomyces physciacearum, have been newly recorded for the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. These species were known only from a scattered localities in Ukraine, mainly in the Carpathians. The species Dendrographa latebrarum is reported here for the first time from the Ukrainian Carpathians. Arthonia granitophila, Halecania viridescens and Taeniolella friesii were previously known only from a single location in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Ionaspis lacustris and Stereocaulon dactylophyllum each previously known from just one locality in Ukraine, have now been rediscovered in the Volcanic Carpathians after 73 and 93 years, respectively. Detatiled data on the localities and occurrences of all species within Ukraine is provided. Keywords: biodiversity, fungi, species, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine.
38844	Rodrigues D., Clerc P., Gerlach A., Goward T., Humbert R., Jordan S., Ohmura Y., Pereira I., Pouchon C. & Naciri Y. (2025): From one to five putative species: an unexpected high genetic diversity in Usnea flavocardia (lichenized Ascomycetes, Parmeliaceae) with the discovery of a new clade within the subgenus Usnea s.str.. - Plant and Fungal Systematics, 70(2): 39–53. https://doi.org/10.35535/pfsyst-2025-0005. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity within Usnea flavocardia, a widespread species found in all continents except Antarctica. The species is characterized by a shrubby thallus growth form, the presence of soralia, a yellow central axis and/or the presence of red dots on the cortex. Using ITS rDNA and two protein-coding genes (mcm7 and rpb1) in a multispecies coalescent (MSC) approach, we showed that U. flavocardia comprises five different lineages, four of which can be considered as putative new species. Each of the five lineages, except one, is characterized by specific chemical compounds. Within the outgroup that was used in this study, we furthermore showed that U. gaudichaudii and U. eulychniae, both endemic to Chile, constitute a new major clade in the subgenus Usnea s.str. Key words: fatty acids, lichens, multi-species coalescent, species delimitation, STACEY, thin layer chromatography, ITS, mcm7, rpb1.
38843	Степанчикова И.С., Родионова А.А., Гимельбрант Д.Е., Кузнецова Е.С. & Зуева А.С. [Stepanchikova I.S., Rodionova A.A., Himelbrant D.E., Kuznetsova E.S. & Zueva A.S.] (2025): Лихенобиота Баболовского парка (Санкт-Петербург) [Lichen biota of Babolovsky park (Saint Petersburg)]. - Вестник Тверского государственного университета. Серия: Биология и экология [Vestnik/Herald of Tver State University. Series: Biology and Ecology], 2025/1(77): 116–138. . [in Russian with English abstract: ] A study of the lichen biota of Babolovsky Park (Saint Petersburg) was conducted in autumn 2023. The survey revealed 170 lichen species, 8 nonlichenized saprotrophic fungi, and 6 lichenicolous fungi. Five species were recorded as new to Saint Petersburg: Absconditella celata, Alyxoria culmigena, Arthopyrenia atomariella, Corticifraga fuckelii, and Lecania subfuscula. Keywords: Pushkinsky District, North-West European Russia, protected species.
38842	Tobolewski Z. (1969): Materialy do flory porostow Tatr VI. [Materials to the lichen flora in the Tatry Mountains. VI.]. - Poznanskie Towarzystwo Przyjaciol Nauk, Wydzial Matematyczno-Przyrodniczy, Prace Komisji Biol., 21(Zeszyt 5): 1-31. . The author gives the results of his investigations on the lichen flora of the Tatry Mts. during the years 1964 and 1966. He enumerates 168 species. The main purpose of his investigations was to treat the families Lecideaceae and Lecanoraceae which were neglected so far. New for the Polish part of the Tatry Mts. are: Calicium ligni-colum, Opegrapha subsiderella, Arthonia leucopellaea, Schismatomma abietinum, Gyalecta gloeocapsa, G. geoica, Lecidea caesioatra, L. xanthococca, L. pullata, L. efflorescens, L. vernalis, Catillaria atropurpurea, Bacidia microcarpa, B. subincompta, Sarcogyne pusilla, Pertusaria melanochlora, Lecanora nemoralis, Caloplaca xantholyta
38841	García-Muñoz A. & Pino-Bodas R. (2025): Evaluating the assembly strategy of a fungal genome from metagenomic data: Solorina crocea (Peltigerales, Ascomycota) as a case study. - Journal of Fungi, 11(8): 596 [22 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080596. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has given rise to considerably diverse techniques. However, integrating data from these technologies to generate high-quality genomes remains challenging, particularly when starting from metagenomic data. To provide further insight into this process, the genome of the lichenized fungus Solorina crocea was sequenced using DNA extracted from the thallus, which contains the genome of the mycobiont, along with those of the photobionts (a green alga and a cyanobacterium), and other associated microorganisms. Three different strategies were assessed for the assembly of a de novo genome, employing data obtained from Illumina and PacBio HiFi technologies: (1) hybrid assembly based on metagenomic data; (2) assembly based on metagenomic long reads and scaffolded with filtered mycobiont long and short reads; (3) hybrid assembly based on filtered mycobiont short and long reads. Assemblies were compared according to contiguity and completeness criteria. Strategy 2 achieved the most continuous and complete genome, with a size of 55.5 Mb, an N50 of 148.5 kb, and 519 scaffolds. Genome annotation and functional prediction were performed, including identification of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. Genome annotation predicted 6151 genes, revealing a high number of genes associated with transport, carbohydrate metabolism, and stress response. Keywords: de novo genome assembly; lichenized fungi; metagenomics; functional annotation.
38840	Chauhan A. & Banerjee R.A. (2025): Critical review of microplastic contamination in high altitude ecosystems, transport pathways, ecological risks, and imminent solutions. - Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 236: 785 [19 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-025-08424-x. The contamination of the environment by plastics has seen an extensive growth in the past years. The effects of plastics have been examined on marine ecosystems but rarely on high altitude areas including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In this review, we emphasize the contamination of high-altitude remote areas by plastics that attain size below 5mm, called microplastics (MPs) and are an emerging issue worldwide. In the last decade, environmental contamination by MP has raised grave concerns in society and scientific community due to their effects on ecological systems and human health. The region, distribution, source, transport and type of MP affecting remote lakes, rivers, mountains and glaciers have been discussed in the review paper. These MPs can be released into remote areas from anthropogenic sources like tourism activities in the remote areas and are transported through the wind. Various types of MPs such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, Polyurethane, Polyacrylamide have been identified. From this review, it has been concluded that proper regulation and implementation are needed to be put in place for the management of MPs as it affects the flora, fauna and remote dwellings of high-altitude areas. There still occurs a research gap on the effects of MPs in the ecology of remote environments due to a lack of standardized identification and sampling methods and physical limitations owing to the rough terrains. A critical analysis of policymaking and implementation is a prerequisite for handling the MPs epidemic in remote areas as it affects the disadvantaged strata of society. Keywords: Microplastic · Remote area · River · Policy · High-altitude area.
38839	Murugesan B., Somasundram B., Samykannu G., Karuppiah P., Muthusamy N., Agalya K. & Bharathi V. (2025): Exploring lichen-derived compounds as potential anti-cervical cancer agents: an DFT and MD simulation analysis. - In Silico Pharmacology, 13: 114 [20 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-025-00380-y. Lichen-derived compounds have demonstrated promising anti-cancer potential, attributed to their bioavailability and unique structural properties. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of five lichen compounds—fumarprotocetraric acid, salazinic acid, evernic acid, sekikaic acid, and lobaric acid—against cervical cancer, using molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Drug-likeness validation confirmed that evernic acid, topotecan, and ifosfamide adhere to Lipinski’s rule of five. Molecular docking against ten cervical cancer target proteins revealed high binding affinities, with fumarprotocetraric acid (− 10.4 kcal/mol against 1KTZ), salazinic acid (− 10.9 kcal/mol against 2PVF), and evernic acid (− 11.3 kcal/mol against 2BIM) outperforming standard drugs such as topotecan (− 10.2 kcal/mol against 2BIM). ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) profiling confirmed favorable pharmacokinetics, with salazinic acid exhibiting the highest human intestinal absorption (89.35%). Bioactivity analysis further supported enhanced activity for lichen compounds (0.0–5.0) compared to standard drugs (− 5.0–0.0). DFT analysis demonstrated lower energy gaps for fumarprotocetraric acid (− 0.1806 eV) and salazinic acid (− 0.1632 eV), indicating high chemical reactivity. MD simulations confirmed greater stability of lichen-protein complexes over anti-cancer drugs, with the 2BIM-evernic acid complex displaying the highest Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) binding energy (− 114.29 kcal/mol). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of fumarprotocetraric acid, salazinic acid, and evernic acid, warranting further preclinical investigations to establish their efficacy against cervical cancer. Keywords: ADME profile · Cervical cancer · DFT · Lichens · Molecular docking · MD simulations.
38838	Das S., Shivaleela B., Jabin R., Datta S., Yasmin F., Babu R.L. & Sen A. (2025): In-silico inquest reveal the efficacy of Usnea longissima ach. (A tropical Lichen) against ovarian cancer. - In Silico Pharmacology, 13: 116 [27 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-025-00408-3. Ovarian cancer being the deadliest malignancy for women, with conventional medication often limited by side effects on normal cell. Phytocompounds based therapies have promising alternative due to their fewer adverse side effects and diverse therapeutic benefits. Lichen shows relationship between algae and fungi, are known for producing unique secondary metabolites with potent bioactivity. In this study, Usnea longissima was investigated for its anticancer properties against ovarian cancer using in-silico approaches such as ADMET screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and network pharmacology. Bioactive compounds were first identified by GC–MS analysis. Phytocompounds were screened out by ADME analysis. Two particular compounds 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid were focused based on their strong their binding affinities. These compounds exhibit significant binding affinities to ovarian cancer proteins such as FGFR3 and AKT1, MSH6 and ESR1 with docking scores of − 9.5, − 9.5, − 8.2, − 8.0 kcal/mol respectively, comparable to the binding affinity of the reference drug Pemigatinib. Simulations yielded extremely satisfactory findings for the protein ligand RMSD and RMSF, Rg, SASA, PSA, MM-GBSA profile and network analysis revealed a strong degree of inter-protein association. Despite the work on lichens, only a limited number of lichen species have been explored for their biological efficacy and their therapeutic potential as medicine. In this study, we highlighted the potential of lichen-derived phytocompounds in ovarian cancer treatment and highlights specially 7-acetyl-1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 6-hexamethyl tetralin as promising candidates for future drug development. Further exploration of lichen metabolites may offer novel, effective, and safer therapeutic strategies against ovarian cancer. Keywords: Usnea longissima · Ovarian cancer · Molecular dynamic simulation · Network pharmacology · Protein protein network (PPi) · Gene ontology.
38837	Silva I., Salvador C., Miller A.Z., Candeias A. & Caldeira A.T. (2025): Addressing biodeterioration at UNESCO stone monuments: Tomar convent and Batalha Monastery. - International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 205: 106188 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106188. Biodeterioration poses a major challenge to the conservation of stone monuments, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Convent of Christ and the Batalha Monastery in Portugal. This study introduces novel sampling locations in both monuments, allowing a more targeted characterization of the eukaryotic microbial communities colonizing the Convent of Christ's stone surfaces. Microbiota distribution across distinct zones revealed that key lichenized fungi with biodeteriogenic potential—Dirina, Xanthoria, Purpureocillium, Verrucaria, and Cystocoleus—were predominant, as identified by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Additionally, an orange-pink bacterial biofilm from the Batalha Monastery was analyzed through colorimetric techniques and antimicrobial assays, demonstrating that Biotin-T was the most effective treatment, inhibiting bacterial growth while preserving the stone's original appearance and progressively reducing microbial viability over time. These findings provide insights into biodeterioration processes and offer potential solutions for the conservation of historic stone heritage. Keywords: Biodeterioration; Environmental DNA; NGS; Stone monuments; Pink pigmentation; Antimicrobial assays; Heritage preservation.
38836	de Lange P.J. & Galloway D.J. (2015): Lichen notes from the Kermadec Islands. I. Lobariaceae. - Auckland Museum Bulletin, 20: 115-137. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-James-Lange/publication/281378333_Lichen_notes_from_the_Kermadec_Islands_II_Ramalina/links/55e4db2108aede0b573582ce/Lichen-notes-from-the-Kermadec-Islands-II-Ramalina.pdf?origin=publicationDetail&_sg%5B0%5D=. The Lobariaceae of the Kermadec Islands group, South Pacific are treated. Four genera of the family are present: Crocodia, Podostictina, Pseudocyphellaria and Sticta. Two species of Crocodia (Crocodia. aurata, C. poculifera), two species of Podostictina (P. nermula, P. pickeringii) nineteen species of Pseudocyphellaria (P. argyracea, P. bartlettii, P. carpoloma, P. chloroleuca, P. crocata, P. dissimilis, P. episticta, P. glabra, P. godeffroyi, P. haywardiorum, P. homalosticta, P. insculpta, P. intricata, P. multifida, P. prolificans, P. punctillaris, P. reineckeana, P. semilanata and P. sulphurea) and nine species of Sticta (S. babingtonii, S. brevipes, S. caperata, S. cyphellulata, S. fuliginosa, S. limbata, S. pedunculata, S. squamata and S. wiegelii) are accepted for the Kermadec Islands group, all of which are known only from Raoul Island, the other islands apparently not supporting any members of the family. Pseudocyphellaria godeffroyi, P. homalosticta, P. prolificans, P. punctillaris, P. reineckeana, P. semilanata, P. sulphurea, Sticta brevipes, S. caperata, S. cyphellulata, S. pedunculata and S. wiegelii are all additions to New Zealand%92s lichen mycobiota. Although two species of Podostictina are present on the Kermadec Islands only one of these, P. pickeringii, currently has a valid name in that genus the other remains in Pseudocyphellaria as P. nermula. Therefore, we provide here a new combination in Podostictina, P. nermula (D.J.Galloway) de Lange et D.J.Galloway for this second species. Also to complete the full transfer of the remaining five New Zealand and South American Pseudocyphellaria belonging to Podostictina the necessary combinations are made. A key to species is presented and the family Lobariaceae in the Kermadec Islands group is discussed in relation to its known distribution in the wider Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. We conclude that the unusual diversity of the Lobariaceae in relation to other nearby island groups relates to the dense forest cover that Raoul Island has maintained throughout its human history, dispersal of these lichens propagules from New Zealand, and the northeastern Pacific, and also, by the dispersal of propagules of western Pacific tropical species of Pseudocyphellaria and Sticta by cyclones generated between the northern coast of Australia and the Solomon Islands. "KERMADEC ISLANDS GROUP, RAOUL ISLAND, LOBAIRACEAE, CROCODIA, PODOSTICTINA, PSEUDOCYPHELLARIA, STICTA, NEW COMBINATION, NEW RECORDS, BIOGEOGRAPHY, TROPICAL CYCLONES, NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL REGION"
38835	de Lange P.J. & Blanchon D.J. (2015): Lichen notes from the Kermadec Islands. II. Ramalina. - Bulletin of the Auckland Museum, 20: 171-181. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-James-Lange/publication/281377578_Lichen_notes_from_the_Kermadec_Islands_I_Lobariaceae/links/55e4bfb808aede0b57357f71/Lichen-notes-from-the-Kermadec-Islands-I-Lobariaceae.pdf?origin=publicationDetail&_sg%5B0. Eleven species of Ramalina (R. australiensis, R. canariensis, R. celastri, R. exiguella, R. geniculata, R. leiodea, R. luciae, R. meridionalis, R. microspora, R. pacifica and R. peruviana) are accepted for the Kermadec Islands. The northern Kermadec Islands had the greatest diversity of species (eleven species) while the southern Kermadec Islands had collectively five species. These were distributed as follows (islands arranged from north to south): northern Kermadec Islands (the Herald Islets (six species), the Meyer Islands group (two species), Raoul Island (nine species)); southern Kermadec Islands (Macauley Island (six species), Curtis Island (one species), Cheeseman Island (one species), L%92Esperance (two species)). Ramalina leiodea is a new addition to the mycobiota of the New Zealand Botanical Region and R. canariensis and R. meridionalis are new records for the Kermadec Islands, and a significant easterly extension for R. meridionalis. KERMADEC ISLANDS, RAMALINACEAE, RAMALINA, BIOGEOGRAPHY, NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL REGION
38834	Shukla V., Kumari R., Patel D.K. & Upreti D.K. (2015): Characterization of the diversity of mycosporine-like amino acids in lichens from high altitude region of Himalaya. - Amino Acids, 48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-015-2069-z. Lichens are tolerant to a number of environmental variables including high-intensity solar radiations, which is mainly due to the presence of chemical substances in the thallus. Especially, cyanobacterial lichens synthesize a unique class of chemical substances known as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) the primary characteristic of which is strong ultraviolet (UV) absorption between 300 and 360 nm. In view of its UV-protecting potential, the applicability of mass spectral fragmentation using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analysis for the characterization of MAAs in lichen samples was explored. MAA compounds were characterized in four cyanobacteria-containing lichen species belonging to genus Peltigera, Stereocaulon and Lobaria. Among them, Peltigera and Lobaria are true cyanobacteria containing lichens (cyanolichens) while Stereocaulon is a tripartite lichen, as it contains both green algae (in the thallus) and cyanobacteria (in the cephalodia), collected from higher altitudes of Himalaya (Tungnath-Chopta in Garhwal Himalaya, 3432 m) from an exposed locality experiencing high light intensity. Mass spectral data of distinctive fragmentation pattern revealed that all the four species have good diversity of MAA compounds, especially Lobaria retigera was found to be enriched with highest diversity of oxo and imino MAAs. Overall, different numbers of oxo and imino MAA compounds were detected in the remaining lichen species. Good diversity of imino MAAs has ecological significance which is required to be investigated further. Moreover, the impressive diversity characterized in each lichen species suggests that lichens should be thoroughly studied for their MAAs contents. Cyanobacterial lichens, MAAs diversity, UV radiance, Photo protection
38833	Joseph S., Dudani S.N. & Nayaka S. (2018): First report of lichens from St. Mary’s Islands, the south west coast, India. - Studies in Fungi, 3(1): 264-270. https://doi.org/10.5943/sif/3/1/27. The paper presents the first ever report on lichens of St. Mary’s Island with a total of 20 species belonging to 13 genera. Two species, Pertusaria dehiscens var. sekikaica A.W. Archer & Elix and Porina howeana P.M. McCarthy are reported as new records for India. Rhizocarpon obscuratum (Ach.) A. Massal. is recorded after a gap of 52 years.
