39492	Bhat M., Darshni P. & Srivastava A. (2025): Heavy metals uptake in lichens: A comprehensive review. - Journal of Pollution, 8(1): 360 [8 p.]. https://doi.org/10.37421/2684-4958.2025.08.360. Heavy metals are regarded as one of the most significant environmental contaminants. They can easily get entered in food chain and eventually exert toxic effects through contaminated soils, crops and water, thereby becoming a serious global issue of concern today. There are numerous ways to remove them from the environment, but majority of which are expensive and difficult to employ, effectively. In order to eliminate inert metals and metal contaminants from contaminated air, soil and water, bioremediation is regarded as the most efficient and cost-effective technical approach available. However, the potential of lichens for bioremediation of heavy metals has also been recognized lately as they can accumulate heavy metals by physico-chemical and biological mechanisms including extracellular binding. This is in consequence of a series of morphological and physiological properties exhibited by their thallus such as lack of any protective, conductive and assimilatory tissues such as epidermis, xylem, phloem and roots. The present review is therefore, attempted to discuss a wide range of investigations carried out on uptake of heavy metals by lichens and their effects as well as evaluation of their potential in future bioremediation studies. Keywords: Heavy metals • Lichens • Indicators • Ecosystem.
39491	Câmara P.E.A.S., Pujol-Luz J.R., Garrafoni A.R.S., Carvalho-Silva M., Alvarez F.L., Amorim E.T., Barreto C.C., Andrade Lima J.R.P., Convey P. & Rosa L.H. (2025): Diversity hosted by moss carpets in the Amazonian forest of Amapá, new insights from DNA metabarcoding. - Acta Amazonica, 55: e55bc24374 [21 p.]. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202403743. Bryophytes play an important role as habitats for many organisms, especially invertebrates, however, few studies have focused on understanding the cryptic ecosystems associated with them. The use of molecular tools allows for advances in diversity assessment of environmental samples. In particular, the use of DNA metabarcoding is an efficient method for detection of the DNA of rare and cryptic species, including resting stages typically undetected in morphological surveys. We used DNA metabarcoding to investigate the hidden diversity present in two moss carpets in the largest of the world’s remaining rainforests, the Amazon. More specifically, our samples took place in the Brazilian state of Amapá, the least affected by anthropogenic pressures. Samples, 10 m apart, were collected under sterile conditions and eDNA was extracted. To maximize diversity coverage, three regions were sequenced (ITS2, COX1 and 16S). A total of 348 taxa were assigned from the sequences obtained, with 123 eukaryotic taxa representing five Kingdoms assigned from COX1, 64 representing four Kingdoms from ITS2 and 161 representing one prokaryotic Domain from the 16S region. A total of 38% of taxa were Fungi, 35% Bacteria and 27% non-fungal eukaryotes. The data obtained highlight the importance of moss carpets providing habitats that support diverse communities. Given the high number of unassigned sequences, the available sequence databases for Amazonian species require improvement. As the region faces multiple threats, there is an urgent need for improvements in collection, identification ability, sequencing and DNA curation. There were several assignments of disease-causing organisms, this highlights the need for monitoring changes in these under-researched habitats. Keywords: bryophyte; high throughput sequencing; one health; cryptic diversity; environmental DNA; tropical rainforest. [based on the sequence ITS2 Absconditella rubra (= Absconditonia) rubra is listed as occurring in Amazonia]
39490	Zarza E., López-Pastrana A., Damon A., Guillén-Navarro K. & García-Fajardo L.V. (2022): Fungal diversity in shade-coffee plantations in Soconusco, Mexico. - PeerJ , 10: e13610 [23 p.]. http://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13610. Background. As forested natural habitats disappear in the world, traditional, shade- coffee plantations offer an opportunity to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Traditional coffee plantations maintain a diversity of tree species that provide shade for coffee bushes and, at the same time, are important repositories for plants and animals that inhabited the original cloud forest. However, there is still little information about shade-coffee plantation’s fungal diversity despite their relevance for ecosystem functioning as decomposers, symbionts and pathogens. Specifically, it is unknown if and what mycorrhizae-forming fungi can be found on the branches and trunks of coffee bushes and trees, which hold a diversity of epiphytes. Here, we evaluate fungal communities on specific plant microsites on both coffee bushes and shade trees. We investigate the ecological roles played by this diversity, with a special focus on mycorrhizae-forming fungi that may enable the establishment and development of epiphytic plants. Methods. We collected 48 bark samples from coffee bushes and shade trees (coffee; tree), from four plant microsites (upper and lower trunks, branches and twigs), in two shade-coffee plantations in the Soconusco region in southern Mexico, at different altitudes. We obtained ITS amplicon sequences that served to estimate alpha and beta diversity, to assign taxonomy and to infer the potential ecological role played by the detected taxa. Results. The bark of shade trees and coffee bushes supported high fungal diversity (3,783 amplicon sequence variants). There were no strong associations between community species richness and collection site, plant type or microsite. However, we detected differences in beta diversity between collection sites. All trophic modes defined by FUNGuild database were represented in both plant types. However, when looking into guilds that involve mycorrhizae formation, the CLAM test suggests that coffee bushes are more likely to host taxa that may function as mycorrhizae. Discussion. We detected high fungal diversity in shade-coffee plantations in So- conusco, Chiapas, possibly remnants of the original cloud forest ecosystem. Several mycorrhiza forming fungi guilds occur on the bark of coffee bushes and shade trees in this agroecosystem, with the potential of supporting epiphyte establishment and development. Thus, traditional coffee cultivation could be part of an integrated strategy for restoration and conservation of epiphytic populations. This is particularly relevant for conservation of threatened species of Orchidaceae that are highly dependent on mycorrhizae formation. Subjects: Agricultural Science, Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Mycology Keywords: ITS, Mycorrhiza, Cloud forest, Epiphytes, Chiapas, Coffea arabica.
39489	Cifuentes-Araya N., Valdivia D., Pertino M.W., Marroquín-Guerra D., Yáñez O., García-Beltrán O., Ardiles A. & Areche C. (2026): Phytochemical profiling of Sticta caulescens De Not.: green extraction and multiscale chemotaxonomic analysis. - Plants, 15(11): 1761 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111761. The aim of this research was to identify the wealth of secondary metabolites in the Chilean lichen Sticta caulescens, applying green chemistry approaches and comparing the following two extraction methods: (a) conventional maceration with methanol, and (b) microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using ethyl lactate as a solvent. In addition, chemoinformatic and chemotaxonomic studies were conducted on S. caulescens and other species of the genus Sticta, which have been reported in previous studies. A UHPLC/ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed for the identification of 32 metabolites obtained from maceration and 33 from MAE, considering carbohydrates, aromatic compounds, acids, depsides, depsidones, dibenzofurans, lipids, anthraquinones, and triterpenes. Maceration using methanol yielded a slightly higher extract percentage than with ethyl lactate (6.3% versus 5.0%), while MAE extracted an almost identical spectrum of metabolites using ethyl lactate,—though including one compound detected only under MAE conditions. This highlighted both the method efficiency and selectivity. This study also incorporates a comprehensive chemoinformatic and chemotaxonomic analysis of secondary metabolites across 12 Sticta species. A computational comparison (Morgan fingerprints, Jaccard similarity, hierarchical clustering, Murcko scaffolds) demonstrated that S. caulescens is one of the most chemically diverse species, closely related to S. cordillerana, and forming part of a major chemotaxonomic lineage, which is characterized by high scaffold richness and shared aromatic/depsidone biosynthetic pathways. Keywords: Sticta caulescens; ethyl lactate; Green extraction; microwave; non-conventional technology; chemotaxonomic analysis.
39488	Roux C. & Pinault P. (2026): Zwackhiomyces cinereae Pinault et Cl. Roux sp. nov. espèce nouvelle de champignons lichénicoles non lichénisé (Xanthopyreniaceae, Dothideomycetes). - Bulletin de la Société Linnéenne de Provence, 77, a06: 1−13. doi : 10.5281/zenodo.20487267. Description of a new species of non-lichenized lichenicolous fungus, Zwackhiomyces cinereae P. Pinault et Cl. Roux, a parasite of the thallus of Aspicilia cinerea. Comparison of the new species with other known Zwackhiomyces. Updated global identification key for Zwackhiomyces.