38832	Guevara W.A.B., Pinzón M.G. & Berrio J.A.A. (2018): Determining the acid rainfall behavior in the vicinity of the indigenous reserve in the Serrania el Majuy in Cota, Cundinamarca and its effect on lichens in the area. - Revista Luna Azul, 46: 70-105. http://dx.doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2018.46.6. Serrania El Majuy, located in the municipality of Cota, Cundinamarca, is a mountainous formation with high ecological significance, which, due to continuous industrial growth in the savannah of Bogotá, mainly in the central savannah (Siberia sector) can undergo environmental, scenic or cultural alterations. This article explores the potential impact of industrial expansion in the Siberia sector on rainfall in the vicinity of the indigenous reserve of Cota, carried out using physic-chemical tests (pH, nitrites, sulfates and conductivity) and through bio-indicators as lichens present in the area (Cetrelia sp., Flavopunctelia sp., Usnea sp., hypotrachyna sp., Xanthoparmelia sp.,Acarospora socialis sp., Caloplaca chantolyta sp., Caloplaca socialis sp., Candelariella Xanthostigma sp.), with which the Lichen Diversity Value (LDV) index, the Shannon index and the Atmospheric Purity Index (API) were calculated. A dispersion map was also made for the incidence of atmospheric emissions, with which it was determined that a significant pollutant concentration could be present in El Majuy mountain range but more data is required to confirm this affectation. The main conclusion of this research is that, in general, there is no acid behavior in rainfall in El Majuy mountain range in the period of time evaluated.
38831	Bowker M.A., Büdel B., Maestre F.T., Antoninka A.J. & Eldridge D.J. (2017): Bryophyte and lichen diversity on arid soils: Determinants and consequences. - In The Biology of Arid Soils (pp. 73-96). Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 73-96. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110419047-005.
38830	Levia D.F. & Germer S. (2015): A review of stemflow generation dynamics and stemflow-environment interactions in forests and shrublands. - Reviews of Geophysics, 53(3): 673-714. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015RG000479. Many geoscientists now recognize stemflow as an important phenomenon which can exert considerable effects on the hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology of wooded ecosystems and shrublands. Despite the explosive growth of stemflow research, until this review there has been no comprehensive attempt to summarize and synthesize this literature since 2003. Topical areas of substantive new knowledge in stemflow research include the following: (1) the interrelationships among stemflow and meteorological conditions, especially within individual rain events; (2) the dynamic interplay between stemflow and canopy structure; (3) stemflow and the cycling of solutes and transport of particulate matter; (4) stemflow and its interactions with canopy fungi and corticolous lichens; and (5) stemflow-soil interactions. Each of these five topical areas of substantive new stemflow research is summarized and synthesized, with areas of future research opportunities discussed. In addition, we have reviewed the parameters which can be used to describe stemflow and critically evaluate their utility for different purposes. This review makes a call for scientists studying stemflow to utilize common metrics in an effort to increase the cross-site comparability of stemflow studies. Capitalizing on the insights of prior research, exciting research opportunities await hydrologists, biogeoscientists, and forest ecologists who will conduct studies to deepen our knowledge of stemflow which will enable a better and more accurate framing of stemflow in the larger context of watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry.
38829	John V., Pungin A. & Dolnik C. (2016): Aktuelle Daten zu den Flechtenbiota in Rheinland-Pfalz und im Saarland. II. Die Gattungen Botryolepraria und Lepraria. - Fauna Flora Rheinland-Pfalz, 13: 279–311. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Fauna-Flora-Rheinland-Pfalz_13_0279-0311.pdf. Recent data on the liehen biota in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. II. The genera Botryolepraria and Lepraria. The current known distribution of one Botryoleparia and 17 Lepraria species in the federal countries Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland is presented in grid-maps on the basis of 1:25,000 sheet. For all species examples of historical and recent references are gi­ven. An overview on anatomical, morphological and chemical features is provided. Lepraria diffusa, L. elobata and L. ecorticata are new records for Rheinland-Pfalz. Of L. borealis a new chemotype with Atranorin and Norrangiformic acid has been detected.
38828	Fischer E. & Killmann D. (2023): Exkursion 1: Lahntal und Gelbachtal. Flora und Vegetation von Schluchtwäldern und Schwermetallhalden im Unteren Lahntal (Bad Ems-Miellener Lahntal) und im Niederwesterwald (Gelbachtal). - Tuexenia Beiheft, 15: 25–37. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Tuexenia_BH_15_2023_0025-0037.pdf.
38827	Miller J.E.D., Schneider K.R., Letson S. & Weill A. (2025): Meeting Report: 2025 Annual Meeting and Field Trips in San Luis Obispo County. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 32(1): 12–19. .
38826	Knudsen K. & Kocourková J. (2025): Acarospora joshuaensis (Acarosporaceae, Lecanoromycetes), a new desert lichen from Southern California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 32(1): 9–11. . A new species, Acarospora joshuaensis, is described from the Mojave Desert in Southern California. It is currently considered rare with only four collections from three locations in Joshua Tree National Park (SBBG).
38825	Grage E.B. & Calabria L.M. (2025): The Evergreen State College parking lot B: A macrolichen diversity hotspot. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 32(1): 1–8. .
38824	Johnson J.K. & Kellman K. (2025): Albert W. Herre and the Search for the Elusive Usnea Monograph. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 31(2) [2024]: 5–17. .
38823	Grenier C. (2025): Lichen Collage Series. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 31(2) [2024]: 1–4. .
38822	Walker Z. (2024): A Brief Examination of Two Species of Stereocaulon Using Scanning Electron Microscopy. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 31(1): 1–12. . Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been publicly available since at least the 1960s and continues to remain a valuable research tool. A growing number of lichen taxa have been imaged using SEM, pro‐viding a new perspective and understanding of the anatomy of lichens. Using the electron microscopy facility at Oregon State University, I examined select structures of two species of Stereocaulon which occur in California, S. intermedium and S. sterile. Resulting images allowed the characterization of the similarities and differences of structures between the two species which ongoing molecular studies have recently suggested to be different morphologies of the same species. I describe the internal structure of cephalodia, pseudopodetia, apothecia, and surface details of phyllocladia and cephalodia. Key Words: Stereocaulon sterile, Stereocaulon intermedium, scanning electron microscope, lichen structure, anatomy.
38821	Balderas E., Reese Næsborg R., Dart J. & Rajakaruna N. (2024): Sulcaria isidiifera: Status and conservation methods for a critically endangered lichen on the central coast of California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 30 [2023]: 34–40. . We present a status update and conservation recommendations for the critically endangered lichen Sulcaria isidiifera. The population count and lichen community of S. isidiifera are characterized, and a translocation study is carried out.
38820	Glenn B. & Retrespo A. (2024): Vagrant Lichens of Northern California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 30 [2023]: 26–33. .
38819	Carlberg T. (2024): Key to genus for the macrolichens of central coastal California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 30 [2023]: 3–11. .
38818	Kellman K. & Peterson E. (2024): Noteworthy Collections from California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 30 [2023]: 12–20. . Scytinium callopismum is collected for the third time in California. Scytinium pruinosum is reported from Santa Cruz County as the second collection for California. Lempholemma chalazanum is reported from Santa Cruz County representing only the second collection from northern California. Arthonia aff. polygramma has been relocated in Santa Cruz County after a 118year lapse in northern California. Vezdaea leprosa is reported new to California and the west. The lichenicolous fungus Kalchbrenneriella cyanescens is reported new for the United States. Stenocybe fragmenta is reported new for California.
38817	Jajarmikhayat Z. (2022): Acarospora sinopica: an art and research project. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 28(2) [2021]: 60–61. .
38816	Tucker S. (2022): Type specimens and endemic lichens from California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 28(2) [2021]: 28–59. . California, with its diverse geography and ecology, has an unusually diverse lichen flora. The updated California lichen catalogue has ~1,870 species of lichens and allied fungi. Plant and lichen collectors such as H. Bolander began sending California lichens, many of them new to science, to E. Tuckerman in the 1870’s. Other early collectors include Clara Cummings, W. G. Farlow, Thomas Nuttall, C. R. Orcutt, Edward J. Palmer, J. B. Parish, and C. G. Pringle. Recent prolific collectors include H. Hasse, Ivan Johnston, W. A. Weber, A. Herre, and L. Wheeler. Collectors with most types are Bolander (37), Hasse (51), Herre (15), Knudsen (32), Nash (13), and Weber (16). John Villella published a list of recent CA type localities in California (Villella 2012). All 17 of these are confirmed in the present list. This current list has 295 total CAL types (in December, 2020), All California endemics have a California type, but not all California types are endemic. Ninetythree of the present list are CA endemics. A large number of California types occur also in Baja California, Mexico, so these are not considered CA endemics.
38815	Palice Z. (2025): Česká a slovenská lichenologická bibliografie XXXVII [Czech and Slovak lichenological bibliography, XXXVII]. - Bryonora, 75: 115–120. . bibliography
38814	Šoun J. (2025): Usnea silesiaca, nový druh provazovky pro Českou republiku [Usnea silesiaca, a beard lichen species new to the Czech Republic]. - Bryonora, 75: 17–23. . In a historical mixed specimen of beard lichens from Mt Ždánidla in the Šumava Mts deposited in the National Museum in Prague (PRM 501167), the oceanic species Usnea silesiaca, which had not yet been recorded for the Czech Republic, was discovered. The species and the locality are briefly commented on. Key words: lichen-forming fungi, Parmeliaceae, Šumava Mts.
38813	Ghlimová H., Šoun J., Bouda F., Kantnerová E., Konečná E., Malíček J., Mejstřík V., Palice Z., Peksa O., Pušová T., Smolková A., Svoboda D., Syrovátková L. & Uhlík P. (2025): Lišejníky zaznamenané během 36. bryologicko-lichenologických dní na Radnicku [Lichens recorded during the 36th Bryological and Lichenological Days in the Radnice region]. - Bryonora, 75: 83–101. https://botanospol.cz/sites/default/files/2025-09/BRYONORA_75_2025_6-83-101_Ghlimov%C3%A1%20et%20al._BLdny%20Radnicko.pdf. We present a list of 260 lichen species, 10 lichenicolous fungi, and 2 non-lichenised fungi recorded during the 36th Bryological and Lichenological Days of the Bryological and Lichenological Section of the Czech Botanical Society in the Radnice region in September 2024. We made two half-day and two full-day excursions to the surroundings of Liblín. We explored mainly saxicolous lichens growing on slates and basalts, but also recorded epiphytic and terricolous lichens growing in the valley of the Berounka river and the Kralovický potok stream. Noteworthy saxicolous lichen records are Acarospora rugulosa, Anema decipiens, Caloplaca subsoluta, C. xerica, Diplotomma canescens, Fuscidea recensa, Lecidea sarcogynoides, L. tessellata, Lichinella nigritella, Peltula euploca, Thyrea confusa, and Trapelia aff. concentrica. Among epiphytic lichens, Arthonia atra, Bacidia arceutina, Bacidina paradoxa, Biatoridium monasteriense, Calicium trabinellum, Flavoparmelia soredians, Hypotrachyna revoluta, Lecanora barkmaniana, Melanohalea elegantula, Normandina pulchella, Ochrolechia turneri, and Scytinium teretiusculum are worth mentioning. Notable terricolous species are Cladonia polycarpoides, C. portentosa, fertile C. strepsilis, and Peltigera elisabethae. ITS and mtSSU sequences from Lecanora epanora, so far missing in the GenBank database, are published here for the first time. Key words: basalt, biodiversity, castle ruin, lichen-forming fungi, slate.
38812	Malíček J. & Tenčík A. (2025): Lišejníky, mechorosty a cévnaté rostliny zámeckého parku Osečany u Sedlčan [Lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants of the Osečany castle park near Sedlčany (Central Bohemia)]. - Bryonora, 75: 24–40. https://botanospol.cz/sites/default/files/2025-09/BRYONORA_75_2025_6-24-40_Mal%C3%AD%C4%8Dek%20et%20Ten%C4%8D%C3%ADk_Ose%C4%8Dany.pdf. The Osečany castle park (c. 7 ha; alt. 310–350 m) is situated on steep, locally rocky slopes above the Mastník stream. It is dominated by a (semi-)naturally occurring, predominantly deciduous forest with a rich species composition. The oldest trees are between 150 and 200 years old. During a survey in 2023, a total of 79 lichen species, six lichenicolous or lichen-like fungi, 80 bryophytes, and 146 vascular plants were recorded in the park. Within the Sedlčany region, the area belongs to the most valuable localities for epiphytic lichens. The most important lichen records are Acrocordia gemmata, Arthonia dispersa, A. didyma, A. helvola, Arthopyrenia salicis, Chaenotheca brachypoda, Endocarpon adscendens, Eopyrenula leucoplaca, Lecania croatica, Opegrapha vermicellifera, Phaeophyscia chloantha, Porina byssophila, and Pyrenula nitida. The moss Hygroamblystegium fluviatile and the vascular plant Dipsacus strigosus are reported from the Sedlčany region for the first time. Corydalis intermedia represents the most valuable wild plant species in the park. Identifications of Endocarpon adscendens and Lecania croatica are supported by molecular ITS and mtSSU data. Key words: biodiversity, deciduous forest, epiphytes.