39487	Arup U., Malíček J., Schiefelbein U. & Holien H. (2026): Lecanora hybocarpa and similar European species – CORRIGENDUM. - Lichenologist, 58(1): 75–78. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002428292610139X. corrigendum
39486	Boxriker M., Ferenc V. & Thüs H. (2026): Bound by ammonia: pollution constrains Cetraria sepincola at the margin of its Central European range. - Lichenologist, 58(1): 60–74. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282926101364. Small, isolated populations of cold-adapted species at the edge of their climatic range are highly sensitive to environmental change, making them powerful ecological indicators. Cetraria sepincola (Ehrh.) Ach. is an epiphytic lichen which illustrates this role. It is common in Nordic countries, but in the southern parts of its European range, its distribution has become fragmented and restricted to cold habitats. We studied populations in habitats of high conservation value such as wetlands, montane stone fields, and wooded meadows in south-west Germany, where it persists at the edge of its ecological range in Central Europe and is becoming increasingly rare. Its dependence on specific climatic conditions and selectivity in its photobiont associations make it particularly responsive to shifts in climate and land use. Through historical records, recent observations, data on nitrogen deposition and associated species, we identified key environmental factors shaping the distribution of C. sepincola. Our analysis confirms that populations in south-west Germany occur at the climatic margin of the species’ Central European range. We also found that high-density local populations are linked to low ammonia (NH3) concentrations. Cetraria sepincola associated specifically with Trebouxia lineages from clade S (e.g. OTU S28 = Trebouxia barrenoae and OTU S27), commonly found in lichens from acidic substrates. We found the same Trebouxia lineages in the co-occurring acidophyte Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl., a likely local photobiont donor for C. sepincola, which lacks asexual propagules. At some sites, species of the nitrophytic Xanthorion community started to colonize the same twigs as C. sepincola. In our study area, typically more nitrophytic species from the families Teloschistaceae (e.g. Polycauliona polycarpa (Hoffm.) Frödén et al., Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr.) and Physciaceae (Physcia adscendens H. Olivier) host Trebouxia algae from clades which are incompatible with C. sepincola. The spread of nitrophytic species and their associated photobionts into formerly acidophytic communities could also reduce the likelihood of finding compatible photobionts for C. sepincola. Climate change, possible direct toxic effects of NH3 on the mycobiont, and indirect impact of NH3 on the lichen and photobiont community exacerbate the extinction risk for sensitive lichens, particularly at the edge of their distribution range. Keywords: Baden-Württemberg; Betula pubescens; lichen; marginal populations; peat bogs; rock screes; sentinel species; Trebouxia.
39485	Ward D.A., Lücking R., Moncada B., Sukri R.S., Cicuzza D. & Slik F. (2026): High diversity at the small scale: an inventory of foliicolous lichens of Brunei reveals 193 species, including 21 new to science. - Lichenologist, 58(1): 10–51. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282926101406. We present a first comprehensive treatment of the foliicolous lichen biota of Brunei (Brunei Darussalam), a country c. 5765 km2 in size located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. Based on a study of numerous leaves collected from 18 sites, resulting in 1745 individual collections, we identified 193 species in the material, including 21 new to science, raising the number of foliicolous lichens known from Brunei from 27 to 199 taxa. This is one of the highest numbers reported for single countries, after Brazil (455 species), Costa Rica (435), Ecuador (365), Mexico (340), Guyana (296), Australia (238), Bolivia and Colombia (228 each), and Papua New Guinea (213). However, relative to log-transformed area size, Brunei is one of the countries with the highest known foliicolous lichen diversity, having almost half the number of species as Costa Rica within an area little more than 10% of the size of the latter. The foliicolous lichen biota of Brunei has a dominant paleotropical element, clustering with that of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia. The newly described species are: Arthonia concentrica sp. nov., differing from A. trilocularis in the circular thallus with concentrically arranged, thinly pruinose ascomata; Arthonia flavirugosa sp. nov., differing from A. flavoverrucosa in the delicate, light yellowish ridges and the smaller ascospores; Arthonia tenuilobata sp. nov., differing from A. lobulicarpa in the more delicate lobes, pruinose ascomata and the brown ascospores; Byssolecania fumosocaerulea sp. nov., differing from B. fumosonigricans in the greyish blue outer fringe of the apothecia; Byssoloma inconspicuum sp. nov., differing from B. microcarpum in the dark brown apothecial disc and the excipulum lacking crystals; Byssoloma incrustatimurinum sp. nov., differing from B. murinum in the shorter, non-tapering ascospores and the crystals in the excipulum; Byssoloma subaeruginosum sp. nov., differing from B. usambarense in the dark aeruginous hypothecium and the (olive-)brown thallus; Chroodiscus lirellicarpus sp. nov., differing from C. argillaceus in the lirellate apothecia; Chroodiscus minutus sp. nov., differing from C. argillaceus in the very small apothecia; Echinoplaca septemseptata sp. nov., differing from E. tetrapla in the 7-septate ascospores; Eremothecella rugosa sp. nov., differing from E. calamicola in the ridged thallus and the longer conidia; Eremothecella verrucispora sp. nov., differing from E. calamicola in the brown, ornamented ascospores with more numerous septa; Fellhanera tutongensis sp. nov., differing from F. microdiscus in the 3–7-septate, more elongate, narrower ascospores; Mazosia bambusiradiata sp. nov., differing from M. bambusae in the radiately arranged thallus verrucae; Mazosia rugosa sp. nov., differing from M. pseudobambusae in the rugose instead of verrucose thallus surface; Ocellularia andulauensis sp. nov., differing from O. daniana in the more delicate, foliicolous thallus and the much smaller ascospores; Opegrapha albomarginata sp. nov., differing from all other species of Opegrapha with goniocystangia, in the white margin of the goniocystangia; Phylloporis verrucosula sp. nov., differing from P. palmae in the small perithecia and comparatively narrow ascospores; Porina riparia sp. nov., differing from P. pseudoapplanata [= Phyllophiale viridis] in the finely laciniate thallus with non-radiating photobiont; Spinomyces rubrotrichoides sp. nov., differing from other species in the genus in the multiseptate, worm-like ascospores and from Rubrotricha helminthospora, with which it agrees in ascospore type, in the entirely whitish, more delicate sterile thallus setae; Trichothelium subrobinsonii sp. nov., differing from T. robinsonii in the consistently 7-septate ascospores. The following three species are new continental records: Bapalmuia pallescens (Paleotropics), Lyromma palmae (Paleotropics), and Tapellaria major (Paleotropics). We also include two keys: one to foliicolous species of Arthonia with 2-septate, pigmented ascospores and one to foliicolous species of Porina with Phyllophiale-type isidia. Keywords: biogeography; epiphylls; Indonesia; lichen biodiversity; Paleotropics.
39484	Torres J.-M., Lücking R. & Moncada B. (2026): Marcelaria casanarensis (lichenized Ascomycota: Trypetheliaceae), the fourth species in the genus: does it provide a morphological link between neotropical and paleotropical species?. - Lichenologist, 58(1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282926101388. The family Trypetheliaceae is a diverse lineage of crustose lichenized fungi occurring almost exclusively in the tropics. Based on material collected in eastern Colombia in the region of the so-called Piedemonte Llanero, we describe here a new species for this family, in the genus Marcelaria, the fourth species known in the genus. The new species, Marcelaria casanarensis, is characterized by a clear hamathecium and large ascospores, similar to the neotropical M. purpurina, but it produces orange instead of red superficial pigmentation, outwardly agreeing with the two paleotropical species, M. benguelensis and M. cumingii. The new species thus appears to provide a morphological link between the currently known neotropical and paleotropical taxa. However, the pigment chemistry is closer to that of M. purpurina, so the orange colour is to be interpreted as homoplasy. Phylogenetically, based on an analysis of two markers, M. casanarensis and M. purpurina are closely related but M. casanarensis differs in two larger insertions in two different regions of the mitochondrial small subunit rDNA (mtSSU). A key to the four species currently accepted in Marcelaria is presented. Keywords: anthraquinones; Laurera; taxonomic link; transitional.
39483	Arsenault A. & Baines P. (2026): The cyanolichen dripzone hypothesis revisited: a first report with new insights from eastern North America. - Lichenologist, 58(2): 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282926101443. Twenty-five years ago, the dripzone hypothesis, whereby the proximity of understorey conifer branches to the crown of dominant Populus trees significantly increased the diversity and abundance of cyanolichens on these conifers, was first described from western North America. Here, we report a similar phenomenon from eastern North America on conifers under the dripzone of yellow birch and aspen trees. We present field observations of this pattern as well as a quantitative analysis of three humid boreal forests from the Island of Newfoundland. For the latter, we examined epiphytic lichen composition on branches of balsam fir within and immediately outside the dripzone of yellow birch trees. The dripzone effect was strong and spatially restricted to the area under the canopy of yellow birch, as well as aspens, on wet sites in humid forests, with significantly more cyanolichens on balsam fir branches under the yellow birch and aspen canopies. Genera of cyanolichens predominantly found under the dripzone included Fuscopannaria, Leptogium, Lobaria, Lobarina, Neproma, Pannaria, Parmeliella, Pectenia, Pseudocyphellaria and Ricasolia, and included the COSEWIC listed Pectenia plumbea. We suggest here that the canopy of broadleaf phorophytes not only shape the cyanolichen community on understorey conifers by chemical enrichment of the throughfall, but also probably from enrichment by cyanolichens within their own canopy, which also contribute abundant cyanolichen propagules. Keywords: enrichment of conifer bark; facilitation; lichen ecology; lichen establishment; Newfoundland and Labrador.
39482	Huereca A., Dal Forno M., Haughian S. & Spribille T. (2026): The cyanolichen Fuscopannaria frullaniae is a basidiolichen in the genus Acantholichen (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales). - Lichenologist, 58(2): 88–101. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002428292610142X . The crustose cyanolichen Fuscopannaria frullaniae (syn. Moelleropsis nebulosa subsp. frullaniae) is a poorly understood taxon that occurs on mosses and liverworts, described from eastern Canada and reported from the Iberian Peninsula, Macaronesia and the eastern USA. Originally placed in the genus Moelleropsis, the position of the species has been debated in the absence of sexual fruiting structures and, until now, DNA sequences from the fungal symbiont. We produced nine sequences from two fungal ribosomal loci from F. frullaniae collected at five different localities in Nova Scotia, Canada and North Carolina, USA. Initial BLASTn queries against public databases revealed high similarity between these sequences and basidiomycete sequences from the Dictyonema clade in Hygrophoraceae, specifically from the genus Acantholichen. We did not obtain ascomycete sequences from any locus or specimen. Phylogenetic analyses recovered the obtained sequences within the broader Acantholichen clade. We conclude that the lichen fungal symbiont is in fact a basidiomycete and introduce for it the new combination Acantholichen frullaniae. Acantholichen frullaniae is the first species of the genus to possess a granular, crustose thallus. The species lacks the characteristic, spiny, balloon-shaped cells called acanthohyphidia that are found in other species of the genus, though it possesses similar, albeit spineless cells on the surface of thallus granules; we suggest that these structures within the wider genus are homologous and represent spiny or smooth cystidia. Numerous samples yielded evidence of basidiospores and basidia produced from thallus granules, evident only after treatment with diluted potassium hydroxide, representing the first sexual structures reported in the genus. We discuss the possible reasons for this, as well as the ecology and threats to the species across its Canadian populations. Keywords: conservation; molecular phylogeny; species-at-risk; symbiosis; systematics; taxonomy.
39481	Lara-Rojas C.E., Lücking R. & Moncada B. (2026): Graphis epigraphis, a new, genuinely lichenicolous, adelphoparasitic species on Graphis, with a comparative survey of lichenicolous Graphidales (Graphidaceae, Gomphillaceae). - Lichenologist, 58(2): 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0024282926101455. Graphis epigraphis is described from Colombia as only the second, genuinely lichenicolous species in the Graphis-Allographa complex in Graphidaceae. It grows on species of Graphis s. str., thus far found on thalli of G. leptoclada and G. pinicola. The new species is characterized by the lirellate ascomata forming delicate, stellately branched patches on the host, the entire, black labia laterally covered by a thin thalline margin formed by the host thallus, the laterally carbonized excipulum, and mostly 5-septate ascospores. The only other lichenicolous species known in this complex, Allographa pauciloculata, differing in its completely carbonized excipulum and partly submuriform ascospores, grows on thalli of A. anomala and is known from Great Britain, whereas G. epigraphis was found in the tropical dry forest region of the Magdalena Valley in Colombia. We performed morphology-based phylogenetic binning to confirm the genus-level placement of both species in Graphis and Allographa, respectively. A comparative survey of lichenicolous Graphidaceae and Gomphillaceae (Graphidales) is given. Keywords: Adelphomyces; Barzalosa; Chroodiscus; Corticifraga; Diploschistes; Girardot; Guabinal; Gyalideopsis; Paragyalideopsis; Taitaia.
39480	Darmostuk V., Sira O., Kukwa M., Smoczyk M., Kościelniak R., Betleja L., Kubiak D., Hachułka M., Rutkowski K., Szymczyk R., Gierczyk B., Rutkowski R., Jaskólska J., Poławska M. & Kossowska M. (2026): Materiały do rozmieszczenia porostów i grzybów naporostowych Polski, 6. - Wiadomości Botaniczne, 70: 219834 [24 p.]. https://doi.org/10.5586/wb/219834. [in Polish with English abstract: ] Materials for the Distribution of Lichens and Lichenicolous Fungi in Poland, 6. The paper presents new localities of 27 species of lichens and 3 species of lichenicolous fungi, that are endangered in Poland or regionally rare. The paper also includes a new records of the non-lichenized fungus Naevia dispersa, which, due to its similarity to the lichenized representatives of the genus Arthonia s.l. is often included in lichenological publications. In addition to the list of new localities, a brief morphological and anatomical characterisation is provided for each species, and its distribution in Poland is discussed. The provided locality lists contain geographical 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.
39479	Silva-Espejo R., Cerón-Carpio A.B., Figueroa-Castro D.M., Castañeda-Posadas C. & Pérez-Pérez R.E. (2025): Richness and composition of foliicolous lichens from the northeastern part of Puebla, Mexico. - Nordic Journal of Botany, 2025(5): e04572 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.04572. Currently, only 52 species have been reported to the montane rainforests of Puebla. To enhance our knowledge and expand the checklist of the state, we aimed to determine the foliicolous lichen species richness and composition at three sites in Tlatlauquitepec, Puebla: a secondary montane rainforest with coffee plantations (site 1), a lowland rainforest fragment (site 2), and a secondary montane rainforest (site 3). A total of 94 species were identified with 52 being new records for the state, such as Aptrootidea marginata, Calopadia puiggarii, and Chroodiscus coccineus; apart from that, we report 10 new records for the country, among which are Porina fulvelloides, Byssoloma tricholomum, and Calenia atlantica. Most foliicolous species were rare (60.63%) and restricted to less than 10% of the sampled phorophytes, among these we found Porina kameruniensis, Calopadia fusca, and Fellhanera subternella; in contrast, the most frequent species were Fouragea filicina, Actinoplaca strigulacea, Segestria rubentior, Porina karnatakensis, and P. pseudoapplanata. The dissimilarity in species composition between sites was notably high (> 0.8) and could be explained by species replacement between sites 2 and 3, and 1 and 3; whereas between sites 1 and 2 can be explained by differences in species richness. Site 2 exhibited the highest species richness, followed by site 3 and site 1; we attribute this low foliicolous richness in site 1, to the presence of sun-growth coffee plantations. However, despite the conditions of the sites, these findings significantly contribute to the knowledge of foliicolous lichen biota in Puebla and Mexico, raising the total richness of the state to 104 and of the country to 303 species. We advocate for continued exploration of the country's tropical ecosystems to better understand the foliicolous lichen diversity that persists in these habitats, which are increasingly threatened by various anthropogenic pressures and are in danger of extirpation. Keywords: foliicolous lichens, lowland rainforest, Mexico, montane rainforest, Puebla, richness.
39478	Debnath A., Mishra G.K., Adhikari R. & Nayaka S. (2026): New distributional records of lichenized fungi for India from Arunachal Pradesh. - Nordic Journal of Botany, 2026(2): e05012 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/njb.05012. In the present communication 10 lichen species are reported as new records for India, viz. Byssoloma marginatum, Byssoloma xanthonicum, Chapsa boninensis, Coenogonium nepalense, Lecania cyrtella, Malmidea albomarginata, Myriotrema thailandicum, Myriotrema viride, Rostania occultata and Wirthiotrema duplomarginatum. Notably, B. marginatum, Malmidea albomarginata, R. occultata and W. duplomarginatum are documented as the first records for Asia. The lichens were collected from three districts of Arunachal Pradesh. These findings further enrich the lichen flora of Arunachal Pradesh. Keywords: Ascomycota, biodiversity, eastern Himalayas, lichenized fungi, taxonomy.
39477	Nadeem M., Niazi A.R. & Khalid A.N. (2026): Oxneriaria kaghanensis sp. nov. (Pertusariales, Megasporaceae) from Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. - Nova Hedwigia, 122: 237–245. DOI: 10.1127/nova_hedwigia/2025/1124. A new species in the family Megasporaceae, Oxneriaria kaghanensis is described and illustrated from Pakistan. A comparative morpho-anatomical study and ITS-based molecular analyses confirmed its position within the recently resurrected genus, Oxneriaria. Oxneriaria kaghanensis is morphologically and phylogenetically closely related to O. kohistaniensis. It is characterized by whitish to whitish grey thallus, areoles 0.8–1.7 mm, apothecia 0.7–1 mm, hymenium 95–110 μm, hypothecium 45–60 μm, asci 79–90 × 29–38 μm and ascospores 17–22 × 10–14 μm. Keywords: Novel species; ITS; Taxonomy; Phylogeny.