38811	Malíček J. & Palice Z. (2025): Lišejníky přírodní památky Kalvárie v Motole v Praze [Lichens of Kalvárie v Motole Nature Monument, Prague]. - Bryonora, 75: 41–70. https://botanospol.cz/sites/default/files/2025-09/BRYONORA_75_2025_6-41-70_Mal%C3%AD%C4%8Dek%20et%20Palice_Kalv%C3%A1rie%20v%20Motole.pdf. The diabase (Silurian basalt) rocks of Motol (W part of Prague) are a well-known locality among lichenologists, having been studied for almost 200 years. The oldest published record of a lichen from the area dates back to 1827 (by P. M. Opiz). The locality is also the locus classicus of several saxicolous lichen taxa, mainly forms and one species. This article summarises historical records from Kalvárie v Motole Nature Monument (3.65 ha) and presents detailed results of the recent diversity. We report here 222 lichen taxa, seven lichenicolous and five non-lichenised fungi. An additional 18 lichens are known solely from historical records. Within Prague, it is an exceptionally rich and valuable area. This is underlined by the occurrence of many rare species. Lepraria bergensis is reported here as new to the Czech Republic. Its distinction and relationship with L. borealis are briefly discussed. The lichenicolous fungus Erythricium aurantiacum is published here as new to the country. Cladonia krogiana was found at its second locality in the country, Lecanora stenotropa at its third one. Crustose cyanolichen Lichinella sp. represents a potentially undescribed species. Caloplaca arcis, C. crenularia, Cladonia peziziformis, C. polycarpoides, Immersaria athroocarpa, Peltigera ponojensis, Pertusaria amarescens, Pleopsidium flavum, Porocyphus rehmicus, Psilolechia leprosa, and Verrucaria sphaerospora represent other remarkable records. Saxicolous communities on diabase are dominated by a subset of basiphilous lichens on volcanic rocks, supplemented by species typical of calcareous substrates. The basaltic rocks are locally enriched with metallic ions and these sites host a specific community dominated by two Stereocaulon species. Terricolous communities are only locally developed, but rich in Cladonia species. Epiphytes are especially common in sunny places and dominated by nitrophilous species. The forest communities are poor, composed mainly of shade-tolerant species. Absence of grazing, expansion of woody plants, and high dust deposition from traffic have been the main reasons for the disappearance of several species. Key words: biodiversity, diabase, Lepraria bergensis, saxicolous communities, Silurian basalt.
38810	Dittrich S. (2025): Epiphytische Moose und Flechten an der Dreispitzigen Jungfernrebe (Parthenocissus tricuspidata [Sieb. & Zucc.] Planch., Vitaceae). - Herzogiella, 12: 125–128. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Dittrich_S_Epiphytische_Moose_und_Flechten_an_der_Dreispitzigen_Jungfernrebe.pdf.
38809	Neumann P. & Dolnik C. (2025): Neu- und Wiederfunde der schleswig-holsteinischen Flechtenflora, Folge 2. - Herzogiella, 12: 97–108. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Neumann_P_und_Dolnik_C_Neu-_und_Wiederfunde_der_schleswig-holsteinischen_Flechtenflora_Folge_2.pdf. Current records of a total of 44 lichens and lichenicolous fungi from Schleswig-Holstein are presented. Of these, 41 species are reported for the first time for Schleswig-Holstein. The lichenicolous fungi Cladophialophora denigrans, Psammina stipitata, Spirographa triangularis and Xylohyphopsis xanthoriicola are new for Germany. Keywords: lichens, lichenicolous fungi, Schleswig-Holstein.
38808	Cezanne R. & Eichler M. (2025): Flechten an einer abgebrochenen Eiche im Darmstädter Ostwald. - Herzogiella, 12: 88–96. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Cezanne_R_und_Eichler_M_Flechten_an_einer_abgebrochenen_Eiche_im_Darmstdter_Ostwald.pdf.
38807	Grünberg H. (2025): Chaenotheca gracilenta (Ach.) Mattsson & Middelb. (Schlanke Stecknadel) in Thüringen deutlich häufiger als bisher angenommen. - Herzogiella, 12: 82–87. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Grnberg_H_Chaenotheca_gracilenta_Ach_Mattsson__Middelb_Schlanke_Stecknadel_in_Thringen_deutlich_hufiger_als_bisher_nagenommen.pdf.
38806	Eckstein J., Cezanne R., Eichler M., Grünberg H., Rettig J. & Teuber D. (2025): Flechtenexkursion im Osthessischen Bergland und angrenzenden Gebieten. - Herzogiella, 12: 69–81. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Eckstein_J_et_al_Flechtenexkursion_im_Osthessischen_Bergland_und_angrenzenden_Gebieten.pdf.
38805	Aptroot A. (2025): Toniniopsis verrucarioides reported for the first time from the Eifel. - Herzogiella, 12: 53–54. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Aptroot_A_Toniniopsis_verrucarioides_reported_for_the_first_time_from_the_Eifel.pdf. The lichen Toninia verrucarioides is reported for the first time from the Eifel. It is a species that is parasitizing on cyanophilic lichens, usually Placynthium nigrum. Its distribution is very scattered and it is rare in lowland temperate regions.
38804	Eichler M. & Cezanne R. (2025): Neue Publikationen die Flechtenflora Mitteleuropas betreffend. Elfte Folge. - Herzogiella, 12: 27–36. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2024/M._Eichler_und_R._Cezanne._Neue_Publikationen_die_Flechtenflora_MItteleuropas_betreffend_-_Zehnte_Folge.pdf. bibliography
38803	Širka P., Gey S., Pöltl M. & Bérešová A. (2025): Report on the annual excursion of the BLAM to Slovakia from September 18th to 22nd 2024. - Herzogiella, 12: 13–26. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Sirka_P_et_al_Bericht_zur_BLAM_Jahresexkursion_in_der_Slowakei.pdf. Report on the BLAM excursion held in the volcanic region of the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area (W Carpathians, Slovakia).
38802	Schiefelbein U., von Brackel W., Bültmann H., Caspari S., Cezanne R., Dolnik C., Dornes P., Eichler M., Gnüchtel A., Grünberg H., Killmann D., Neumann P., Otte V., Printzen C., Schultz M., Stordeur R. & Weber L. (2025): Inventarisierung der Flechten in den Naturräumen Deutschlands: Ein Aufruf. - Herzogiella, 12: 129–134. https://blam-bl.de/images/Herzogiella/Herzogiella_2025/Schiefelbein_U_et_al.pdf.
38801	Aptroot A. & Cáceres M.E.S. (2018): Coenogonium upretianum (Ascomycota: Coenogoniaceae), a new corticolous lichen species from Brazil. - Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment, Special Volume (2018): 11-13. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre-Aptroot-2/publication/322739498_Coenogonium_upretianum_Ascomycota_Coenogoniaceae_a_new_corticolous_lichen_species_from_Brazil/links/5aa8dab9a6fdcc1b59c66d62/Coenogonium-upretianum-Ascomycota-Coenogoniaceae-a. Coenogonium upretianum (Ascomycota: Coenogoniaceae), a new corticolous lichen species from Brazil, is described. The new species is characterized by the thallus with isidia, the fleshcoloured apothecia and the ascospores of 15–17 x 3–4 μm.
38800	Huang Z.-., Scott M.B., Li Y.-., Ren G.-., Xiang Z.-., Cui L.-. & Xiao W. (2017): Black-and-white snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) feeding behavior in a degraded forest fragment: clues to a stressed population. - Primates, 58: 517–524. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-017-0618-7. Rapid global deforestation has forced many of the world’s primates to live in fragmented habitats, making the understanding of their behavioral responses to degraded and fragmented habitats a key challenge for their future protection and management. The black-and-white snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) is an endangered species endemic to southwest China. The forest habitat ranges from near-continuous to fragmented. In this study, we investigated the activity budget and diet of a R. bieti population that live in an isolated and degraded habitat patch at Mt. Lasha in Yunnan Province, near the current southern limit of the species. We used our data along with data from six other sites in more-continuous habitats across its range to model factors that predict stress, including feeding effort and time feeding on lichens against potential predictive parameters. Models showed feeding effort across all sites increased with increasing altitude and latitude, and with decreasing food species diversity. There was also a strong positive relationship between feeding effort and time feeding lichens. The Mt. Lasha R. bieti population exploited a total of 36 food species, spending 80.2% of feeding time feeding on lichens, Bryoria spp. and Usnea longissima. These figures are more comparable to those living in the north than those living in the mid- and southern part of the species’ range. Given the models for feeding effort and time feeding on lichens, the unexpectedly high time spend feeding on lichens and feeding effort relative to latitude and elevation are suggestive of a stressed population at Mt. Lasha.
38799	Goni R. & Sharma N. (2015): Additions to lichen flora of Jammu and Kashmir, India. - Tropical Plant Research, 2(2): 78-81. https://www.tropicalplantresearch.com/vol2issue2/pdf/2.1.pdf. The paper deals with the addition of 44 species to the knowledge of lichen flora of Jammu & Kashmir state, India. The corticolous (25) lichens exhibit their dominance in the area of study followed by saxicolous (16), lignicolous (2) and terricolous (1) forms.
38798	Brzeziecki B., Pommerening A., Miścicki S., Drozdowski S. & Zybura H. (2016): A common lack of demographic equilibrium among tree species in Białowiez˙a National Park (NE Poland): Evidence from long-term plots. - Journal of Vegetation Science, 27: 460-469. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.12369. Questions: Does the size structure characterizing particular tree species in natural forest stands converge towards a steady state? What is the main reason for departures of observed tree size distributions from equilibrium models? What is the consequence of long-term strict protection for the demography of tree species and the conservation of associated biota? Location: Stands of natural forest in Białowiez˙a National Park (NE Poland) that have been under strict protection for about 90 yr. Methods: Data on recruitment, growth and mortality of approximately 10 000 trees representing 11 species (aspen, birch, alder, pine, oak, maple, ash, elm, spruce, lime and hornbeam), from seven replicated surveys of five permanent monitoring plots (total size = 15.44 ha), established in 1936, were used to derive theoretical, species-specific equilibrium distributions as a basis for evaluating the demographic changes of the species involved. Results: Over a monitoring period of 76 yr, there were strong downward trends in the population densities of several tree species of different successional status and light requirements. A vast majority of the conspecific equilibrium curves, modelled on the basis of growth and mortality data, revealed a 'rotated sigmoid' shape when plotted in semi-log plots. In contrast to these equilibrium curves, the observed tree size distributions of most species were unimodal, at both the beginning and the end of the study period. Departures between theoretical and observed distributions increased over time, particularly for shade-intolerant and intermediate species. Conclusions: The populations of several tree species occurring in the Białowiez˙a National Park are demographically unstable - a fact reflected in large and steadily increasing differences between theoretical and actual tree size distributions. The main reason for this are the insufficient recruitment rates typical of most species. Some tree species may very soon disappear almost entirely, and this will certainly lead to far-reaching changes in the functioning of local forest communities. Among other consequences, the current demographic trends, as observed for Białowiez˙a tree species, are very likely to have a strong effect on the long-term survival of numerous forest organisms (such as insects, fungi, lichens, etc.), which depend, directly or indirectly, on the presence and balanced demography of particular tree species. Biodiversity, Herbivory, Natural forest, Population dynamics, Population stability, Population structure, Rotated sigmoid distribution, Strict protection, Tree growth, Tree mortality, Tree recruitment, Tree size distribution, Unimodal distribution
38797	Favero-Longo S.E., Bianchi E., Paoli L., Fačkovcová Z., Krám P. & Loppi S. (2025): Can saxicolous lichens be used to monitor atmospheric deposition? Disentangling the influence of bedrock and canopy cover on biodiversity and elemental content of lichens. - Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32: 18525–18537. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36737-1. Saxicolous lichens are known to be affected by air pollutants, but are often overlooked as potential biomonitors, even though they may be the only viable option for data collection in certain environments. In this study, we investigated the influence of bedrock and forest canopy on the biodiversity and the elemental content of native epiphytic and saxicolous lichens in metal-rich environments (serpentinite and granite outcrops in the Slavkov Forest, Czech Republic). We compared the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in the saxicolous lichen Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach. with that in the epiphytic species Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and H. tubulosa (Schaer.) Hav. Generalized linear models (GLMs) revealed similar accumulation patterns for Fe, As, Cr, and Ni, for which both substrate type (tree vs. rock) and bedrock composition (granite vs. serpentinite) were significant factors. Thalli collected from serpentinite rocks exhibited significantly higher concentrations of Fe, Cr, Ni, and As, regardless of canopy cover, while Al was more abundant in saxicolous lichens on granite. Zn and Cd accumulated more in epiphytic lichens, whereas Pb was higher in saxicolous ones. Secondary metabolites as well as anatomical and morphological differences, rather than substrate, may possibly explain such divergences in Pb, Zn, and Cd contents. Nevertheless, the concentrations of Cu, along with those of Zn, Cd, and Pb, were of the same order of magnitude across both lichen types and not affected by bedrock. These findings suggest that saxicolous lichens can serve as effective biomonitors in environments where epiphytic lichens are not available. Keywords: Bioaccumulation · Epiphytic lichens · Environmental monitoring · Granite · Heavy metals · Secondary metabolites · Serpentinite.
38796	Wang J., Liang F., Zhao Z. & Hu L. (2025): Three new taxa of lichen genus Trimmatothelopsis (Acarosporales, Acarosporaceae) from China. - MycoKeys, 120: 277–293. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.158033. Three new species Trimmatothelopsis anthracina, T. knudsenii, and T. shandongensis are reported from the eastern coast of China, based on morphological, chemical and molecular data (ITS, LSU, and mtSSU). All three new species have IKI+ blue ascus. Trimmatothelopsis anthracina is characterized by carbonized apothecia, a biofilm at the immature apothecia base, and IKI+ blue turning red hymenial gel. Trimmatothelopsis knudsenii is characterized by rimose thallus, numerous reddish brown apothecia, and IKI+ blue turning red hymenial gel. Trimmatothelopsis shandongensis is characterized by dull brown thallus, thick hymenium, IKI+ red hymenial gel, and small asci. Comprehensive descriptions, detailed illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis of the new taxa are presented. Additionally, a worldwide key to Trimmatothelopsis species, including 21 species, is provided. Key words: Ascus stains, new species, saxicolous lichen, taxonomy.
38795	Michlig A. & Rodríguez M.P. (2024): Contribución al conocimiento del Género Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota liquenizados) en el Nordeste de Argentina. - Lilloa, 61(2): 459–491. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2020. The aim of this work is to present new contributions to the knowledge of the genus Parmotrema in Argentina which arose from the study of herbarium specimens from the BAH collection of CTES herbarium, collected in northeastern Argentina. The material was studied following the conventional methodology for this group of lichens. About 200 specimens were studied among which 17 species were identified: five are cited for the first time for Argentina, the distribution of 12 previously recorded species is extended, and P. pseudocrinitum is excluded from the country. Descriptions and illustrations for the new records for Argentina and a key for the identification of the species of Parmotrema cited for the region are included. Keywords: Biodiversity; lichens; taxonomy.
38794	Borja C.N., Alvarez Dalinger F.S. & Moraña L.B. (2025): Estudio preliminar sobre las preferencias microambientales de líquenes y briófitos en la selva montana del Parque Nacional El Rey (Salta, Argentina). - Lilloa, 62(1): 285–296. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2117. The montane forest of El Rey National Park (PNER) extends along humid slopes between 950 and 1600 meters above sea level, where the epiphytic stratum acquires notable importance, with the presence of mosses, lichens, and small Bromeliaceae species standing out among the vascular epiphytes. Given the importance of the role of epiphytes in these ecosystems and the effect of the conditions that each host intrinsically presents for harboring them, this study analyzed the relationship of lichen and bryophyte communities on two dominant phorophyte species, considering that different types of phorophytes determine specific microenvironmental (microclimatic and microsite) conditions. The study area was located along the Pozo Verde trail. Changes in the cover of lichens and bryophytes were evaluated on two representative tree species, Ocotea porphyria and Juglans australis. For this purpose, a 10 x 100 cm grid was used, placed 50 cm above ground level on each of the cardinal orientations of each phorophyte. The following microenvironmental variables were measured: temperature, humidity, light intensity, diameter at breast height (DBH), and pH. The microenvironmental variables differed between phorophytes: in O. porphyria, the microsite parameters (DBH and pH) as well as temperature were higher, while in J. australis, relative humidity was greater. The abundances of the epiphytic communities varied significantly with the change in phorophyte. Bryophyte cover exceeded lichen cover in both cases, and the limited development of the latter was restricted to crustose and microfoliose forms (microlichens). These differences may be associated with the different vegetative structure, highlighting the importance of the vegetation mosaic present in the montane forest of PNER in preserving shade-loving epiphytic communities. Keywords: Bryophytes; lichens; phorophytes.