39476	Luna J., Thor G., Hedwall P.-O., Böhlenius H., Trubins R., Torres García M.T., Hekkala A.-M., Hylander K. & Felton A. (2026): Habitat suitability and management pathways for epiphytic lichens in Sweden’s fast growing broadleaf stands. - Forest Ecology and Management, 614: 123826 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123826. Fast-growing broadleaf (FGB) stands are planted in Northern Europe due to their high biomass production and as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Yet, the effects on biodiversity of this intensive forest management that involves short-rotations, and sometimes the use of non-native tree species, are still uncertain. Given the limited number of studies investigating the biodiversity of FGB stands in Sweden, we assessed and compared the biodiversity of three FGB tree species and evaluated how tree species, tree traits, stand variables, and landscape features were associated with lichen diversity patterns. To do that, we studied epiphytic lichens in 48 stands of native birch (Betula pendula), and non-native hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x P. tremuloides) and poplar (Populus trichocarpa hybrids) across southern Sweden. Lichen species richness was the highest in birch stands at both the tree and stand level. For all the stands surveyed, poplar and birch had the same total number of lichen taxa (71 taxa), while hybrid aspen hosted fewer lichen taxa (58 taxa). The lichen species composition of the three tree species differed from each other, although lichen communities on hybrid aspen and poplar lichen communities were more similar to each other than to birch. We found lichen species of conservation interest on all tree species, whereas red-listed species only occurred on hybrid aspen and poplar. Older trees, deeper bark crenulation, and higher understory light levels generally increased lichen species richness, whereas the surrounding landscape vegetation cover also influenced species composition. Our results indicate that using a mix of fast-growing broadleaf tree species, rather than planting only one of them within the landscape, making allowances for older trees, and managing light and landscape context improves the diversity of lichens supported within FGB stands. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; Production forestry; Betula; Populus; Non-native tree; Exotic tree.
39475	Tavares C.A., Cavalcanti I.D.L., Aguiar Júnior F.C.A., Nogueira M.C.B.L., Santos Magalhães N.S. & Santos N.P.S. (2026): Stealth liposomes containing barbatic acid from Cladonia salmannii: Development, characterization, and evaluation of antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. - Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 123: 108463 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108463. The aim of this study was to develop stealth liposomes containing barbatic acid (BA) and to evaluate their antitumor activity in Swiss mice. Conventional liposomes (BA-CL) and stealth liposomes (BA-SL) were produced using the lipid film hydration method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against ascites cells from experimental Sarcoma-180 (S-180) tumors and undifferentiated J774. A1 macrophage cells. The internalization of AB-CL and AB-SL by S-180 cells was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. The evaluation of antitumor activity was performed against the experimental S-180 solid tumor. After preparation, the BA-CL and BA-SL formulations had mean diameters of 115.6 ± 5.88 nm and 109.3 ± 2.82 nm and encapsulation rates of 90.66 ± 4.57% and 95.15 ± 5.34%, respectively, and remained stable for at least 90 days when stored at 4 °C. For J774. A1 cells (healthy), the IC50 was determined only at a dose of 40 μg/mL. Cell uptake was most intense after 3 h of incubation. Tumor inhibition was 21.79%, 30.26%, and 42.96% for BA, BA-CL, and BA-SL, respectively. Animals treated with BA-SL exhibited greater tumor inhibition and increased survival time compared to animals treated with the BA suspension. These findings demonstrated that the encapsulation of BA in liposomes increased its antitumor activity. Keywords: Lichens; Barbatic acid; Liposomes; Cytotoxicity; Antitumor.
39474	Pal N., Adhikari R., Nayaka S. & Prakash P. (2026): New records of lichenized fungi from Western Himalaya, India. - Feddes Repertorium, 137(1): e70053 [5 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70053. Coniocarpon fallax, Lecanora fulvastra, Lecidella destituta, Stereocaulon dactylophyllum and Toniniopsis subincompta have been reported as new records for India from Western Himalaya. Detailed morphological and anatomical observations, together with photographs, are provided. Keywords: biodiversity | Ramalinaceae | taxonomy | Uttarakhand.
39473	Colesie C. & Newsham K.K. (2026): Lichens as biomonitors of air quality and climate. - Global Change Biology, 32(2): e70768 [4 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70768. Keywords: air pollution | air temperature | ammonia (NH3) | epiphytic lichens | nitrogen oxides (NOx) | relative humidity | sulphur dioxide (SO2).
39472	Halder S. & Gachhui R. (2026): Two new distributional records of lichens from India. - Feddes Repertorium, 137(1): e70067 [4 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70067. The present study deals with new addition and distributional records of two lichenized fungi in the lichen flora of India. The two lichen species Anisomeridium throwerae and Traponora asterella belong to the family Monoblastiaceae and Lecanoraceae, respectively. Traponora asterella was the first generic report, and Anisomeridium throwerae was reported for the first time in India from the state of West Bengal, described along with its photographs, ecology, and distribution map. Keywords: Anisomeridium | India | lichen | new record | Traponora.
39471	Möller T., Kaufmann S. & Hauck M. (2026): Functional traits mediate physico-chemical niche differentiation of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes in temperate forests. - Journal of Vegetation Science, 37(2): e70127 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.70127. Questions: Differences among host trees in chemical and physical bark features strongly influence the preferences of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes. Element contents can enhance, limit, or impair performance, with bark pH further modulating bioavailability. Establishment is closely linked to functional traits that define habitat thresholds, particularly under acidic conditions. Yet such traits are often overlooked in community analyses. We asked how host-specific bark chemistry filters epiphytes and how functional traits mediate these responses. Location: Temperate mountain forests of the Southern Black Forest, southwestern Germany. Methods: We surveyed 96 trees of Abies alba, Picea abies, and Fagus sylvatica across 24 plots. Bark physico-chemical features (pH, element concentrations, water-holding capacity) were linked to epiphyte communities using double-constrained canonical analyses, considering functional traits such as bryophyte growth habit, lichen growth form, photobiont type, and lichen substances. Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis identified community and species thresholds along bark chemical gradients, and functional diversity metrics quantified community-level responses. Results: Fir occupied an intermediate position between beech and spruce in bark chemistry and community structure. Lichen substances were key correlates of composition across hosts. On spruce, strong associations between transition metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and lichen substances indicated metal homeostasis as a central tolerance strategy, accompanied by a marked Asterochloris signature. Bryophyte communities segregated along C/N, Zn, and Mn ratio gradients, with acrocarpous and pleurocarpous groups showing contrasting responses. Functional divergence of lichens increased along Mn and pH gradients and declined with higher bark P. Conclusions: Epiphyte assembly is governed by interactions between bark chemistry and species traits. Host identity and substrate chemistry create functional thresholds that drive community turnover, supporting a trait-based filtering perspective that links tree-scale habitat conditions with the structure and functional diversity of epiphytic communities. Keywords: Asterochloris | bark chemistry | functional diversity | functional traits | lichen substances | metal homeostasis | species thresholds | tree species identity.
39470	Gauslaa Y. (2026): Trait- and environment-based determinants of reproduction in the old forest indicator lichen Lobaria pulmonaria. - Oecologia, 208: 60 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-026-05897-3. Effective conservation of the iconic old forest lichen Lobaria pulmonaria depends on understanding its life history bottlenecks. To address this, reproductive dynamics were evaluated in 302 juvenile and early-reproducing thalli transplanted across environmental gradients—including elevation, canopy openness, and bark pH—in pristine British Columbian forests over a 14 months period. Soralia cover increased significantly but at a slow rate, with marginal soralia appearing earlier and more frequently than laminal soralia. The intrinsic trait of initial total soralia cover emerged as the strongest predictor of the change in reproductive effort. Additionally, thalli with low specific thallus mass at start (STMStart) and rapid growth rates exhibited reduced reproductive activity. Environmental stressors, such as high-light-induced chlorophyll bleaching and elevated altitude, weakly inhibited soralia development. Sexual reproduction was rare, with apothecia present in only 2% of transplants and no new apothecia forming during the study. The findings highlight the slow pace of soralia formation and, coupled with the species’ long generation time, suggest that current forest rotation cycles in managed forests may be insufficient to sustain viable L. pulmonaria populations. Conservation strategies should therefore account for both slow reproductive onset and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Keywords Epiphytic lichens · Specific thallus mass · Reproductive investment · Environmental stressors · Forest management.
39469	Caron F., Samuleev P., Lakanen M., Anderson J., Spiers G.A., Beckett P.J., Halvorson B. & Charbonneau M. (2026): Analysis of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in lichens using neutron activation analysis (NAA) as a primary method and comparison with a digestion/ICP-MS analysis protocol. - Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 335: 3741–3755. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-026-10886-0. Lichens are widely used as biomonitors for assessing environmental baselines for stress or recovery of nutrients and potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In this study, lichens were analyzed using neutron activation analysis (NAA) as a primary method, and compared to a digestion-ICP-MS protocol in two independent laboratories. Three fruticose lichens were analyzed: two were collected near Sudbury (Ontario, Canada) and a certified reference material (CRM) lichen (BCR 482). NAA routinely quantified 22 elements in the samples, and generally agreed with the certified and indicative CRM values, except for Co. Inter-methods comparisons had a strong linearity (R2 > 0.93) for all three lichens. A lower slope (0.7257) for one of the lichens (Cladonia spp.) suggested a low digestion recovery relative to NAA. Overall, NAA was a robust primary method for multi-element lichen analysis, especially trace and minor elements, with minimal sample preparation. Keywords: Neutron activation analysis · Lichens · Biomonitors · ICP-MS digestion · Lichens analysis · Potentially toxic elements · Environmental monitoring.
39468	Bouchriti Y., Haddou M.A., Achbani A., Sine H., Rida J., Lkoul A., Gougueni H., Amiha R. & Kabbachi B. (2026): A decade of air quality biomonitoring in North Africa: a systematic review reveals dominance of lichen and heavy metal studies alongside substantive methodological gaps. - Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 33: 8032–8050. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37818-5. Air pollution is a major challenge in North Africa, but a comprehensive synthesis of biological monitoring (biomonitoring) approaches for the region is absent. This systematic review addresses this gap by providing the first methodologically appraised analysis of scientific evidence (2014 to 2024) on the use of bioindicators for air quality assessments across North Africa. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251166809). Following PRISMA guidelines, searches in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science identified 508 records, with 32 studies included for synthesis. The analysis revealed that lichens are the predominant bioindicators (62.5%, 20/32), notably Xanthoria parietina, followed by vascular plants (31.3%, 10/32). Research is heavily focused on heavy metals (78.1%, 25/32), particularly lead, zinc and copper, whereas gaseous pollutants and particulate matter remain underrepresented. Despite employing advanced analytical techniques, the studies exhibit significant methodological limitations: only 15.6% calculated bioaccumulation factors, 18.8% used transplantation techniques, and correlations with instrumental air quality data were rare. This methodological inconsistency constrains quantitative risk assessment and regional data comparability. This review provides new knowledge by quantifying thematic biases, systematically appraising methodological quality against predefined criteria and translating these findings into a strategic framework, including standardized protocols and a regional network, tailored to North Africa’s arid environments. Accordingly, we recommend establishing standardized regional protocols, integrating biological and physicochemical data and creating a coordinated North African biomonitoring network to generate comparable, context-aware data for evidence-based air quality management in the region’s unique arid and semiarid environments. Keywords: Biomonitoring · Air quality · Lichens · Heavy metals · North Africa · Methodological gaps.
39467	Flister J., Tinker-Tsavalas A., Voigt-Heucke S., Schröder B. & Griesbaum F. (2026): The City Nature Challenge as an urban BioBlitz: evaluating Citizen Science contributions to biodiversity monitoring in Berlin. - BMC Ecology and Evolution, 26: 49 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-026-02524-w. Background: The human-induced loss of biodiversity demands innovative, resource efficient monitoring approaches, such as Citizen Science, to complement traditional biodiversity monitoring methods. BioBlitz events are an established Citizen Science format for biodiversity monitoring that generates as many species observations as possible in a short period of time and within a limited area through collaboration between scientists, the public and nature enthusiasts. The most prominent example of a large-scale worldwide urban BioBlitz event is the City Nature Challenge (CNC). This study investigates whether and how BioBlitz events, specifically the CNC Berlin, can complement existing biodiversity monitoring by addressing three key questions: (1) how species composition compares to existing datasets, (2) how data quality varies across taxonomic groups and participants, and (3) how participant engagement shapes data generation. We further assess taxonomic biases in the CNC Berlin 2023 and 2024 datasets to evaluate their contribution to urban biodiversity monitoring. For a better understanding, the CNC Berlin data is compared with a reference dataset from GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), an international open-access database compiling biodiversity records from multiple observation platforms. The reference dataset is limited to Berlin, covers a comparable time period and includes biodiversity data from a number of Citizen Science observation platforms. Results: Participation in CNC Berlin has increased substantially, with the number of contributors rising from 184 in 2023 to 361 in 2024, reflecting growing involvement. Analysis of the uploaded observations during CNC 2023 and 2024 in Berlin revealed clear differences in participant activity levels: while highly active individuals were few, they contributed a substantial portion of the total observations. The comparison of the observed species in taxonomic groups from CNC Berlin 2023 and 2024 with the GBIF reference dataset revealed the impact of highly active species experts participating in BioBlitz events on particular species groups like fungi and lichens. This highlights the influence of species experts on BioBlitz datasets. In total birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals were more likely to reach “Research Grade” status on iNaturalist, whereas arachnids, protozoans, insects, and chromista had substantially lower Research-Grade rates. Of the 2,440 species listed in the GBIF reference dataset, 1,027 species (42%) were also recorded during CNC Berlin 2023 and 2024. Observations included threatened amphibians, such as the Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus) and the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), rare birds like the Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), and several invasive species, including crayfish (Procambarus spp.) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Notably, the potentially invasive mysid Hemimysis anomala was recorded in Berlin for the first time ever in 2024. As observations from CNC 2023 had more time to reach “Research Grade” than those from 2024, differences between years should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: BioBlitz events and Citizen Science in general, can provide valuable data that can complement traditional biodiversity monitoring and help to close research gaps, particularly by documenting endangered, invasive and non-native species, and other conservation-relevant taxa. We encourage other researchers to investigate large BioBlitz datasets like CNCs in other parts of the world or even comprehensively on a larger geographic scale. Keywords: Citizen science, Biodiversity, BioBlitz, Ecology, Conservation, Participation, Monitoring.
39466	Pradhan S., Dash S., Sahoo B. & Rath B. (2025): Photobiont diversity in lichen symbiosis from northern Odisha (India). - International Journal on Algae, 27(3): 261–272. https://doi.org/10.1615/InterJAlgae.v27.i3.40. The aim of the present study is to isolate and analyse the photobionts from lichens in different habitats of Northern Odisha. A total of 24 species of broadly distributed lichen genera i.e., Parmotrema A. Massal., Lecanora Ach., Coccocarpia Pers., Graphis Adans., Phaeographis Müll.Arg., Trypethelium Spreng., Parmelia Ach., Dirinaria (Tuck.) Clem., Buellia Alyssum L., Heterodermia Trevis, Hyperphyscia Müll. Arg., Letrouitia Hafellner & Bellem., Malmidia Kalb, Xanthoria (Fr.) Th.Fr. from different families spread across the floristic zones of the northern Odisha sector, were selected for photobiont isolation. Trebouxia Pyum, Trentepohlia Mart., Nostoc Vaucher ex Bornet et Flahault, Chroococcus Nägeli, and Scytonema C. Agardh ex Bornet & Flahault are found in lichens as a photobiont. All photobionts were further identified based on morphological and molecular approaches, including 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ITS sequences which showed a wide differentiation of species diversity in Trebouxia, Trentepohlia and Chroococcus. Further to this study, all photobiont cultures were preserved for future biotechnological prospection. Keywords: diversity, isolation, lichen, Northern Odisha, India, photobiont.
39465	Pradhan S., Dash S., Sahoo B., Parida S., Upreti D.K. & Rath B. (2026): Thymoquinone from lichen Dirinaria frostii (Tuck.): A new promising antimicrobial compound. - Current Microbiology, Current Microbiology 83: 160 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-026-04746-z. The present study reports the presence of thymoquinone (TQ), a promising benzoquinone compound, in the lichen Dirinaria frostii (strain DF_MSCBU, NCBI-accession no. PP955960), collected from Similipal National Park, India. The extract of D. frostii was subjected to GCMS analysis and detected the presence of thymoquinone. Further, purification of the TQ fraction was carried out using HPLC against a standard thymoquinone reference. FTIR analysis identified the key functional groups. In addition, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) spectroscopy was performed to determine the structure and composition of the molecule. The purified TQ was then used for antibacterial assays against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae following the MIC method showed pathogen inhibition at different incubation time, of both Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria. Thymoquinone showed significant bactericidal activity compared to the standard antibiotics azithromycin, streptomycin, and erythromycin in a dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrates occurrence of thymoquinone from D. frostii as a novel finding and opens new possibilities for its therapeutic applications in the future.
39464	Pradhan S., Dash S., Sahoo B. & Rath B. (2026): Range extension of the lichenized ascomycete, Cladonia fruticulosa Kremp., 1882 (Lecanoromycetes: Lecanorales: Cladoniaceae), from Similipal Biosphere Reserve of Odisha. - Journal of Threatened Taxa, 18(3): 28594–28599. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9846.18.3.28594-28599. The lichen diversity of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha remains underexplored, particularly for fruticose lichens genus Cladonia P. Browne. The present study aims to document a specimen collected from the high-altitude region of the reserve. Morphological observations, chemical analysis, and molecular phylogenetic methods were employed for species identification. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, habitat, and ecology are provided. Previously, no specific fruticose lichen species was reported from Similipal, and the present identification evidence confirms the first record of this species from Odisha. Keywords: Diversity, documentation, fruticose, habitat, high altitude, identification, lichen, morphology, phylogeny, species.
39463	Stridvall L. & Stridvall A. (2010): Lavfloran på kyrkogårdar i Västra Götalands län. - Lavbulletinen, 2010/1: 1–87 . http://www.stridvall.se/la/publications/Lavbulletinen-2010_1.pdf. [in Swedish] The lichen flora of cemeteries / churchyards in Västra Götaland County (south-western Sweden), including provinces of Bohuslän, Dalsland, Värmland and Västergötland
39462	Schiefelbein U. (2022): Antarktische Flechten im Herbarium der Universität Rostock. - Archiv Natur- und Landeskunde Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 57: 130–133 . . Antarctic lichens in the herbarium of the University of Rostock. The lichens were determined that Dr. Andreas Bick had collected in the surroundings of the Russian Antarctica station Bellingshausen between January 1986 and March 1987, and that are deposited in the Botanical Garden of Rostock University. Altogether, 24 species have been identified. Concerning the growth form, 12 species are crustose, 8 species fruticose and 4 species foliose lichens. Keywords: Antarctica, biodiversity, herbarium, lichenized fungi.