38793	Bruno T., Valdés F.E. & García R.A. (2025): Base de datos del Fungario de Líquenes (LPS) – División Micología “Instituto Spegazzini” (Museo de La Plata). - Lilloa, 62(1): 187–200. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2083. The Mycology Division “Instituto Spegazzini” preserves and manages the collection of fungi housed at the Museo de La Plata. This work presents a catalog of lichenized fungi bequeathed by Carlos Luis Spegazzini, together with exsiccatae from contemporary naturalists and recent researchers in the field of lichenology. The objective is to expand knowledge about the existing species by providing a reference tool for taxonomic research, highlighting their historical relevance and cultural heritage. A database was created compiling the information contained in the labels. Species identification was carried out using optical microscopy, observing the exomorphology of the material and applying reactions with 0.5% KOH, NaClO and UV light. Scientific names were updated using the Catalogue of Life database. Georeferencing was performed using the Point Radius method. A database was obtained covering a the period between 1864 and 2014. A total of 634 specimens were recorded, distributed in 244 taxa with different levels of taxonomic specificity: Lecanoromycetes (562); Eurotiomycetes (23); Dothideomycetes (15); Arthoniomycetes (11); Lichinomycetes (7); Coniocybomycetes (2); Agaricomycetes (2) and undetermined (12). The records show a total of 158 georeferenced localities for South America (345); Europe (232); Asia (14); North America (2); and missing locality data (38). Among the material included in the collection, an isotype assigned to C. Spegazzini and H. Magnusson is discussed. It is expected that this catalog will help to track the diversity of lichens and provide valuable information for future taxonomic, biogeographic, and ecological studies. Keywords: Argentina; collections; diversity; exsiccatae; GBIF.
38792	Passo A. (2025): Nuevos registros de especies de Pannariaceae (Peltigerales, Ascomycota liquenizados) para la Argentina. - Lilloa, 62(1): 89–98. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2070. The purpose of this paper is to report the discovery of new records of species belonging to the family Pannariaceae (lichenized Ascomycota, Peltigerales) for Argentina. This study is part of an ongoing systematic review of the genera Austroparmeliella and Parmeliella. Material from both national and international herbaria, as well as specimens collected in northwestern Patagonia were studied. The species Austroparmeliella chilensis, A. rossetiformis and Parmeliella nigrocincta are described for the first time in Argentina. Keywords: Austroparmeliella; Parmeliella; Patagonia; new records.
38791	Suija A. & Haldeman M. (2025): Notes on Buelliella (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota): phylogenetic position of B. lecanorae and description of the asexual stage of B. physciicola. - Lilloa, 62 (suppl. 2): 9–20. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2047. The polyphyletic genus Buelliella includes lichen-inhabiting species that belong either to Asterotexiales or Asterinales in Dothideomycetes. In this paper, we provide phylogenetic information for one additional Buelliella species—B. lecanorae. In addition, we present a first description of an asexual stage in Buelliella—for B. physciicola—based on the matching of molecular data and host choice. Keywords: Anamorph-teleomorph connection; Epithamnolia; fungal systematics; Lecanora; lichenicolous fungi; Phaeophyscia; Physciaceae.
38790	van der Kolk H., Westberg M. & Malíček J. (2025): Morphological and molecular data support the distinction of four sorediate corticolous Candelariella species in Europe. - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 144-165. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101059. Corticolous sorediate Candelariella represent, at least in Europe, a widespread group of species, often predominant in epiphytic communities. Many specimens are challenging to identify since apothecia are generally lacking and names have been frequently misapplied in the past. Here, we studied the morphology and molecular data (ITS nrDNA sequences) of corticolous sorediate Candelariella specimens, with the aim of determining how many species occur in Europe and which names should be applied. We distinguish worldwide five taxa from this group that are widespread and currently well supported by both morphological and molecular data. These include three 8-spored species (Candelariella reflexa, C. rubrisoli and C. xanthostigmoides) and two polyspored species (C. efflorescens and Candelariella pulchella sp. nov., the latter characterized by coarser soredia, larger apothecia with a persistent proper margin and broader paraphyses tips). Four of these species (all except C. xanthostigmoides) occur in Europe. European specimens previously identified as C. xanthostigmoides belong to C. rubrisoli. Candelariella makarevichiae and C. subsquamulosa are considered synonyms of C. xanthostigmoides. Candelariella sorediosa, C. flavosorediata and C. magellanica (the latter two not reported from Europe) remain poorly known species for which molecular data is currently lacking and they require further study. Full descriptions and a key to the species discussed are provided. Ascomycota, Candelariaceae, biodiversity, lichens, phylogeny, taxonomy
38789	Suija A. & Jonsson F. (2025): Calycina lobariae, a new combination incorporating Chalara lobariae and Calycina alstrupii. - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 187-188. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101047.
38788	Frolov I.V., Himelbrant D.E., Stepanchikova I.S., Prokopiev I.A., Korznikov K. & Zueva A.S. (2025): The Commander Islands as a hotspot for Teloschistales diversity in the North Pacific: a meeting point for different lichen biotas. - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 116-143. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925101035. Using a combination of field inventories in temporary sample plots and extensive molecular analyses, the diversity of lichens in the order Teloschistales on the Commander Islands (Kamchatka Territory, Russia) was assessed. Nearly 600 specimens of the order were collected from 154 sample plots, which included 36 species, one belonging to the family Brigantiaeaceae and the rest to the Teloschistaceae; of these, 18 species belonged to the subfamily Caloplacoideae and 17 to the Xanthorioideae. The diversity of the Teloschistales is unevenly distributed across the different habitat types of the archipelago, namely coastal, tundra and floodplain. Each habitat type has a specific lichen composition and a combination of traits. Coastal habitats have the highest number of species and the greatest number of species per plot. The Commander Islands are characterized by having the highest number of Teloschistales species when compared with the most well-studied local biotas in the North Pacific. This is probably due to the presence in the archipelago of species with diverse distribution patterns, including western North American species, North-East Asian species, and endemic species, as well as species more widely distributed in the arctic-alpine and boreal regions of both Asia and North America. The putative role of the Commander and Aleutian Islands in migrations of lichens between Asia and North America is discussed. ‘Caloplaca’ litoricola and Polycauliona flavogranulosa from the Commander Islands and Orientophila corticola from the southern part of the Russian Far East are new to Russia. Three species are proposed as new to science: Athallia subrotundispora (epilithic or epiphytic lichen characterized by an inconspicuous thallus and widely ellipsoid to subglobose ascospores, 14–16(18) × 10–11 μm, with septa 6–7 μm wide), Gyalolechia orientoinsularis (corticolous lichen characterized by a yellow thallus and apothecia with a yellow to orange true exciple highly contrasting with a brown to reddish brown disc) and G. paradoxa (muscicolous or lichenicolous lichen characterized by an orange to orange-red thallus and ellipsoid to widely ellipsoid and subglobose ascospores, 12–19 × 8–13 μm, with septa 4–9 μm wide). Lendemeriella kamczatica, L. phaeocarpella and Polycauliona etesiae are new combinations. A lichenicolous morph of Lendemeriella tornoënsis is reported for the first time and a key to species of Gyalolechia s. lat. occurring in the Far East is provided. Aleutian Arc, Beringia, Caloplaca s. lat, North-East Asia, biogeography, habitat types
38787	Claerhout T., Stech M., Keßler P.J.A. & Sparrius L.B. (2025): Urban heat island effect as a driver for Specific Thallus Mass (STM) in lichens. - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 176-186. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925000131. Lichens, renowned for their resilience in extreme environments, serve as valuable bio-indicators of environmental conditions. Despite this recognition, environmental influences on lichen ecophysiology are not well understood in urban environments. In this study, we explore the use of functional traits in analyzing the impact of the urban heat island (UHI) on epiphytic chlorolichens. Lichen material was collected from 12 sites across an UHI gradient in Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands. For each lichen specimen, the specific thallus mass (STM) and water-holding capacity (WHC) were calculated. The relationship between the UHI and STM/WHC was assessed using linear mixed models and ANOVA. Our study provides functional trait values (STM and WHC) for 18 species for which no prior data were available. Furthermore, our findings reveal a significant correlation between the UHI and the STM, which suggests STM as a potential indicator for the UHI. The Netherlands, epiphytes, heat gradient, macrolichens, trait-based community ecology, water-holding capacity
38786	Arsenault A. & Baines P. (2025): A new experimental approach to investigate grazing on epiphytic lichens by gastropods in a controlled laboratory environment. - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 166-175. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282925000118. The grazing impact on epiphytic lichens by a non-native gastropod species is documented and quantified for the first time in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador using a unique combination of a multiple-choice feeding design with lichen transplant techniques under controlled laboratory conditions. The feeding experiment included three arboreal lichen species sewn onto a mesh and attached to red maple sticks inside a terrarium where four Cepaea nemoralis snails were introduced and allowed to graze over a five-day period. The three lichen species used in the feeding trials included the green-algal Platismatia glauca, the cephalolichen Lobaria pulmonaria, and the cyanolichen Lobarina scrobiculata. The trials also included two sets of L. pulmonaria from different regions of the island of Newfoundland. The levels of grazing and preference by the snails was very high. Herbivory was high for all lichen species but was highest for Platismatia glauca, for which 70% of thalli were consumed after only 24 hours. Our results show that C. nemoralis is probably affecting the distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens in the forests of Newfoundland and Labrador. Furthermore, our observations of intense herbivory on reproductive structures challenges the universal application of the optimal defence theory in lichens. Cepaea nemoralis, Lobaria, Lobarina, Newfoundland, Platismatia glauca, herbivory
38785	Anonymous (2025): Editor’s Choice Award: The Manna Effect – a review of factors influencing hair lichen abundance for Canada’s endangered Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (Rangifer arcticus montanus). - The Lichenologist, 57(3-4): 115-115. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002428292500012X.
38784	Ai M., Miao C.C., Worthy F.R., Nurtai L., Zhang D.N., Zhang S.B., Han G.L., Wang L.S. & Wang X.Y. (2025): A new revision of the lichen genus Pleopsidium (Acarosporales, Acarosporaceae) in China reveals two new species. - MycoKeys, 120: 255–276. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.161566. Based on a combination of morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic analyses, we present a new revision of the lichen genus Pleopsidium in China. Pleopsidium tumidulum sp. nov. and P. corrugatulum sp. nov. are proposed as new species to science, both included in a distinctive clade (clade 1) together with P. gobiense. These three species are characterized by the absence of fatty acids, acaranoic and acarenoic acids, and share similar ecological traits. In contrast, species containing fatty acids, including Pleopsidium flavum, P. chlorophanum, and P. discurrens, constitute a separate clade (clade 2). Fresh specimens of Pleopsidium discurrens were collected from the type locality, Yulong Snow Mountain, and molecular data were generated to confirm the phylogenetic position of the species. Our study additionally reveals substantial morphological variation in this species. New collections and sequences of Pleopsidium gobiense from Hami City, the type locality, are provided, from which a neotype is designated, confirming its phylogenetic position. Differences in morphology, anatomy, chemistry, and ecology among Pleopsidium species from China are discussed. A key and several phylograms are provided. Key words: Lichenized fungi, neotype, phylogeny, saxicolous yellow species, taxonomy.
38783	Sáez-Sandino T., Reich P.B., Maestre F.T., Cano-Díaz C., Stefanski A., Bermudez R., Wang J., Dhar A., Singh B.K., Gallardo A., Delgado-Baquerizo M. & Trivedi P. (2025): A large fraction of soil microbial taxa is sensitive to experimental warming. - Global Change Biology, 31(5): e70231 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70231. Global warming is expected to significantly impact the soil fungal and bacterial microbiomes, yet the predominant ecological response of microbial taxa—whether an increase, decrease, or no change—remains unclear. It is also unknown whether microbial taxa from different evolutionary lineages exhibit common patterns and what factors drive these changes. Here, we analyzed three mid-term (> 5 years) warming experiments across contrasting dryland and temperate-boreal ecosystems, encompassing over 500 topsoil samples collected across multiple time points. We found that warming altered the relative abundance of microbial taxa, with both increases and decreases over time. For instance, the relative abundance of bacterial and fungal taxa responding to warming (increase or decrease) accounted for 35.9% and 42.9% in the dryland ecosystem, respectively. Notably, taxa within the same phylum exhibited divergent responses to warming. These ecological shifts were linked to factors such as photosynthetic cover and fungal lifestyle, both of which influence soil functions. Overall, our findings indicate that soil warming can reshape a significant fraction of the microbial community across ecosystems, potentially driving changes in soil functions. [p. 10: ] "For instance, the strong decrease in lichenized fungi (key taxa forming part of biocrusts) in response to warming observed in Aranjuez (Figure 4C) may be related to the higher percentage of relative abundance of microbes following vulnerable responses (Figure 4D)." [p. 11: ] "Lastly, we observed that fungal taxa with vulnerable responses classified as lichenized (the most abundant fungal lifestyle with vulnerable response in our dryland ecosystem; Figure 5B) were correlated with all measured enzymatic activities (Figure 5A)." ... "Fungal lifestyles classified as soil-borne fungal pathogens exhibited either opportunistic or unchanged responses, whereas lichenized fungi showed vulnerable responses to warming." Keywords: ecological responses | fungal lifestyle | global warming | microbial phylogeny | soil functions | soil microbial taxa | warming experiment.
38782	Colesie C., Gray A.M., Walshaw C.V., Bokhorst S., Kerby J.T., Jawak S., Sancho L.G. & Convey P. (2025): Is Antarctica Greening?. - Global Change Biology, 31(6): e70294 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70294. Earth's polar regions are experiencing significant climate change, impacting global oceanographic and weather patterns. Arctic “greening” is well studied, but a debate has emerged about whether similar trends are occurring in Antarctica and whether and how remote sensing can assess them. Recent studies have introduced a concept of “greening” in Antarctica, framed primarily around moss cover expansion over bare ground. This interpretation differs from Arctic greening studies, which focus mainly on changes in vascular plant productivity and successional dynamics. This paper evaluates the Antarctic greening concept, focusing on how Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)-based methods are applied and interpreted in this context, considering regional limitations in technology, data availability, and the unique Antarctic vegetation characteristics. Unlike the Arctic, Antarctic vegetation consists mainly of nonvascular organisms (algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and bryophytes) that interact with slow-weathering soils with minimal organic inputs. These biological and environmental differences likely influence NDVI greening metrics and their ecological relevance, but remain poorly understood due to limited long-term data and validation. Despite advances in remote sensing, Antarctic vegetation mapping remains in its early stages. The small size and patchy distribution of vegetation complicate detection of presence and extent, and even with modern satellites, capturing subcentimeter annual growth rates remains challenging. The lack of historical high-resolution imagery hampers change detection, limiting our ability to track habitat expansion, vegetation dynamics, and community composition changes over time. Based on critical assessment, we identify serious concerns regarding the accuracy and interpretation of NDVI-based greening trends in Antarctica in recent studies, particularly in relation to technological constraints and biological realism. To address these issues, we propose a refined framework for interpreting NDVI data in Antarctica, aiming to prevent misleading conclusions about vegetation changes and trends. This framework suggests an urgent need for re-evaluation of how “greening” is both quantified and interpreted in Antarctica. Keywords: biological realism | climate change | field mapping | ground truthing | moss | NDVI | remote sensing | vegetation trends.
38781	Li Y.-G., Huang Y.-J., Zhang Q., Rong X., Tao Y., Lu Y.-X., Yin B.-F., Zhou X.-B. & Zhang Y.-M. (2025): Surface soil physical properties and stability: Determined by biological soil crust type and driven by aridity in the desert regions of Northwest China. - Soil Science Society of America Journal, 89(3): e70092 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.70092. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) development is a fundamental factor affecting stability by wind prevention, sand fixation, and desert surface soil stability enhancement, and aridity is an important driver for altering soil stability in drylands. The physical properties of biocrusts and binding sand quantity (BSQ) are important indicators for characterizing the stability of desert soil. The relationships between biocrust physical properties and BSQ are not clear, which is not conducive to a comprehensive understanding of the ecological functions of biocrusts. The different successional stages of biocrusts in the arid region of Northwest China were selected to study their physical properties and BSQ. The physical properties and BSQ of the different types of biocrusts were measured. The responses of the physical properties and BSQ of different types of biocrusts to aridity were analyzed. The results showed that the physical properties and BSQ increased significantly with biocrust development. The thickness, roughness, compressive strength, shear strength, and BSQ of the biocrusts show a significant increasing trend with the development and increase of biocrusts and coverage. BSQ and compressive strength increased with increasing thickness and roughness. Physical properties, physical multifunctionality (P-SMF), and BSQ of different biocrust types showed significantly different trends with increasing aridity. The results of structural equation modeling also revealed that the P-SMF and BSQ had different responses with increasing aridity. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of biocrust structure and function, particularly for wind prevention and sand fixation, as well as surface stability. This study provides a new methodology and new ideas for determining the distribution and surface stability of biocrusts and is highly important for land management and conservation in drylands.