39461	Kantvilas G., Tibell S. & Tibell L. (2026): Chaenotheca meridionalis, a new calicioid lichen from Australasia. - Muelleria, 44: 62–70. . Chaenotheca meridionalis Tibell & Kantvilas is described as new, based on morphological characters and ITS-based phylogenetic data. Maximum Likelihood analysis was run on 62 taxa and four C. meridionalis sequences received maximum Ultrafast bootstrap support within the strongly supported ‘chrysocephala’ group. Chaenotheca meridionalis differs from its close relative, C. chlorella, by its taller apothecia, 1.04−2.04 mm high, versus 0.71–0.94 mm in C. chlorella, and wider ascospores, 3.25–4.75 μm versus 2.89–3.81 μm in C. chlorella. It inhabits decorticated wood in temperate forests and is widely distributed in Australasia. Key words: biodiversity, Coniocybomycetes, lichenised fungi, new species, molecular taxonomy.
39460	Roux C., Boussereau J.-Y., Bourdon C., Pinault P., Daval G. & Beudin T. (2026): Excursion lichénologique en Ariège (juin 2025). - Bulletin de la Société Linnéenne de Provence, 77, a05: 1−22. . A three–day lichenological field trip to Ariège in June 2025, supplemented by several other observations, yielded 291 taxa (254 lichens and 37 non–lichenized lichenicolous fungi), including two seemingly undescribed species, one national novelty, 7 novelties from the French Pyrenees, and 88 departmental novelties. The total number of taxa in Ariège increased from 727 to 824, a significant rise, but still well below the thousand possible taxa estimated by Roux et al. (2025).
39459	Díaz R., Filippini E., Peralta M.A. & Rodriguez J.M. (2026): Determinants of lichen diversity and community assembly along elevational gradients in Central Argentine mountains. - Cryptogamie, Mycologie, 47(3): 21–47. https://doi.org/10.5252/cryptogamie-mycologie2026v47a3. The distinctive features of alpine ecosystems, along with complex evolutionary and migration patterns, contribute significantly to the remarkable species richness found within these environments. This study aimed to investigate the environmental effects of elevation and microsite characteristics on the diversity and community structure of saxicolous lichens in mountain ecosystems. We also explored the hypothesis that lichen species may migrate to more sheltered microsites in response to climate change. We surveyed 406 plots across seven elevation levels (900 to 2700 m a.s.l.), documenting saxicolous lichen species richness and community composition. Microsite factors such as rock aspect, inclination, and sun exposure were recorded. Statistical analyses included generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) for richness and community weighted mean trait (CWM) by growth form, as well as multivariate analyses (CCA and NMS) to assess the influence of environmental variables on lichen community composition. We identified 195 lichen species, with significantly lower richness at 900 m a.s.l. compared to higher elevations. Richness was also greater on steep and south-facing rocks. Crustose CWM varied significantly with rock aspect, while foliose and fruticose CWMs were influenced by rock inclination. Multivariate analyses indicated that elevation, rock inclination, rock aspect, and sun exposure significantly shaped the community structure. The study highlights the combined influence of macro- and micro-environmental factors on lichen diversity. Crustose species tolerate harsher conditions, while foliose and fruticose lichens prefer steeper, south-facing microsites. These findings underscore the importance of considering both scales of environmental variation when analyzing the assembly and biodiversity of lichen communities, especially under scenarios of climate change. Key words: Climate change, ecological niches, endemism patterns, environmental gradient, lichen diversity, microsite, mountain ecosystems.
39458	Gan Y., Timdal E., Wei S., Zhang S., Shi Y., Wang L. & Wang X. (2026): Three new species and two new records of Thalloidima (Ramalinaceae, Ascomycota) in China. - Phytotaxa, 759(3): 245–260. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.759.3.4. The lichen genus Thalloidima (Ramalinaceae, Ascomycota) is reported as new to China, with specimens primarily collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Through an integrative approach combining morphological, chemical, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA ITS sequences, three species new to science are described: T. lobulatum Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang, T. qinghaiense Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang, and T. triseptatum Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang. Additionally, T. sedifolium and T. squamatum are recorded in China for the first time. These discoveries bring the total number of recognised species within Thalloidima to 21. Critical diagnostic characters, including ascospore septation, thallus pruina development, and substrate specificity, are detailed and illustrated. A comprehensive taxonomic key to all currently known species of the genus is also provided. Key words: Lichenized fungi, Taxonomy, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, New genus record, Phylogeny.
39457	Singh S.P., Upreti D.K. & Nayaka S. (2026): Thelenella tropica: A new lichen species from India. - Phytotaxa, 759(3): 222–226. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.759.3.2. Thelenella tropica, a pyrenocarpous lichen is described as new to science from India. It was collected from Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. The new species is characterized by corticolous habitat, pertusarioid perithecia, oblong ellipsoid, muriform, I−, KI−, hyaline, 52–65 × 18–23 µm ascospores. An updated world key to the corticolous species of Thelenella is also provided. Key words: asia, Biodiversity, lichenized fungi, Perithecioid, thelenellaceae.
39456	Torres-Benítez A., Ortega-Valencia J.E., Salazar J.R., Monje K., Ley-Martínez J., Vargas-Arana G. & Simirgiotis M.J. (2026): Chemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of the Antarctic lichen Leptogium puberulum: A combination of metabolomic, in vitro, and in silico approaches. - International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(11): 4822 [26 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114822. Lichenized fungi are a source of secondary metabolites with multiple biological potential. The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the Antarctic lichen Leptogium puberulum through metabolomic, in vitro, and in silico analyses. Seventeen compounds were tentatively identified using UHPLC-ESI-QToF-MS. The phenolic composition yielded 6.356 mg GAE/g, and antioxidant activity assays showed IC50 values for DPPH• and ABTS•+ of 1187.149 and 207.00 µg/mL, respectively, along with 15.845 µmol Trolox/g for ORAC and 21.925 µmol Trolox/g for FRAP. The in silico evaluation was performed using OSIRIS Data Warrior, ProTox 3.0, and SwissTargetPrediction, identifying 9,10,12,13,14-pentahydroxytetracosanoic acid (PHTA), 9,10,12,13-tetrahydroxytricosanoic acid (THTA), 9,10,12,13-tetrahydroxyheneicosanoic acid (THHA), and 9,10,12,13-tetrahydroxydocosanoic acid (THDA) as the most promising compounds. These metabolites showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, with no anticipated toxicological risks. Subsequently, their affinity for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme was evaluated by molecular docking with AutoDock Vina software version 1.2.3, and the most stable protein–ligand complexes were analyzed to characterize key interactions within the active site and subjected to molecular dynamics simulations with YASARA software version 19.1.27 for 100 ns. Overall, these results indicate that selected metabolites from L. puberulum may act as potential COX-2 inhibitors, supporting their relevance as lichen-derived anti-inflammatory agents and warranting further pharmacological investigation. Keywords: Antarctica; extract; bioactive compounds; metabolomics; biological potential; pharmacokinetic properties; molecular docking; COX-2 inhibition.
39455	Skult H. (1984): The Parmelia omphalodes (Ascomycetes) complex in Eastern Fennoscandia. Chemical and morphological variation. - Annales Botanici Fennici, 21: 117–142. . Wide chemical variation was shown by Parmelia omphalodes (L.) Ach., especially when minor and accessory phenolic compounds were included. Three subspecies recognized within P. omphalodes. viz. subsp. omphalodes. subsp. pinnatifida (Kurok.) Skult, comb, nova, and subsp. discordons (Nyl.) Skult, comb. nova. A fourth subspecies may possibly be separated in the arctic regions. Although the subspecies are usually clearly distinguishable, in certain areas where their ranges overlap specimens can found which are intermediate in chemistry and/or morphology. The populations of omphalodes in the southwest of Finland are particularly variable, since all three subspecies meet in that region. The distribution of each subspecies in Eastern Fennoscandia is mapped. Key words: lichen. Parmelia, chemical variation, phenols, eastern Fennoscandia.
39454	Skult H. (1985): A new subspecies of Parmelia omphalodes (Ascomycetes) described from the Arctic. - Annales Botanici Fennici, 22: 201–205. . The lichen Parmelia omphalodes subsp. glacialis Skult, subsp. nova, is reported from the Arctic; it is particularly common on the arctic islands. Its major phenolic constituents are salazinic and norstictic acids and atranorin. Key words: lichen, Parmelia, phenols, arctic.