38780	Baker A., Stokes D., Srivastava A., Rupert S. & Cockell C.S. (2025): Two worlds on a stone: Arctic desert hypoliths and epiliths show spatial niche differentiation. - Geobiology, 23(4): e70025 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.70025. In Arctic polar deserts, rocks can be extensively colonized by phototrophic hypolithic communities that exploit periglacial sorting processes to grow beneath opaque rocks. These communities are distinguished by green bands that are distinctly and abruptly separated from the black-pigmented communities on the rock surface (epiliths). We used 16S and 18S rDNA culture-independent methods to address the hypothesis that the two communities are different. Although both communities were dominated by cyanobacterial species (Chroococcidiopsis and Nostoc spp.), we found that the hypolithic and epilithic habitats host distinct microbial communities. We found that eukaryotic hypolithic and epilithic communities were statistically similar but that the hypolithic habitats contained tardigrade DNA, showing that the more clement subsurface habitat supports animal life in contrast to the surface of the rocks. These results reveal the distinctive communities and sharp demarcations that can develop across small spatial scales in the Earth's rocky extreme environments.
38779	Kalın Ş.N., Bayındırlı K.N., Toraman E., Günaydın Ş., Keleş F., Altay A. & Budak H. (2025): Lobaric acid exhibits anticancer potential by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MCF-7 cells. - Pharmacology Research and Perspectives, 13(4): e70142 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/prp2.70142. Lichen secondary metabolites with many remarkable biological activities are used in cancer treatments due to their low side effects and high anticancer potential. In particular, these metabolites constitute an interesting research area in cancer treatments due to their potential to induce apoptosis and suppress metastasis by inhibiting cancer-related signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in important biological processes such as oncogenesis, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, metastasis, differentiation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is a potential target in cancer therapies. There is no detailed study explaining the potential anticancer molecular mechanism of the lichen secondary metabolite lobaric acid (LA) on breast cancer. Here, it is aimed to investigate the effect of LA on viability, apoptosis, and migration in MCF-7 cells and to elucidate the relationship between the potential anticancer effect and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The dose- and time-dependent viability of LA-treated MCF-7 cells was evaluated by XTT assay, and the IC50 value was determined as 44.21 μg/mL at 48 h. LA increased the apoptotic cell population, as shown by flow cytometry analysis, qPCR, and Western blot results. LA inhibited β-catenin by inducing GSK3-β protein expression, thereby suppressing Wnt/β-catenin target genes. LA might be a natural active compound candidate for breast cancer treatment. Keywords: apoptosis | breast cancer | cytotoxicity | expression | Wnt/β- catenin pathway.
38778	Gustafsson L., Andersson J., Jonsson F., Jönsson M., Jonsson M., Nordin U., Strengbom J. & Johansson V. (2025): Remnant continuity forests are essential for sustaining epiphytic biodiversity in boreal production forest landscapes. - Journal of Applied Ecology, 62(8): 1929–1938. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70090. Boreal forest landscapes are rapidly transformed through expanding clearcutting forestry, leading to a decline in forests with long tree continuity and an increase in even-aged production stands. The role of remnant forests in supporting biodiversity within production forest landscapes remains poorly understood. Northern Europe provides an ideal setting for studying mosaics of clearcut and remnant continuity forests, given its long history of clearcutting and the prevalence of even-aged forest stands. New remote-sensing techniques have enabled the identification of forests in boreal Sweden that have maintained permanent tree cover at least since the 1950s (‘continuity forest’), meaning that they have likely never been clearcut, with removal of all trees. Using these data (including production forest as well as protected forest), we randomly selected 16 areas, each 225 km2 in size, with the proportion of continuity forest ranging from 2% to 25%. In each study area, we selected four even-aged production forest stands aged 0–80 years and one selectively harvested (never-clearcut) production stand aged 81–120 years. As model organisms for assessing biodiversity, we used epiphytic lichens on randomly selected Norway spruce Picea abies trees. We recorded 164 epiphytic lichen taxa on 926 trees. Species richness (including species of conservation concern) in the even-aged forests 80 years old are important to epiphytic biodiversity since they host many species of conservation concern. Synthesis and applications. Our study has relevance for forestry and conservation across the boreal biome where a continued rapid expansion of clearcutting into primary forest landscapes is likely. Preserving continuity forests for the future would enrich the epiphytic biodiversity of younger, even-aged production forests due to their function as dispersal nuclei. The remnant continuity forests are also conservation targets in their own right due to their rich lichen diversity. Keywords: biodiversity, continuity forest, epiphyte, forest age, lichen, Norway spruce, species of conservation concern.
38777	Torres Vargas D.G. (2025): Comparison of near infrared spectra of three lichen substances and several common synthetic organic sunscreens. - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24: e70288 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70288. Background: Near-infrared (NIR) and UV radiation have been reported to alter skin physiology, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial genetic damage, and potentially leading to cancer and photoageing. NIR screening is recommended, but only inorganic sunscreens such as zinc and titanium oxide are known to absorb, reflect, and scatter NIR. Additionally, NIR spectra of common organic sunscreens are neither available in the literature nor in technical datasheets. Aim: This study characterizes NIR absorption of several commercial sunscreens and alternative lichen compounds. Methods: To measure NIR absorbance and reflectance spectra, solid organic sunscreens were impregnated with minimal chloroform onto pure dry potassium bromide (KBr) crystals and analyzed using a Varian Cary 5000 spectrophotometer. Liquid compounds were tested directly in standard 1 cm quartz cells. Reflectance spectra were processed using the Kubelka-Monk equation. Results: Sunscreens and lichen compounds effectively absorb radiation beyond 1500 nm, especially above 2100 nm, with less-substituted aromatic compounds such as sunscreens and methyl orsellinate performing better than more substituted ones like pseudocypherellin A and methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5,6-trimethylbenzoate. Additionally, less-substituted compounds exhibited minor absorption bands between 1000 and 1500 nm. Conclusions: Compounds with hydroxyl, carbonyl groups, medium-length aliphatic chains, and low degree of aromatic substitution may provide NIR photoprotection. Owing to their antioxidant properties, lichen compounds are better alternatives. NIR spectroscopy is also suitable for quantification and quality control of sunscreens due to their high concentrations in finished products. However, there is still a need to develop or discover new organic sunscreens with strong NIR absorption. Keywords: claim | lichen substances | Lobariella sipmanii | near-infrared spectroscopy | structure | sunscreens.
38776	Canali G., Hurtado P., Gariglio S., Rocha de Oliveira R., Malegori C. & Giordani P. (2025): How thermal patterns change during dehydration in non-vascular epiphytic communities. - Ecology and Evolution, 15: e71756 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71756. Lichens and bryophytes, as poikilohydric and poikilothermic organisms, reach equilibrium with their surroundings. However, non-vascular epiphytic communities contribute to ecosystem functions, such as water and energy balance, by interacting with the environment through water and heat exchange at the substrate-atmosphere interface. We hypothesized that variations in water content during dehydration cycles could alter thermal patterns, leading to greater thermal heterogeneity associated with increased life-form diversity. We captured infrared images of eight bark sample categories representing different epiphytic community compositions. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed how epiphytic community composition influenced thermal patterns, both directly and indirectly, through water-related variables. Our findings indicate that foliose lichens and bryophytes exhibited similar water and thermal trends. Both life forms, characterized by higher water content (WC), negatively affected thermal variables. In contrast, crustose lichens had opposing effects on WC and thermal dynamics. From the saturation point, the average WC over five sessions remained above 50% in samples colonized solely by foliose lichens or bryophytes and nearly 80% in those with both. In contrast, samples dominated by crustose lichens had an average WC below 20%. Bark samples with higher bryophyte and foliose lichen cover retained water for longer, whereas those dominated by crustose lichens lost water more rapidly. Regarding temperature, bryophytes and foliose lichens started at approximately 12°C, with mean final temperatures of 13.7°C and 14.4°C, respectively. Crustose lichens had a higher mean initial temperature of 12.5°C and a final temperature of 16.65°C. These differences may be explained by morphological traits, such as the greater hydrophilic properties and higher surface-to-volume ratio of bryophytes and foliose lichens compared to the hydrophobic properties and lower surface-to-volume ratio of crustose lichens. This study underscores the importance of incorporating non-vascular epiphytic communities into ecological research aimed at elucidating the regulation of thermal and water dynamics at fine scale levels. Keywords: life-forms | microclimate | SEM | surface thermal pattern | water content | water loss.
38775	Gunathilaka P.A.D.H.N., Ranundeniya R.M.N.S., Najim M.M.M. & Seneviratne S. (2011): A determination of air pollution in Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on Heterodermia speciosa. - Turkish Journal of Botany, 35(4): 439–446. https://doi.org/10.3906/bot-1006-15. Sri Lanka is facing severe environmental problems such as air and water pollution due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. Because there have not been many studies on heavy metal pollution in Sri Lanka, the present study attempts to contribute to the literature a determination of metal pollution using indicators found in lichen specimens. Our study utilised energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to determine element concentrations resulting from air pollution in the lichen species Heterodermia speciosa Wulfen. These samples, collected from Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, were analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) method in order to determine the concentrations of 13 different elements. A radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence analysis was applied to the elemental analysis of lichens using the method of multiple standard addition. Our qualitative analysis of spectral peaks showed that the samples contained potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, bromine, rubidium, strontium, yttrium, and gallium. Samples from the environment around Colombo, which is a highly congested urban area with much industrial development, were found to be more polluted when compared with Kurunegala, a city that is less congested and without industries. Concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, and Fe were always higher than other elemental concentrations in the lichens we analysed, a fact attributed to the proximity to the sea or exposed earth crustal sources. From the elements reported from the 2 cities, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb were reported at concentrations higher than background levels. Levels of Pb and Zn in samples from Colombo were higher than those from Kurunegala, reflecting the increased vehicular traffic. This study reveals that the common lichen species Heterodermia speciosa can be used as an indicator lichen to analyse the pollution level and other elements in the atmosphere. Keywords: Lichens, metal pollution, EDXRF, Heterodermia, air.
38774	Schumm F. (2025): Images of Lichens Vol. 26. Vezda Lichenes Rariores Exsiccati Part 1. - Archive for Lichenology, 67: 1–270. https://fschumm.de/Archive/Vol%2067%20Schumm%202025_Images%20of%20Lichens%20Vol%2026%20Vezda%20Lichenes%20Rariores%20%20Part1.pdf.
38773	Gheza G., Vallese C., Di Nuzzo L., Corneti S., Benesperi R., Bianchi E., Canali G., Del Vecchio S., Francesconi L., Giordani P., Nimis P.L., Obermayer W., Pistocchi C., Mayrhofer H. & Nascimbene J. (2025): Towards a better knowledge and conservation of cryptic macrolichens in Italy: a revision of the genus Cetrelia (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales, lichenized Ascomycota). - MycoKeys, 120: 231–254. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.154233. Cryptic species are a challenge for conservation since their ambiguous recognition can hinder a reliable evaluation of their distribution and ecology, thus affecting the assessment of their conservation status. Cetrelia W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb. is a foliose chlorolichen genus with four species in Europe, which represents a good case-study on this issue. All four sorediate Cetrelia species are morphologically very similar and also show a similar ecology. They can be identified by chemical characters related to their distinctive secondary metabolites, whose diagnostic value is also supported by molecular data. In addition, they are overall rare, and therefore virtually endangered, although in previous assessments they were evaluated as “data deficient” due to the scarcity of available data. The few, old literature records in Italy refer almost exclusively to one species (C. olivetorum), which, however, has been shown to be quite rare in other European countries. To better elucidate the actual distribution of the four species in Italy, we carried out a revision of all the available herbarium specimens and checked several new collections from the main centres of distribution. We analysed 320 specimens from 59 sites, confirming the occurrence of all the four species reported from Europe. Cetrelia monachorum is the most widespread, ranging from the Alps to the Apennines and Sardegna. Cetrelia cetrarioides is less widespread, occurring across the Italian Alps. Cetrelia olivetorum is confined to the Eastern Alps and northern Apennines. Cetrelia chicitae is the rarest, being found only in five sites in the Central and Eastern Alps. All the four species dwell in old, moist montane forests dominated by beech and/or conifers and with long ecological continuity, but they show different biogeographical patterns, which should be considered for planning conservation actions. All the sites hosting Cetrelia species, especially those in which more than one species occur, would deserve protection. Key words: Alps, Apennines, Lichens, Mediterranean.
38772	Reis Ely C.R., Perakis S.S., Cleveland C.C., Menge D.N.L., Reed S.C., Taylor B.N., Batterman S.A., Clark C.M., Crews T.E., Dynarski K.A., Gei M., Gundale M.J., Herridge D.F., Jovan S.E., Kou-Giesbrecht S., Peoples M.B., Piipponen J., Rodriguez-Caballero E., Salmon V.G., Soper F.M., Staccone A.P., Weber B., Williams C.A. & Wurzburger N. (2025): A global dataset of terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation. - Scientific Data, 12: 1362 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05131-4. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the main natural source of new nitrogen inputs in terrestrial ecosystems, supporting terrestrial productivity, carbon uptake, and other Earth system processes. We assembled a comprehensive global dataset of field measurements of BNF in all major N-fixing niches across natural terrestrial biomes derived from the analysis of 376 BNF studies. The dataset comprises 32 variables, including site location, biome type, N-fixing niche, sampling year, quantification method, BNF rate (kg N ha−1 y−1), the percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa), N fixer or N-fixing substrate abundance, BNF rate per unit of N fixer abundance, and species identity. Overall, the dataset combines 1,207 BNF rates for trees, shrubs, herbs, soil, leaf litter, woody litter, dead wood, mosses, lichens, and biocrusts, 152 herb %Ndfa values, 1,005 measurements of N fixer or N-fixing substrate abundance, and 762 BNF rates per unit of N fixer abundance for a total of 424 species across 66 countries. This dataset facilitates synthesis, meta-analysis, upscaling, and model benchmarking of BNF fluxes at multiple spatial scales.
38771	Moradi R., Khademi H., Sohrabi M. & Salehi M.H. (2025): Soil chemical characteristics influenced by selected lichen and moss species, a case study from an arid region of Iran. - Journal of Mountain Science, 22: 2870–2883. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-024-9326-8. The effects of various biological soil crusts (BSCs) on soil properties have been extensively studied. However, the impacts of specific species such as Placidium squamulosum, Peccania terricola, and Grimmia ovalis on soil properties in arid regions have not been documented. Besides, the effects of soil parent rock on the extent of changes in soil properties caused by BSCs have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to examine how BSCs including two different terricolous lichen species (Placidium squamulosum and Peccania terricola) and a moss species (Grimmia ovalis) could change major soil chemical and nutritional properties in an arid area under different parent rocks. Triplicate BSC-free surface soil and soil associated with the above-mentioned BSCs were sampled from 13 different sites with sedimentary and igneous parent rocks in an arid area in Isfahan, Iran. Soil properties including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were determined in all the samples. The results indicated that the presence of lichens and mosses significantly changed the soil chemical and nutritional properties. Specifically, the content of total nitrogen, organic matter, and available potassium in the soil environment increased under the activity of these biological crusts developed on both sedimentary and igneous formations. Additionally, these biological crusts resulted in a significant reduction in soil pH, CCE, and available phosphorus. The electrical conductivity of soils slightly increased due to the activity of biological crusts. In general, biological crusts including both chlorolichen (Placidium squamulosum) and cyanolichen (Peccania terricola) species, as well as a moss species (Grimmia ovalis) appear to create a unique microenvironment in terms of biochemical and nutritional conditions, which is substantially different from those typically observed in drylands. Keywords: Biological soil crusts (BSCs); EC; pH; Carbonates; Organic carbon; Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium (NPK).
38770	Feng J.J., He C.Y., Su J., Zhu Y.W., Mi Z.C., Yu L.Y. & Zhang T. (2025): Diversity and phylogeny of yeasts in various habitats of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with descriptions of one new family, five new genera and eighteen new species. - Persoonia, 55: 93–140. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.03. The Arctic and Antarctic regions are characterized by low temperatures, high solar irradiation, and successive freezing and thawing cycles. To date, 57 yeast species belonging to 24 genera have been identified as novel taxa initially isolated from Arctic and Antarctic environments. This study comprehensively explored yeast diversity in diverse habitats, including soil, freshwater, seawater, lichens, mosses, vascular plants, dung, feathers, algae, and mushrooms, in the Ny-Ålesund (Arctic) and Fildes regions (Antarctica). Over the past decade, a total of 406 samples were collected, resulting in the isolation of 2215 yeast strains. Molecular analysis revealed 2150 yeast strains across 80 known species in 36 genera. Remarkably, 65 yeast strains – 33 from Antarctica and 32 from the Arctic – were classified as novel taxa. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses, we described 18 new basidiomycetous yeast species across two classes: Tremellomycetes within Agaricomycotina and Microbotryomycetes within Pucciniomycotina. Furthermore, we proposed the establishment of one new family, Pricozymaceae, and five new genera, including Pricozyma, Xiangyanghongia, Chioneozyma, Skadia, and Xuelongia. In summary, this study revealed a rich diversity of yeast species in the Arctic and Antarctica, identifying 98 species across 40 genera, 22 families, 12 orders, four classes, and two phyla, many of which were previously unknown. Novel species described include: Chioneozyma fusiformis, Chioneozyma ovata, Dioszegia frigidiaquatica, Dioszegia dongchenii, Fellozyma antarctica, Genolevuria ovata, Glaciozyma ellipsoidea, Glaciozyma elongata, Phaeotremella nansenii, Phaeotremella polaris, Pseudotremella lichenophila, Piskurozyma viscida, Pricozyma crymophila, Skadia corniformis, Skadia rubropurpurea, Xiangyanghongia terricola, Xuelongia filamentosa, and Yunzhangia cylindrica. Keywords: morphology; new taxa; phylogeny; polar regions; yeast diversity.
38769	Möller E.J., Timdal E., Haugan R. & Bendiksby M. (2025): Integrative taxonomy and genus delimitation in the Rhizocarpaceae (lichenized Ascomycota). - Fungal Systematics and Evolution, 16: 215–231. doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.16.12. The Rhizocarpaceae, a family of lichenized fungi within the Ascomycota, comprises approximately 160 species within five genera: Catolechia, Epilichen, Haugania, Poeltinula, and Rhizocarpon. Rhizocarpon is the most species-rich, with about 150 species predominantly inhabiting siliceous rock in boreal and arctic-alpine environments. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that current taxonomy, heavily reliant on morphology, chemistry, and life strategies, renders Rhizocarpon paraphyletic. This study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and clarify genus delimitation within the Rhizocarpaceae using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines three genetic markers and a diversity of taxa covering the morphological, chemical, and ecological spectrum of the family. Our comprehensive sampling includes 50 species across the Rhizocarpaceae collected from diverse geographical locations and ecological settings. Our phylogenetic hypothesis is based on a concatenated dataset of two nuclear (ITS and MCM7) and one mitochondrial (mtSSU) genetic marker. Ascospore characteristics and thallus pigmentation alongside secondary metabolite profiles were mapped onto this DNA-based evolutionary framework. Our results underscore significant refinements in the classification of the Rhizocarpaceae, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional taxonomic markers alone to infer robust phylogenetic affiliations. We advocate for new circumscriptions of Catolechia, Poeltinula, and Rhizocarpon based on the molecular phylogeny and propose synonymizing Epilichen with Catolechia, the transfer of the species in the R. hochstetteri complex to Poeltinula, and the resurrection of Rehmia. We hence propose 24 new combinations and three typifications. Collectively, this study sets the groundwork for future research and stability in the systematics of the Rhizocarpaceae, augmenting our understanding of their diversity and evolutionary dynamics. Keywords: Catolechia; Epilichen; Haugania; Lecanoromycetes; Poeltinula; Rehmia; Rhizocarpon; molecular phylogeny; new taxa.
38768	Kantola N., Welker J.M., Leffler A.J., Lämsä J., Paavola R., Suominen O. & Väisänen M. (2025): Impacts of winter climate change on northern forest understory carbon dioxide exchange determined by reindeer grazing. - Science of The Total Environment, 995: 180089 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180089. In northern regions, the ongoing climate change is altering snow depth with complex consequences for carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange and thus, global carbon (C) balance. In addition, ungulate grazers such as reindeer and caribou often alter plant and soil properties that may lead to modifications in the magnitudes and patterns of CO2 exchange. To understand how reindeer grazing, coupled with changes in snow depth affects CO2 exchange, we used recent snow treatments (ambient, reduced, and increased snow depth) combined with 25- and 55-year-old reindeer exclusions and the adjacent grazed areas in boreal and subarctic Scots pine forests that are main winter pastures for reindeer/caribou and cover a significant portion of boreal and subarctic landscapes. At both study sites, we measured understory net ecosystem exchange (i.e., NEE), ecosystem respiration (i.e., ER), and gross ecosystem production (i.e., GEP) over two snow-free seasons. We found that 55 years of reindeer exclusion increased C source strength by 136 % under ambient snow depth and 205 % under reduced snow depth in comparison to the grazed area with respective snow conditions. On the contrary, increased snow depth decreased C source strength inside the exclusion offsetting the difference between reindeer grazing treatments. Our results show that grazing may enhance ecosystem stability to winter climate change in comparison to long-term absence of grazing. This highlights the complexity of climate-grazer interactions in functioning of northern ecosystems which are experiencing variations in snow depth. Keywords: Boreal forest; ER; GEP; Herbivory; Lichen; NEE; Snow depth; Snow treatment.
38767	Möller T., Kaufmann S. & Hauck M. (2025): Tree, stand, and landscape scale effects on epiphytic lichen and bryophyte diversity in temperate mountain forests. - Forest Ecology and Management, 594: 122967 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122967. Trade-offs between effective forest management strategies and the preservation of diverse forest ecosystems are key issues for forest researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders. Understanding the impacts of environmental drivers is crucial for recommending management strategies and their effects on diversity patterns. The same driver can exert divergent effects across spatial scales, and different groups of organisms can respond with varying intensities or opposing directions. Epiphytic lichens and bryophytes are related to various environmental factors and react sensitively to management-induced impacts. We aimed to improve ecological understanding by performing a cross-scale analysis on the impact of environmental drivers at the landscape, stand, and tree scale and their influence on the epiphyte diversity of frequent tree species. Using a forward-selection modeling approach, we assessed the relative influence of environmental factors across 24 plots in the Black Forest, Germany. We analyzed 96 trees of Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, and Picea abies, spanning different DBH categories. Tree species identity emerged as the dominant determinant of epiphyte richness and community composition. Furthermore, structural heterogeneity (light and DBH), basal area, the proportion of broadleaved trees, and DBH showed tree species-specific effects, highlighting the role of stand structure. Forest cover and landscape scale further shaped epiphyte richness, with broadleaved forest cover enhancing epiphyte diversity on conifers. Our study underlines the importance of cross-scale analyses in biodiversity research. We propose promoting structural heterogeneity as a vital conservation strategy and emphasize the importance of well-connected, mixed tree species forest regimes. Keywords: Forest biodiversity conservation; Forest cover; Multiple scales; Structural heterogeneity.
38766	Wang Q., Wang Z., Peñuelas J., Cao R., Wang L. & Yang W. (2025): Log decomposition and forest gaps synergistically shape the structure and function of wood-inhabiting microbial communities in forest ecosystems. - Applied Soil Ecology, 213: 106316 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106316. Understanding the intricate relationships between microbes, log decomposition, and forest disturbance is vital for conserving microbial diversity and maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. However, the successional dynamics of wood-inhabiting microbial communities across different decay stages and their responses to varying forest gap positions remain poorly understood. Here, we present results from a 6-year in-situ experiment using Minjiang fir (Abies faxoniana) logs across five decay classes (I–V, representing increasing levels of decay) placed in gap centers, gap edges and under a closed canopy on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Using high-throughput sequencing coupled with FUNGuild and Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) analyses, we identified a total of 6193 fungal and 10,530 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Fungal diversity in decaying logs initially increased, peaking in class III (maximum increase: 64 %), before declining in later stages. In contrast, bacterial diversity increased continuously, reaching its highest levels in decay classes IV and V (maximum increase: 27 %). Both fungal and bacterial species richness in decaying logs were greater at the center of forest gaps than under the closed canopy. Highly decayed logs favored specific fungal functional groups, such as ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. Bacterial functional groups associated with the carbon cycle peaked in highly decayed logs (class V), whereas those linked to the nitrogen cycle were more abundant under the closed canopy. The dominant phyla, genera, and functional groups of fungi and bacteria were primarily driven by changes in log water content mediated by forest gaps, and the resulting pH and nutrient dynamics, rather than by temperature. These results highlight the pivotal roles of decaying logs and forest gaps in shaping the structural and functional succession of microbial communities. Therefore, maintaining coarse woody debris across various decomposition stages, particularly advanced decay classes, along with moderate gap disturbance, promotes the conservation of wood-inhabiting microbial diversity in forest ecosystems. Our study provides in-depth insights into the positive effects of forest disturbances, which are essential for informing sustainable forest management practices and preserving ecosystem health. Keywords: Wood decomposition; Fungal diversity; Bacterial diversity; Functional group; Gap position. [p. 6: ] "As log decomposition progressed, the proportions of plant pathogens, bryophyte parasites, ectomycorrhizal fungi, wood saprotrophs, and saprotrophs increased. Lichen parasites and lichenized fungi first increased and then decreased. Moreover, compared to the closed canopy, the proportions of plant pathogens, bryophyte parasites, ectomycorrhizas, and saprotrophs were lower at the gap center. In contrast, lichen parasites were more abundant at the gap center, and lichenized fungi had the highest abundance at the gap edge." [p. 9: ] "These findings indicate that lower temperatures and higher humidity levels under the closed canopy favor ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi, while lichen-associated fungi thrive in more open conditions offered by gap centers and edges."
38765	Sugimoto R., Azuma W.A., Komada N. & Ogawa Y. (2025): Litter decomposition of epiphytic lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants on the forest floor and canopy in a cool-temperate old-growth forest. - Pedobiologia, 112: 151064 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2025.151064. The litter of non-vascular plants, such as epiphytic lichens and bryophytes, contributes to soil formation in the forest floor and tree canopy of old-growth forests. In this study, we investigated litter decomposition to elucidate the ecological functions of non-vascular plants in forest ecosystems. Focusing on a cool-temperate old-growth forest in Japan, we conducted litter bag experiments to examine rates of change in the mass of litter from epiphytic lichens, epiphytic bryophytes, and vascular plants (host tree leaves) after three months and one year. Litter bags were installed at three microsites: on the ground, in thick canopy soil, and in thin canopy soil. The results showed that lichen and bryophyte litter decomposed more slowly than vascular plant litter in ground and thick canopy soil. No significant differences in mass loss rates were observed between the ground and thick and thin canopy soils. However, the contributions of lichens and bryophytes to decomposition at the ground and canopy levels were slightly influenced by environmental variables, such as soil temperature, soil volumetric water content, and canopy openness. A litter bag experiment with a mixture of the three litter species showed no general synergistic effect of mixed litter on vascular plants. This study provides insights into the ecological functions of non-vascular plants in forest ecosystems, emphasizing their role in the dynamics of litter decomposition. Keywords: Arboreal soil; Ecosystem process; Epiphytes; Litter bag; Litter bed; Secondary compounds.
38764	Leong G., Brolly M. & Nash D.J. (2025): Novel lichen simulation and laser scan modelling to reveal lichen-covered carvings at Stonehenge. - Results in Engineering, 27: 106377 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106377. Stonehenge boasts the world’s largest collection of early Bronze Age axe-head carvings, offering vital clues to the significance of the monument. However, 23 % of the stone surfaces are concealed by fruticose lichen, primarily Ramalina siliquosa, potentially obscuring undiscovered carvings. To address this, a novel lichen growth simulation (RDLA), informed by laser scans of R. siliquosa, was developed to model lichen growth on early Bronze Age carvings. Denoising and visualisation revealed that the presence of R. siliquosa did not hinder the identification of carvings. Subsequently, a machine learning method for 3-D shape classification (MeshNet) was trained on these simulated lichen-covered carvings. Despite a reduced accuracy (73.3 %) compared to non-lichen-covered carvings (90.7 %) on Stone 53, MeshNet demonstrates the feasibility of semi-automatic identification of carvings through lichen coverage. These findings offer the prospect of uncovering additional carvings at Stonehenge and other prehistoric sites without resorting to invasive lichen removal or subsurface imaging. Keywords: Lichen simulation; Diffusion-limited aggregation; Meshnet; Laser scanning; Rock carvings; Stonehenge; Machine learning.
38763	Geng Z., Li M., Zhang S., Shi S., Wang W., Zhu L., Li T. & Zhang J. (2025): Geochemical implications of the carbon isotope compositions of individual polycyclic aromatic compounds in coals from the Junggar and Ordos basins, NW China. - Organic Geochemistry, 208: 105049 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2025.105049. This study analyzes the δ13C values of various polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including dibenzofuran, and methyldibenzofurans in two sets of coals from the Junggar and Ordos basins in NW China. The results reveal that the δ13C values of individual PACs are primarily influenced by the source of degraded organic matter rather than thermal maturity. The significant differences in δ13C values (−11.7 ‰) between dibenzofuran (DBF) and its methylated homologues (MDBFs) imply different sources. DBF is primarily derived from higher plants, while MDBFs have multiple sources from both lichens and higher plants. However, the δ13C values of DBF and MDBF in predominantly pyrogenic samples are relatively similar. This is due to two factors: (1) The kinetic isotope effect leads to preferential demethylation of 12C-enriched MDBF isomers, and the residual MDBFs are consequently enriched in 13C isotopes. The DBF produced by this process is enriched in 12C isotope, leading to depletion of δ13C for DBF in the combustion products. (2) Greater higher plant than lichen inputs result in higher δ13C values of MDBFs also potentially causes lower δ13C values in DBF. These two factors combine to produce similar δ13C values for DBF and MDBFs in samples heavily affected by wildfires. Keywords: Coals; Northwestern China; PACs; Carbon isotope composition; Wildfires; Isotopic fractionation.
38762	Girotti C., Matos P.S.A., Shimomura A.R.P., Kurokawa F.A., Correia E. & Lopes A. (2025): Microclimate simulation and lichen-based validation analyzing street trees' impact on atmospheric pollutant dispersion at the urban canyon scale. - Urban Climate, 62: 102549 [21 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2025.102549. This study investigates the impact of street trees on air pollutant concentrations, specifically NO₂ and PM10, in urban environments using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with ENVI-met software. The study explores how different levels of tree cover influence the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants, focusing on three scenarios: current tree cover, complete removal of street trees, and a 50 % reduction in tree cover. Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon, known for its high tree density, serves as the study site. To ensure the accuracy of the simulations, the method was validated using air quality data from a local monitoring station, supplemented by an analysis of lichen diversity on 80 trees, a common biomonitor for pollution. The results indicate that both NO₂ and PM10 concentrations are higher under tree canopies, with the greatest increase observed on the windward side of the avenue. Specifically, PM10 levels rose by up to 2.97 %, and NO₂ by up to 25.84 % in the scenario with the highest tree cover. Moreover, the study highlights that street trees have a more significant effect on NO₂ concentrations compared to PM10. The findings suggest that, in this specific case—where there is a high density of trees and low wind speed— reducing tree coverage and improve permeability to the wind, could improve pollution dispersion. This study provides key findings into the complex role of urban trees in air quality and offers a foundation for future research into the modelling of additional pollutants, such as PM2.5 and ozone, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their impacts on urban air quality. Keywords: Air quality; Urban vegetation; Urban pollutant simulation; Wind speed; Lichens.
38761	Zemp N., Nelson P.R. & Holt E.A. (2025): Lichen secondary chemistry variation across environmental gradients in Arctic Alaska: Possible targets for functional trait exploration. - Fungal Ecology, 77: 101451 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101451. Studies abound describing community structure of lichens across various landscapes. However, much of this work only uses lichen identity and abundance, with fewer studies using functional traits to describe these patterns. We believe that lichen chemistry represents a promising possible functional trait with which to investigate lichen ecosystem function, but current literature has yet to define species targets for investigation. We developed a bibliographic database of secondary metabolites documented to occur in Arctic lichen species. Using these chemical data, in conjunction with existing field datasets across the Arctic National Parklands, USA, yielded species abundance-weighted mean chemical frequency. Ordination analysis revealed three primary gradients in lichen chemistry. We found that lichen chemistry community patterns were not random. We recommend nine secondary chemicals, which are strongly associated with these environmental gradients as targets for future chemistry-based functional trait research. This novel approach has utility well beyond simply characterizing the community through the lens of lichen chemistry. Keywords: Dolichorrhizin; Fumarprotocetraric acid; Functional traits; Lichen chemistry; Macrolichen; Pinastric acid; Tundra.