39453	Essadki Y., Darrag E.M., Zerrifi S.E.A., Haida M., Krimech A., Martins R.., Campos A., Vasconcelos V., Bouaïcha N., Baçaoui A., Meddich A., Oudra B., Tazart Z. & El Khalloufi F. (2026): Lichen extracts containing volatile compounds induce oxidative stress and modulate the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella sorokiniana. - International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(11): 4790 [32 p.] . https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114790. This study evaluates volatile extracts (HE1 and HE2) from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea as eco-friendly agents to control algal proliferation, specifically targeting the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. Both extracts exhibited potent anti-microalgal activity against the two species with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 375 to 750 µg/mL. Furthermore, both extracts reduced cell density by more than 98% after eight days of treatment. Chlorophyll a and protein levels decreased significantly (>80%) in both species, indicating suppression of pigment synthesis. However, their physiological responses were distinct: M. aeruginosa underwent early acute oxidative stress and severe membrane damage, while C. sorokiniana exhibited delayed oxidative activation and a negative growth rate, suggesting non-lytic metabolic inhibition. An in silico study by molecular docking of the most abundant compounds identified in these volatile extracts, such as terpenoids (abietatriene, δ-cadinene) and a phenolic compound (atraric acid), showed that these compounds interact with vital cellular targets in M. aeruginosa and C. sorokiniana and likely contribute to the effects observed in these two species. Predictive toxicity by applying the ADMET framework confirmed the favorable bioavailability and low acute toxicity of these volatile compounds. Therefore, P. furfuracea volatiles are promising, species-specific, and environmentally safe candidates for mitigating aquatic algal proliferation through targeted oxidative and metabolic interference. Keywords: Pseudevernia furfuracea; volatile organic compounds (VOCs); anti-cyanobacterial activity; anti-microalgae; oxidative stress; algal proliferation; molecular docking.
39452	Guan Z., Wang Y., Geng Y., Wang Y., Hou L., Tian X. & Pan J. (2026): Analysis of microbial communities and microbial preservation of the Qilin Screen Wall and Text Brick Wall in the Jinshanling Great Wall. - Microorganisms, 14(5): 1056 [24 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14051056. The Jinshanling Great Wall is an important part of the Ming Great Wall, the most important material cultural heritage of China, and is currently facing a significant threat of microbial degradation due to the widespread biological weathering of open-air masonry buildings. This study focuses on the Qilin Screen Wall and Text Brick Wall of the Jinshanling Great Wall, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and metabarcoding analyses to reveal the diverse microbial communities coexisting on the masonry surfaces, including various lichens, molds, and bacteria. Twelve fungal strains were successfully isolated. The antimicrobial experiment results indicated that 0.6% isothiazolinone-based antimicrobial BC01, 50 mg/mL carvacrol and 50 mg/mL thymol exhibited a certain degree of antimicrobial activity against these strains. Overall, this study has laid a solid foundation for microbial control of the masonry Great Wall through in-depth analysis of microbial community structure and screening of highly effective antimicrobials. Keywords: masonry ancient architecture; biodeterioration; microbial community; antimicrobials; cultural relic conservation.
39451	Isocrono D., Cogoni A., Vizzini A., Totti C., Aleffi M., Armeli Minicante S., Benesperi R., Boccardo F., Boemo A., Bonanno R., Bonifazio C., von Brackel W., Briozzo I., Canali G., Cancellieri L., Cantonati M., Casalino D., Ceseri S., Cos D., D’Aleo F., Dalle Fratte M., De Giuseppe A.B., Di Nuzzo L., Dovana F., Fačkovcová Z., Gavarro G., Gheza G., Guazzini L., Hafellner J., Malíček J., Musarella C.M., Nimis P.L., Paoli L., Passalacqua N.G., Patera G., Potenza G., Prosser F., Puntillo D., Ravera S., Rodi E.S., Romanov R., Scortegagna S., Sguazzin F., Sicoli G., Silvano G., Spitale D., Stringa Basile C., Tretiach M. & Vannini A. (2026): Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 21. - Italian Botanist, 21: 173–194. https://doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.21.196260. In this contribution, new data concerning algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new record and confirmations for the algal genera Chara, Closterium, and Ulva, the bryophyte genera Buxbaumia, Campylopus, Crossidium, Cryphaea, Dicranella, Dicranum, Flexitrichum, Geheebia, Grimmia, Lewinskya, Ptychostomum, Riccia, Schistidium, and Taxiphyllum, the fungal genera Clavaria, Inocybe, Lepiota, Phacopsis, Phloeomana, Tremella, and Zyzygomyces, and the lichen genera Anema, Bagliettoa, Cladonia, Gyalecta, Lepraria, Phaeophyscia, Polyblastia, Porina, Psilolechia, Scytinium, Swinscowia, Synalissina, and Thyrea. Keywords: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Bryidae, Charophyta, Chlorophyta.
39450	Ezhkin A.K., Yakovchenko L.S., Davydov E.A. & Kaganov V.V. (2026): A revision of the lichen genus Thelotrema Ach. (Thelotremataceae) in the Sakhalin Region, Far East of Russia. - Turczaninowia, 29(1): 167–174. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.21. As a result of a revision of the lichen genus Thelotrema in the Sakhalin Region (Russian Far East), two species are reported as new to the region. Thelotrema diplotrema is recorded for the first time in Russia, and T. suecicum is reported for the first time in Asia. T. diplotrema previously known only from evergreen forests in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Asia, was found in an old-growth forest with bamboo understory on the bark of deciduous trees on Kunashir Island. This finding represents the northernmost locality of the species in the temperate zone. T. suecicum, a widespread lichen of rainforests and wet montane forests in the cool-temperate zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (Europe, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand), was collected in a warm, humid riparian forest on the bark of Alnus hirsuta in southern Sakhalin Island and in an oak forest on the bark of Quercus crispula on Iturup Island. Following this revision, three species of Thelotrema are confirmed for the Sakhalin Region, including the previously known T. lepadinum. Detailed morphological, anatomical, and ecological descriptions are provided, along with illustrations, diagnostic features of similar species, and an identification key for the species of Thelotrema and morphologically related taxa occurring in the region. Keywords: broad-leaved forest, cool-temperate zone, corticolous lichens, old-growth forest, tropical and subtropical lichens.
39449	Tabakina V.V., Gagarina L.V., Chesnokov S.V. & Prokopiev I.A. (2026): A first report of Acarospora rosulata (Acarosporaceae) in Russia from Yakutia. - Turczaninowia, 29(1): 116–123. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.15 . During the study of the lichen biota of Yakutia, Acarospora rosulata (Th. Fr.) H. Magn. was identified on the basis of morphological, anatomical, secondary metabolites and molecular data for the first time in Russia. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences revealed that the studied specimens form a well-supported clade (BS value = 86%) with specimens from Mongolia, USA, and Norway. The studied specimens are characterized by a brown, shiny, squamulose areolate thallus, sometimes with some outer lobes, numerous apothecia immersed in the areoles, a well-developed exciple, simple ellipsoid ascospores (4–5 × 1.5–2.5 μm) and the content of gyrophoric acid as the main substance. Lecanoric and hiascic acids are reported for the first time in the species. A comparative analysis of samples from Yakutia is carried out with descriptions by other authors. Since the original description of the species did not include a holotype, the article also provides a lectotypification based on the original material from Norway. A specimen stored in the herbarium of Uppsala University (UPS) was designated as the lectotype. A comparison with related species is also provided. Keywords: biodiversity, new record, lectotypification, lichens, Russia, Yakutia.
39448	Урбанавичюс Г.П. & Урбанавичене И.Н. [Urbanavichus G.P. & Urbanavichene I.N.] (2026): Sphinctrina paramerae (Mycocaliciales, Sphinctrinacea) – новый для России вид и другие виды рода Sphinctrina на Кавказе [Sphinctrina paramerae (Mycocaliciales, Sphinctrinacea) – a new species for Russia and other records of Sphinctrina from the Caucasus]. - Turczaninowia, 29(1): 14–19. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.3. [in Russian with English abstract: ] This article provides information on the first records of lichenicolous fungus Sphinctrina paramerae in Russia. This species parasitizes Pertusaria paramerae thallus. The studied specimens were collected in the Sub-Mediterranean formations in the Utrish Reserve, Abrau Peninsula, Krasnodar Territory (Russia). Morphological description, photographs and information on the ecology and distribution of this species are provided. Sphinctrina leucopoda and S. turbinata are new to the Utrish Nature Reserve. Distribution of the pointed above Caucasian species is reviewed and a key for the identification of five species of the genus Sphinctrina recorded from the Caucasus is given. Keywords: Abrau Peninsula, calicioid species, new records, Sphinctrina.