38760	Zhang X.-T., Hu J.-J., Shen B., Huang M.-D., Lan S.-H. & Xin Z.-H. (2025): Multi-compartmental migration and ecological-health risks of trace metals in Dexing mining concentration areas: A holistic quantitative assessment. - China Geology, 8(3): 500–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2096-5192(25)00089-8. To address the critical gap in linking multi-compartmental transfer with risks of trace metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni) in mining environments. This study systematically investigated the trans-media migration of Cd, Pb, As, Cr, and Ni in China’s Dexing copper mining district through paired sampling of water-amphibians, soil-earthworms, and air-lichens. Advanced methodologies were employed, including ICP-MS quantification for heavy metals, geochemical indices (Igeo, BCF, BAF) to assess bioavailability, NMDS for source apportionment, and HPLC to detect DNA methylation alterations. Aquatic systems exhibited severe Cd/Pb enrichment (16.25–24.42 μg/L; 11–15× WHO limits), while agricultural soils showed extreme Cd contamination (1.5 mg/kg; 15× background). Biota displayed metal-specific accumulation: frogs achieved BCFs >1,000 for Pb/Cd, earthworms showed pH-modulated BAFs >2.5 for Cd/As, and lichens recorded 100–1,000× atmospheric Cr enrichment. NMDS resolved three contamination pathways: mining-derived Cd/Pb/As (MDS1 = 2.56), atmospheric Cr (PC2 = 1.84), and geogenic Ni. Cd dominated ecological risks (Eri = 554.25; RI 300), while atmospheric Cr drove carcinogenic risks (TCR = 4.11×10−5) exceeding safety thresholds. The source-media-biota-risk framework pioneers the integration of geochemical transport with epigenetic toxicity biomarkers, demonstrating that sub-lethal Cd/Pb exposure induces genome-wide DNA hypomethylation (2.4%–6.6% reduction; ρ = −0.71 to −0.91). This paradigm shift prioritizes bioavailability-informed regulations over concentration-based metrics, offering actionable strategies for sustainable development goals-aligned mining pollution control. Keywords: Copper mining operations; Trace metal(loid)s contamination; Cross-media transfer; Water-amphibians; Soil-earthworms; Air-lichens; DNA methylation biomarkers; Biogeochemical processes; Risk assessment; Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3); Dexing mining area; Environmental geological survey engineering.
38759	Çobanoğlu G., Özdemir H., Özdemir M., Özdemir G.A., Özdemir E., Koç F.E. & Özcan A. (2025): Exploring vitamin D3 profile of epiphytic lichen forming fungi in forest ecosystems: Influence of habitat-dependent ecological variables. - Fungal Biology, 129(6): 101634 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101634. Vitamin D is critically important for sustainable human health, and the rising prevalence of deficiency-related diseases has increased interest in natural sources. This study explores the potential of epiphytic lichen-forming fungi, known for their unique metabolites, as a novel biosource of vitamin D3 for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Fourteen epiphytic lichen species were collected using a stratified sampling method from four mountainous forests in the Marmara Region of Türkiye. Vitamin D3 contents of the samples were analysed in relation to six ecological variables: study area layer, stand type, tree species, altitude, aspect, and air humidity and temperature. Extraction methods including maceration, Soxhlet, and supercritical CO2 techniques were applied, followed by HPLC analysis. Olive oil-based maceration was identified as the most efficient extraction method. One-way ANOVA showed significant associations between vitamin D3 content and lichen species (p = 0.024), layer, stand, and tree species. Concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 20.33 μg/g, with Bryoria fuscescens, Evernia prunastri, and Pseudevernia furfuracea yielding the highest values. The highest vitamin D3 levels were detected in Uludağ, especially in coniferous forests dominated by Pinus nigra. The results indicated that forest layer, stand, altitude, and tree species significantly influence vitamin D3 amounts, while aspect and humidity do not. This is the first study to comprehensively report natural vitamin D3 content in lichens, filling an important scientific gap and demonstrating their potential as an eco-sustainable resource for vitamin D3 production Keywords: Epiphytic lichens; Habitat factors; Lichen-derived metabolites; Maceration; Natural source; Vitamin D3.
38758	Xie Y., Wen X., Tu Z. & Zhang D. (2025): Microbial geographic patterns of biological soil crusts and responses to global climate change increase carbon and nitrogen losses on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. - Applied Soil Ecology, 214: 106356 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106356. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) exhibits ecological fragility and sensitivity to climate change. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are distributed widely in the QTP and play important roles in the carbon and nitrogen cycles. However, their biogeographic patterns and responses to climate change remain unclear. In this study, we collected BSC samples from 20 sites along the Lhasa River Valley, and the results indicated that lichen crusts were widespread in this valley, and their maturity gradually increased with altitude. Bacterial and fungal communities in BSCs exhibited significant distance-decay patterns (p al nitrogen (TN) of BSCs in 2100 were predicted by bacterial and climatic variables using an artificial neural network algorithm under three SSP (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) scenarios of SSP126, SSP245 and SSP585, and their contents decreased with air temperature and precipitation. In the worst-case scenario of SSP585, TOC and TN losses were 41.4 % and 17.2 %, respectively, suggesting that BSCs potentially show positive feedback in global warming as carbon and nitrogen sources. Our findings for the first time reported pioneering information about the composition, biogeographic patterns, and functions of BSCs on the QTP, and unravelled their carbon and nitrogen source-sink relationships in response to global climate change. Keywords: Biological soil crusts; Microbial community; Biogeographic pattern; Climate change; Qinghai-Tibet plateau.
38757	Rinas C.R., Haughian S.R. & Harper K.A. (2025): Diversity, composition, and gastropod grazing of epiphytic lichen communities of forested wetlands at clearcut and intact edges in Nova Scotia, Canada. - Forest Ecology and Management, 595: 123045 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123045. Recent anthropogenic activities, such as forest cutting, have altered natural landscapes so extensively that habitat loss is considered one of the greatest threats to at-risk species across the globe. Furthermore, communities in undisturbed forests can be indirectly affected by adjacent forest cutting via invasions of exotic species and edge influence - where environmental changes at the impacted edge extend into the intact habitat and may influence interior forest communities. In this study, we examined how edge influence and exotic slug grazing affect arboreal, epiphytic lichens in forested wetlands in Nova Scotia, Canada, which harbor a highly diverse and unique lichen community. We compared epiphytic lichen abundance, diversity, and the percentage of grazed thalli in protected forested wetlands with a natural upland transition to those situated next to a recent clearcut. Our results revealed little difference in patterns of epiphytic lichen abundance and diversity between wetland types, suggesting that forest cutting does not produce a strong edge influence on these communities in forest wetlands 2–5 years after cutting. Grazing of lichen thalli was higher in wetlands adjacent to a clearcut edge, and uniform across the edge to interior gradient in both wetland types. We suggest that humid microclimatic conditions can mitigate edge influence. Grazing by exotic slugs appears to be the most immediate threat to epiphytic communities, particularly near clearcuts. We recommend advancing protected status to large tracts of undisturbed natural areas, especially those with forested wetlands and threatened or rare species. Keywords: Clearcut harvesting; Ecotone; Edge effect; Forested wetland; Lichens.
38756	Aragón G., Giménez G.F., Negrón V. & Rincón M. (2025): Unveiling lichen diversity on volcanic substrates: A comparative study across mainland Spain. - Journal of Arid Environments, 231: 105455 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105455. Volcanic rocks harbor an interesting biota well-adapted to the stressful conditions imposed by the environment. Lichens species, with their remarkable resilience, are the most conspicuous organisms colonizing these ecosystems reflecting higher percentages of volcanic rocks coverage. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of lichen diversity across mainland Spain, focusing on the different locations of the volcanic zones and volcanism type, aiming to investigate differences in species richness, frequency, and functionality in four volcanic zones: central, northeastern, southeastern coastal, and southeastern inland. Fieldwork and literature review were used to compile a dataset of 360 lichen species from 85 localities. The results indicate that regional differences in species composition are driven by location of the volcanic zones. Functional traits such as growth forms, photobiont types, and secondary metabolites exhibit similarities across volcanic zones. At a local scale, differences in lichen composition appear influenced by the chemical composition of volcanic rocks. The findings underscore that despite high species turnover between volcanic zones, functionality remains consistent, with a clear dominance of species developing crustose thalli with green algal photobionts and secondary metabolites offering photoprotection in these harsh environments. This research helps fill the knowledge gap on lichen diversity in the Iberian Peninsula's volcanic regions. Keywords: Saxicolous lichens; Growth form; Lichen photobiont; Volcanic rocks; Iberian Peninsula.
38755	Işik V., Aydin S.S., Ghalghachi A.A., Beirami N., Turan A. & Yildiz A. (2024): A transplantation study with Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf about air pollution mapping of Çankırı, Turkey. - EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 62: 9–17. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/18914. For researching of Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn and Cu concentrations, lichen thallus and airborne particles were investigated in Çankırı city. From an uncontaminated area thalli of fruticose lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf were taken and exposed to contaminated area by bag (transplant) technique. According to results, existence of heavy metals in particles is considerable for assessing pollution levels in certain areas. The crucial relation between the heavy metals uptaken by lichens and heavy metals in the air is a evidence that lichens reflect atmospheric pollution. In addition, the results indicate that for determining heavy metal pollution lichens can be utilized as a bioindicator organism. The aim of this research was to evaluate the level of air pollution in Çankırı and to constitute air pollution map by using P. furfuracea as a bioindicator. Lichen specimens were collected from an unpolluted area in Yapraklı Mountains in Çankırı in July 2002 and carried to 6 different localities in Çankırı. Specimens were re-collected separately in two different periods, 3 and 6 months later. Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were analyzed with ICP-MS device. Amounts of chlorophyll a and b were measured by DMSO technique. It was reached that with heavy metal content results in P. furfuracea to air pollution data in Çankırı. The clear causes of pollution in Çankırı stations were heating activities, vehicle and industrial pollution. Keywords: Biomonitoring, Air pollution, Bag technique , Pseudevernia furfuracea, Çankırı.
38754	Işik V., Vardar Ç., Aksoy A. & Yildiz A. (2023): Biomonitoring of heavy metals by Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf in Aksaray city, Turkey. - EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 56: 52–61. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/16426. Mixed air pollutants are considered a major cause of damage in living organisms. Air pollution and associated heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem. One of the methods used to monitor heavy metal pollution is the method of transplanting lichen samples by the ‘bag technique’. The objective of this study was to determine the air pollution level of Aksaray and to generate the air pollution map of this city by using Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf as a bioindicator. The study area was characterized by the presence of numerous industrial, heating activities and traffic. Lichen samples were collected from unpolluted area at Yapraklı Mountains, Çankırı in November 2002 and transplanted to 7 different localities in Aksaray. They were retrieved following an exposure of 3 and 6 months. Heavy metal Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn contents were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The chlorophyll a and b contents were determined by using DMSO method. According to the heavy metal analysis results of P. furfuracea, air pollution in Aksaray owing to industrial activities, heating and traffic showed various changes in different stations and periods studied. Heavy metal concentrations in various stations showed obvious differences according to determination methods applied in the experiments. The results indicated that lichens had a great potential of bioindicator capacity. Keywords: biomonitoring, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Aksaray, Turkey.
38753	Işik V. & Yildiz A. (2023): The heavy metal biomonitoring study using lichen Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. in Ankara province (Turkey). - EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 52[2022]: 1–10. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/15828. For the purpose of biomonitoring air pollution level in Ankara (capital of Turkey) in terms of heavy metals, Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. lichen samples were collected at 30 stations on different tree species, 29 of which are located in city center and 1 outside the city as a control station, between November 2020 and April 2021. After drying and cleaning dust and bark materials from the lichen thallus, the analysis of heavy metals (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) was performed using ICP-MS and the amaount of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b was measured with UV-Spectrophotometer. When mean of the heavy metal measurement results was compared with lichen reference values of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the ranking was as follows: Cr˃Fe˃Al˃Co˃V˃Cu˃As˃Ni˃Zn˃Pb˃Cd˃Mn. As expected, the station in Çamlıdere district, which was selected as a control station 98 km from the city center of Ankara, has lower heavy metals concentration compared to the other stations. According to the results of heavy metals concentration from other stations, the main sources of air pollution in Ankara are motor vehicles, fossil fuels, and industrial activities, respectively. Keywords: Biomonitoring, Air Pollution, Lichen, Heavy Metal, Xanthoria parietina, Ankara.
38752	Cioffi M. (2009): Air quality monitoring with the lichen biodiversity index (LBI) in the district of Faenza (Italy). - EQA – Environmental Quality / Qualité de l’Environnement / Qualità ambientale, 1: 1–6. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/3809. The Lichen Biodiversity Index (LBI) is a method for monitoring air pollution. This method employs lichens living on lime trees because they are sensitive to NOx and SOx, and it considers the variations in their communities. This study was performed in 16 stations located in the suburbs of Faenza city town and the result shows a more than acceptable air quality although in some stations the air was affected by the polluting effects of the vehicle traffic. Keywords: bioindicator, lichens, air pollution, biodiversity.
38751	Turan A. & Yildiz A. (2025): Revision of Collema Weber Ex. [sic!] F.H. Wigg. Genus of Turkiye. - EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 67: 11–25. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/19601. Many lichens flora studies have been carried out within the borders of Türkiye, and as a result of these studies, a total of 35 taxa, including 25 species, 9 varieties and 1 subspecies, belonging to the genus Collema, have been identified. As a result of the studies, the categories of 28 taxa have been changed and they have been transferred to other genera. As a result of our work, samples were collected from 200 stations. Collema taxa were found in 54 of these stations. Taxa belonging to the genus Collema are C. nigrescens, C. furfuraceum from 12 locations, C. subnigrescens from 10 locations, C. subflaccidum from 7 locations, C. flaccidum from 5 locations, C. ryssoleum from 3 locations, and C. texanum var. texanum from 1 location collected. When taxa transferred from Collema to other genera are taken into consideration, the 4 most common taxa are Lathagrium cristatum (90), Enchlium tenax (75), Blantholla crispa (72) and L. auriforme (50). Keywords: Collema, Lichen, Revision, Turkiye.
38750	Oukarroum A., El Gharous M., Goltsev V. & Strasser R.J. (2016): Delayed fluorescence emission as a probe for the response of photosynthetic organisms to high temperature exposure: A comparative study. - Journal of Luminescence, 180: 321-327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2016.08.061. The effects of a short-term exposure (40 s) to 50 °C on the prompt fluorescence (PF), delayed fluorescence (DF) and 820 nm reflection (MR) signals in three different photosynthetic organisms: Pisum sativum (angiosperm plant), Ginkgo biloba (gymnosperm tree) and thalli of Parmelina tiliacea (Hoffm.) Ach (lichen) were investigated. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between prompt PF, DF and MR when the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) is destroyed. The signals of PF, DF and MR were measured simultaneously in plants in vivo to probe heat-induced damages in the photosynthetic electron transfer. PF is characterised by a polyphasic fluorescence rise OJIPSMT and DF induction curve has several maxima (In) and numbered in sequence according to their appearance during illumination. In control condition (25 °C) leaves of pea plants yield a typical OJIP rise with a flat P-step (0.2–2 s) and in G. biloba and P. tiliacea thalli, the P-level was split into two peaks, the first peak P (0.2 s) is followed by a decrease of the fluorescence intensity to a dip (S) and a subsequent rise to a second peak (M). An antiparallel relation between J–I–P–S and DF curves was also observed. Methyl viologen (MV) reduced the amplitude of the I–P phase of the PF curve and this change was accompanied by a disappearance of the PSM transient. In the presence of MV, the DF intensity remained higher; and the I4 peak disappeared. We suggested that P-S-M rise from PF and I4 peak might be related to an acceleration of intersystem electron transport. After 50 °C incubation, significant changes appeared in the PF, DF and MR transients and that were dependent on the photosynthetic sample. Heat treatment provoked a down regulation of electrons donation by the OEC in the three plant species and the re-reduction of P700+ and PC+ started earlier and began already after 10 ms of illumination. Inhibition of the donation of electrons by OEC after 50 °C incubation indicates that DF induction depends on the concentrations of QA− and P680+ and the proton gradient. Heat treatment, Oxygen evolving complex, Prompt fluorescence, Delayed fluorescence, 820-nm light reflection
38749	De Nicola F., Adamo P. & Giordano S. (2016): Comparison of lichen and moss bags as monitoring devices of airborne trace elements and PAHs. - In: M.A. Urošević, G. Vuković and M. Tomašević: biomonitoring of Air Pollution Using Mosses and Lichens: A Passive and Active Approach - State of the Art Research and Perspectives. - Nova Science Publishers, Hauppauge, 177-194. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327549202_Comparison_of_lichen_and_moss_bags_as_monitoring_devices_of_airborne_trace_elements_and_PAHs. Although a lot of papers refer to the use of moss or lichen transplants to monitor levels of air contamination, only few regard the joint use of them. Thus, this chapter focuses on the direct comparison of the use of lichen and moss bags in the monitoring of airborne pollutants of major concern for environmental and human health, such as trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The reviewed papers refer to the last 10 years and the findings are reported in this chapter with the aim to underline the different capability of lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea and Parmelia sulcata) and moss (Sphagnum capillifolium and Hypnum cupressiforme) bags, in relation to their specific morpho-physiological features, to assess spatial trends of air pollution. Moss and lichen bags proved very sensitive tools, able to intercept particulate matter when exposed in polluted areas. However, generally, for the investigated species, a higher uptake and enrichment of trace elements and PAHs was found in the moss than in the lichen bags, indicating the higher interception capacity of the moss for airborne pollutants. The results showed that exposure caused more ultrastructural damages in moss than in lichen, supporting the hypothesis that, moss works as a dead biomonitor. The results reviewed in this chapter can promote the use of cryptogam transplants in the monitoring of trace element and PAH deposition in polluted environments.
38748	Cen S. (2015): Biological monitoring of air pollutants and its influence on human beings. - Open Biomedical Engineering Journal, 9: 219-223. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874120701509010219. Monitoring air pollutants via plants is an economic, convenient and credible method compared with the traditional ways. Plants show different damage symptoms to different air pollutants, which can be used to determine the species of air pollutants. Besides, pollutants mass concentration scope can be estimated by the damage extent of plants and the span of polluted time. Based on the domestic and foreign research, this paper discusses the principles, mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of plant-monitoring, and exemplifies plenty of such plants and the minimum mass concentration and pollution time of the plants showing damage symptoms. Finally, this paper introduced the human health effects of air pollutants on immune function of the body, such as decrease of the body's immune function, decline of lung function, respiratory and circulatory system changes, inducing and promoting human allergic diseases, respiratory diseases and other diseases. Air pollutants, biological monitoring, damage symptoms, health, plants
38747	Caggiano R., S. Trippetta & S. Sabia (2015): Assessment of atmospheric trace element concentrations by lichen-bag near an oil/gas pre-treatment plant in the Agri Valley (southern Italy). - Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 15(2): 325-333. https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-15-325-2015. The atmospheric concentrations of 17 trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Ti and Zn) were measured by means of the "lichen-bag" technique in the Agri Valley (southern Italy). The lichen samples were collected from an unpolluted site located in Rifreddo forest (southern Italy), about 30 km away from the study area along the north direction. The bags were exposed to ambient air for 6 and 12 months. The exposed-to-control (EC) ratio values highlighted that the used lichen species were suitable for biomonitoring investigations. The results showed that the concentrations of almost all the examined trace elements increased with respect to the control after 6-12-month exposures. Furthermore, Ca, Al, Fe, K, Mg and S were the most abundant trace elements both in the 6-month and 12-month-exposed samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) results highlighted that the major sources of the measured atmospheric trace elements were related both to anthropogenic contributions due to traffic, combustion processes agricultural practices, construction and quarrying activities, and to natural contributions mainly represented by the re-suspension of local soil and road dusts. In addition, the contribution both of secondary atmospheric reactions involving Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA) plant emissions and the African dust long-range transport were also identified. © Author(s) 2015. ambient air, atmospheric chemistry, biomonitoring, concentration (composition), lichen, long range transport, trace element, Agri Valley, Basilicata, Italy
38746	Randive P., Nayaka S. & Janarthanam M. (2017): An updated checklist of lichens from Goa with new records from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. - Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment, 2(1): 26-36. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8ebe/c4ade50e9157954354c77701c15b4649515e.pdf. A checklist 118 lichens species is prepared by compiling the published literature, unreported species from herbarium LWG and fresh collection from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The study added 47 species as new to Goa and Anisomeridium angulosum (Müll. Arg.) R.C. Harris as new to India. The state lichen biota is dominated by crustose lichens belonging to Graphidaceous and Pyrenocarpous group. Maximum number of lichens are listed from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary with 67 species. The study would serve as baseline information for further studies on lichen biota as well as biomonitoring in Goa.
38745	Jagadeesh Ram T.A.M. (2015): Additional Lichen Records from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 2. - Indian Journal of Forestry, 38(2): 165-170. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2015-762ZK4. Twelve species are recorded as additions to the lichen flora of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Bulbothrix verrucosa (Hale & Kurokawa) Hale, Chiodecton malmei G. Thor and Relicina relicinula (Mull. Arg.) Hale are reported as new records for India. Bulbothrix, Dichosporidium, Enterographa, Heterodermia and Lecanographa are generic additions to the Andaman and Nicobar Island.
38744	Kocakaya M., Kocakaya Z., Kaya D. & Barak M.Ü. (2018): A new lichen record for the Asia: Parmelia barrenoae Divakar, M.C. Molina & A. Crespo, supported by molecular data from Turkey. - Biological Diversity and Conservation, 11(3): 197-201. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1181628. Parmelia barrenoae is reported from Turkey and Asia for the first time. Comments on its habitats, substrata, distributional data and macrophoto are provided. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was constructed by comparing the sequence data of the ITS region of closely related species.
38743	Komposch H. (2018): Einige Flechten aus dem Gofergraben im Nationalpark Gesäuse. - Schriften des Nationalparks Gesäuse, 15: 154–158. .
38742	Concostrina-Zubiri L., Matos P., Giordani P. & Branquinho C. (2017): Biocrust tissue traits as potential indicators of global change in the Mediterranean. - Plant and Soil, 429: 159–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-017-3483-7. Background and aimsFunctional traits are promising indicators of global changes and ecosystem processes. Trait responses to environmental conditions have been examined widely in vascular plants. In contrast, few studies have focused on soil lichens and mosses composing biocrusts. We aimed to evaluate the potential of biocrust tissue traits as indicators of changes in climate and soil properties. Methods Isotope ratios and nutrient content in biocrust tissue were analyzed in 13 Mediterranean shrublands along an aridity gradient. Differences in tissue traits between biocrust groups (lichens and mosses), and relationships between tissue traits and climatic and soil variables were examined. ResultsLichens and mosses differed in δ13C, δ15N and N content, indicating distinct physical and physiological attributes. Tissue traits correlated strongly with numerous climatic variables, likely due to a modulator effect on biocrust water relations and metabolism. We found contrasting responses of lichen and moss traits to climate, although they responded similarly to soil properties. Overall, the most responsive trait was δ15N, suggesting this trait is the best to reflect integrated processes occurring in the atmosphere and soil. Conclusions Biocrust tissue traits arise as cost-effective, integrative ecological indicators of global change drivers in Mediterranean ecosystems, with potential applications in response-effect trait frameworks.
38741	Cámara B., De Buergo M.Á., Fort R., Souza-Egipsy V., Perez-Ortega S., De Los Ríos A., Wierzchos J. & Ascaso C. (2015): Anthropic effect on the lichen colonization in building stones from cultural heritage. - Periodico di Mineralogia, 84(3A): 539-552. https://doi.org/10.2451/2015PM0030. In this study the effect of human urine on lithobiontic microorganisms colonizing dolostones from a historic quarry (Redueña, Madrid, Spain) was evaluated in situ by means of a field experiment. The application of the bioproduct was performed by directly spraying onto the rock surface of the quarry front during 8 weeks. After the treatment, the ultrastructure of Verrucaria nigrescens was analysed by Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopies (SEM and TEM). The study samples showed alterations of the upper cortex fungal cells and altered algal chloroplast. On the surface of the thalli enrichment in phosphorous (P) was also detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The main result of the field experiment was the alteration of the upper cortex of the lichen thalli leaving unprotected algal cells exposed to environmental conditions. This process might produce in the long term a shift in the lichen community. bioproduct, building stones, deterioration, lichen
38740	Sinha G.P., Nayaka S. & Joseph S. (2018): Additions to the checklist of Indian lichens after 2010. - Cryptogam Biodiversity and Assessment, Special Volume (2018): 197-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.21756/cab.esp16. The present communication includes a list of 411 species of lichens under 147 genera reported or described from India after the publication of “Indian Lichens: An Annotated Checklist” by Singh and Sinha (2010). According to latest issue of Plant Discoveries 2016 (Singh and Dash, 2017) 2511 species of lichens are known from India. However, a thorough collation including less popular and online journals where taxonomic novelties in the form of new records are not mentioned, revealed significant increase during the past seven years. By addition of 411 species to the list of Singh and Sinha (2010), now the total number of lichens for India raises up to 2714 species. However, due to nomenclature changes and synonymy, revisions, etc. this data may change. Few species which were not included in Singh and Sinha (2010) are also included in this list. Species simply transferred to other genera without affecting the number tally are not listed here. Like-wise obligate lichenicolous and non-lichenized fungi are not included in the present list. The current list indicates that large number of taxa are reported from the family Graphidaceae (106 spp.) where genus Graphis alone counts 34 species. Large number of taxa are also reported from order Arthoniales (52 species) with Opegrapha representing 17 species. The species listed here follows the pattern of; species name (in bold), reference, and name of the state from where the species is reported. For the references cited in this paper readers may refer ‘Bibliography to the Indian lichens from the year 2010 onwards’ by Joseph et. al. (2018) published in the same issue of this journal.
38739	Curtis T. (2017): A study of the macrolichens of northeast Ohio. - OBELISK, Newsletter of the Ohio Moss and Lichen Association, 14(1): 1-9. http://ohiomosslichen.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/OBELISKv14.pdf. The following table lists the 137 species of macrolichens that were found during this study. Of these, 40 species were new to Northeast Ohio and 7 were new to the state. floristics, checklist, new records
38738	Müller T. (1954): Zwei neue Flechten-Gesellschaften aus der Eifel. - Decheniana, 102B: 43–46. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_102AB_0043-0046.pdf. lichen sociology; Buellietum epigaeae; Solenopsoretum candicantis
38737	Müller T. (1954): Eine neue und interessante Flechte aus der Eifel. - Decheniana, 102B: 41–42. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_102AB_0041-0042.pdf. Placidiopsis muelleri Servít sp. nov.
38736	Breuer H. & Müller T. (1961): Notiz über Flechtengesellschaften auf den Bleibergwerkshalden in Bleialf, Kr. Prüm. - Decheniana, 114: 27–29. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_114_0027-0029.pdf.
38735	Brück H. (1983): Der Einfluß der Großstadt auf die Verbreitung rindenbewohnender Grünalgen am Beispiel Köln. - Decheniana, 136: 1–4. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_136_0001-0004.pdf.
38734	Feige G.B. (1982): Niedere Pflanzen - speziell Flechten - als Bioindikatoren. - Decheniana Beiheft, 26: 23–30. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_BH_26_0023-0030.pdf. Lower plants, especially lichens are sensitive monitor organisms for the documentation of environmental Pollution. Using the Parameters „growth rapidity“ and „fertility“ it is possible to obtain differentiated results conceming the intensity of environmental pollution in towns, suburbs and industrial areas.
38733	Mies B.A. (2004): Aktivität Saurer Phosphatasen in Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. und anderen Flechten nach Behandlung mit Flechtenextrakten [Activities of acid phosphatases in Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and further lichens after treatments with lichen extracts]. - Decheniana, 157: 103–114. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_157_0103-0114.pdf. The enzyme activities of acid phosphatases (EC 3.1.3.2) were examined to assess the vitality of Hypogymnia physodes and various lichens of the association Parmelietum acetabuli Ochsn. 1928 in response to different treatments with lichen substances. The samples were either briefly soaked, or sprayed once every four weeks in the field with lichen extracts or lichen acids and examined after five, seven and nine months, respectively. Extracts were used from Cladina stellaris, Cladonia chlorophaea , H. physodes, Letharia vulpina, Ramalina huei, Roccella fuciformis and Usnea filipendula, as well as solorinic acid. The extract of H. physodes itself and treatment with solorinic acid had no marked influence on enzyme activities in this species. However, the extracts from L. vulpina, R. fuciformis and Cl. chlorophaea significantly reduced enzyme activities in H. physodes, and those from Cl. stellaris, U. filipendula and R. huei had a slighter inhibitory effect after seven and nine months compared with control treatments. Similar results were obtained for the other examined species of the Parmelietum acetabuli, with the character species, Pleurosticta acetabulum, being most seriously affected. The experiments indicate an allelopathic influence of lichen substances on the growth of lichens and the chemical selection of species to constitute a specific lichen community. Keywords: Hypogymnia physodes, Parmelietum acetabuli, lichen substances, inhibition of acid phosphatases, lichen communities, chemical selection, allelopathy.
38732	Dilg C. (1999): Kartierung epiphytischer Moose und Flechten im Stadtgebiet von Bonn. - Decheniana, 152: 105–115. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_152_0105-0115.pdf. In 1997 a detailed mapping of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens and a standarized lichen mapping according to the VDI-guideline 3799 have been earned out in the city area of Bonn. In the course of the detailed mapping in an area of about 37 km2 38 bryophyte and 54 lichen species have been found on 816 investigated phorophytes. In comparision to the epiphyte mappings of Steiner & Schulze-Horn (1955) and Scharrenberg (1976) the number of species within the area of investigation has obviously increased during the last decades. An epiphyte desert is not existing anylonger. By means of the VDI-mapping the city area excluding the forests is subdivided into four classes of air pollution. The scale of immission stress reaches from "very high" to "high to moderate". Correlations analyses between lichen indices and the immission of different pollutants indicate only low correlations. The most significant correlation could be found between the lichen indices and the average concentrations of sulphur dioxid in winter. Keywords: Biomonitoring, Bonn, epiphytes, Bryophytes, lichens air quality.
38731	Laven L. (1942): Beitrag zur Flechtenflora des Vereinsgebietes. - Decheniana, 101: 117–130. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_101_0117-0130.pdf.
38730	Kartte P. (1994): Landschaftsökologische Analyse und Diagnose von Heidemooren für die Landschaftsplanung im deutsch-niederländischen Grenzraum (Naturpark Schwalm-Nette). - Decheniana, 147: 31–43. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_147_0031-0043.pdf.
38729	Düll R. (2002): Neufunde und Bestätigungen von Flechten der Eifel (Rheinland, Deutschland) [New records and confirmations of lichens in the Eifel (Rhineland, Germany)] . - Decheniana, 155: 13–25. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_155_0013-0025.pdf. In our area the 18 best mapping units (each a square of about 130 square km) are characterised by 100 to 280 lichen species. The best unit has nearly 300 species. New records of more than 85 interesting and often rare lichen species of the Eifel area are listed and their localities are named. Recorded for the first time or confirmed in case of doubt or after a long time of absence are for Northrhine Westfalia Pertusaria albescens var. corallina and Toninia candida as well as for Rhineland-Pfalz Caloplaca erythrocarpa, Graphis elegans, Lecanora impudens, L. subcarpinea, Ochrolechia arborea, Physconia muscigena, Ramalina calicaris and Rhizocarpon ridescens. More than 20 of the listed species are very rare, e.g. in Northrhine Westfalia Parmelia submontana, Racodium rupestre and Usnea capillaris as well as for Rhineland-Pfalz for example Bacidia rubella, Collema flaccida, Ionaspis lacustris, Peltigera leucophlebia and Sphaerophorus globosus. Keywords: Lichens, mapping, Rhineland, Eifel, records.
38728	Matzke G. (1990): Der Karpatenbirken-Ebereschen-Blockwald - auch im Rheinischen Schiefergebirge. - Decheniana, 143: 160–172. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Decheniana_143_0160-0172.pdf. Der seltene Karpatenbirken-Ebereschen-Blockwald (Betulo carpaticae-Sorbetum aucupariae), eine natürliche montane Waldgesellschaft, wird von mehreren Lokalitäten aus dem linksrheinischen Schiefergebirge beschrieben. Er besiedelt dort hochgelegene Sandstein- oder Quarzit-Blockhalden mit rohhumusauflage in Nord-Exposition. Ökologie und Struktur der Bestände werden geschildert. Abweichende Kleinstandorte innerhalb der Phytozönose lassen sich mit Hilfe der Kryptogamengesellschaften kennzeichnen. Die Kenntnisse über die Verbreitung werden dargestellt.

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