39447	Kaganov V.V., Yakovchenko L.S. & Ezhkin A.K. (2026): The genus Anthracothecium (Pyrenulaceae) in Russia. - Turczaninowia, 29(1): 80–84. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.11. The genus Anthracothecium is re-reported for the territory of Russia. The article discusses that A. speciosum f. speciosum was mistakenly included in the lists of lichens of Russia, of the south of the Far East and of Shikotan Isl., and also that A. speciosum f. iturupiense morphologically and anatomically corresponds more closely to the genus Pyrenula. Thus, the tropical genus Anthracothecium is represented in Russia by one species, Anthracothecium australiense reported here to the Kunashir Island. This is a first record of the species in Russia which has previously been known to Australia, Oceania (New Guinea), Asia (Japan and China), North and South America (Brazil, Argentina). The species is characterized by large, brown muriform ascospores with thin walls, as well as immersed, erumpent, and semi-immersed, black, globose perithecioid ascomata (0.5–)0.7–1.0 mm wide with a short neck and lateral ostiole. The data on distribution, ecology, and distinctive features of the species as well as photos are provided.
39446	Lendemer J.C. (2026): Recent literature on lichens—280. - Bryologist, 129(1): 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-129.1.073. bibliography
39445	Ferrari F.R., Villa P.M., Putzke J., Robinson S.A., Francelino M.R. & Schaefer C.E.G.R. (2026): Habitat-mediated filtering, rather than soil properties, shapes plant community diversity on Nelson Island, Maritime Antarctica. - Journal of Vegetation Science, 37(3): e70145 [15 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.70145. Aims: Environmental filtering is a key framework in vegetation science; yet, disentangling the relative roles of habitat and soil-mediated filters remains challenging in Antarctic cryptogamic communities. At the regional scale in Antarctica, climate is the primary driver of plant community diversity and structure. However, at a local scale, topography and soil properties are also crucial. This study aimed to assess how habitat-mediated (including substrate type and nesting-related disturbance), and soil properties act as environmental filters shaping cryptogamic species richness and community composition on rocky outcrops. We evaluated the relative contribution of habitat structure and edaphic variation to plant distribution across substrate gradients. Location: Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Maritime Antarctica. Methods: We conducted detailed vegetation and soil surveys across three rocky outcrops with varying nesting activity. Plant frequency, coverage, and richness were quantified in 121 plots using a grid-based approach. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. To quantify environmental gradients, we summarized edaphic variables using multivariate analysis. Rarefaction/extrapolation curves, community composition analysis, and linear mixed-effects models were used to test whether habitat-mediated and soil-mediated filters predict species richness and community composition variability. Results: Habitat-mediated filtering strongly influenced species richness and turnover. Sites with active giant petrel nests exhibited higher nutrient availability and distinct vegetation assemblages compared to areas without nesting activity. Substrate type also played a key role, with species composition differing markedly between rocky and soil substrates. These patterns indicate that both soil fertility and microhabitat heterogeneity contribute to the spatial variability in community structure. Conclusions: Our results further reveal that changes in substrate type across the outcrops promote high species turnover between the three rocky fragments. Contrary to patterns commonly reported for Maritime Antarctica, soil properties alone did not explain richness or composition, suggesting that habitat-level processes override edaphic constraints at a fine spatial scale. Keywords: Antarctic vegetation | community composition | ecological filters | environmental heterogeneity | ornithogenic soils | plant species richness | soil properties | topographic gradients.
39444	Rawat S., Kumar N., Quyoom B., ul Haq M. & Peer L.A. (2026): Multivariate chemoprospecting of five ethnobotanically important Himalayan lichens identifies Parmotrema austrosinense as a promising source of phenolic antioxidants. - Chemistry and Biodiversity, 23(5): e71264 [14 p.] . https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.71264. Lichens are an underexplored reservoir of nutritionally and pharmacologically relevant metabolites. This study provides one of the first comprehensive multivariate profiles of five ethnobotanically important lichen species (Lobaria retigera, Dirinaria consimilis, Parmotrema austrosinense, Ramalina conduplicans, and Usnea orientalis) from Uttarakhand, India, using an integrated screening approach to evaluate and rank their bioactive potential. A combined analysis of nutritional components (protein, carbohydrates, and essential minerals), phytochemicals (total phenolic and flavonoid content), preliminary antioxidant screening (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay), and metabolite profiling (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) was performed. Our results ranked and objectively identified P. austrosinense as the most promising lead species, exhibiting the highest total phenolic content (14.08 ± 2.53 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), flavonoid content (1.80 ± 0.23 mg catechin equivalents/g), protein content (24.36 ± 1.30 mg/g), and the most effective DPPH radical scavenging activity (83.05% inhibition). Although based solely on in vitro DPPH data, this screening establishes a prioritized ranking for further validation. Principal Component Analysis confirmed that these antioxidant traits were strongly intercorrelated. This integrated metabolomic screening approach establishes a robust chemotaxonomic and nutritional ranking, highlighting P. austrosinense as a prime candidate for subsequent in-depth investigations. Keywords: antioxidant activity; thnobotany; lichen; mineral content; Parmotrema austrosinense; phytochemical profiling.
39443	Chowaniec K., Szafrańska K. & Skubała K. (2026): Biocrust heterogeneity drives water balance in the topsoil of temperate sandy post-mining ecosystem. - Journal of Soil Sediments, 26: 181 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-026-04386-7. Purpose: Sandy habitats in temperate regions include a range of anthropogenic and semi-natural ecosystems, such as post-mining areas. Such environments face severe ecological constraints due to coarse soil texture, low nutrient content, and poor water retention. Among natural recovery processes, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play a key role in shaping soil hydrology and surface stability. Keywords: Biological soil crust · Temperate climate · Water balance · Ecosystem resilience · Post-mining ecosystem. Methods: In this study, we investigated water-related traits and functional parameters of three biocrust types: algae-, moss-, and lichen-dominated, developing in temperate sandy post-mining ecosystem. Results: Our findings revealed significant ecohydrological differences between biocrusts dominated by various photoautotrophs. Lichen-dominated biocrusts showed high water-holding capacity (145.93%), vapor adsorption (0.197 mm) and evaporation cumulative amounts (4.768 mm), together with elevated dehydrogenase activity (284.23 µg TPF g− 1 DW), total exopolysaccharide concentration (3.83 mg g− 1 DW) and total chlorophyll content (156.63 µg g− 1 DW). Their high evaporation rate (0.984 mm h⁻¹) may intensify short-term water fluctuations in sandy topsoils. In contrast, algae-dominated biocrusts showed consistently low values across studied water-related traits (e.g. vapor adsorption 0.02 mm), as well as low evaporation rate (0.294 mm h− 1) indicating prolonged surface moisture retention. Moss-dominated biocrusts showed moderate vapor adsorption (0.051 mm) and intermediate evaporation (0.859 mm h⁻¹), offering a more balanced hydrological profile. Conclusions: Our findings showed that different biocrust types spontaneously developing in post-mining sandy ecosystem contribute to maintaining the heterogeneity of the topsoil in terms of water holding capacity and the ability to absorb and evaporate water. This functional heterogeneity can help stabilize soil water dynamics, mitigate extreme fluctuations, and support more resilient vegetation development over time, and may be key to enhancing ecosystem resilience in temperate sandy soils.
39442	Kurakov A.V., Bibikov N.M., Bilanenko E.N., Kokaeva L.Yu., Abakumov E.V., Zherebiatyeva N.V. & Soromotin A.V. (2026): Mycobiota of Podzol Turbic under Reindeer Pastures in Tundra of the Yamal Peninsula. - Eurasian Soil Science, 59: 102 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1134/S106422932560558X. The diversity and structure of fungal communities in the Entic Podzol (Turbic) under variously disturbed reindeer pastures on the Yamal Peninsula were examined by the cultural method and DNA metabarcoding. We isolated 29 species from 16 genera of fungi assigned to the phyla Ascomycota and Mucoromycota by plating method and 434 OTUs of seven phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Olpidiomycota, and Rozellomycota) by DNA metabarcoding (251 OTUs were identified at the species level). In total, 276 species from 214 genera were discovered in this soil. Only four species were found by both methods, and this again indicated the need to use fundamentally different approaches to assess fungal diversity. The OTUs of fungi were classified by the FungalTraits database into 15 ecological-trophic groups. Microbiota of the Entic Podzol (Turbic) under pastures was dominated by soil and litter saprotrophs and by ectomycorrhizal and lichenized species, which were followed by plant and animal pathogens and then by xylotrophic saprotrophs and lichen pathogens, and coprophilous fungi comprised a smaller proportion. Both methods demonstrated that as pastures degraded, species diversity in the soil decreased, the taxonomic and trophic structure of the fungal biota significantly changed, and a smaller number of species dominated. This was especially pronounced, when the soils under slightly and strongly disturbed pastures were compared. The significance of these changes was confirmed by statistical analysis of the data. Changes of trophic and taxonomic groups of fungi in the Podzol Turbic during the degradation of reindeer pastures are discussed. Keywords: fungi, lichens, soil, degradation, overgrazing of reindeer pastures.
39441	Pérez-Rodrigo M., Moya P., Arenzana C., Garrido-Benavent I., Barreno E., Mark K., Peksa O., Westberg M., Carrasco P. & Marco F. (2026): Poikilohydria, polyols, and homeoviscosity: lichen metabolomic remodeling across environmental gradients . - Frontiers in Plant Science, 17: 1792494 [14 p.]. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1792494. Introduction: Lichens are poikilohydric organisms whose biochemistry is strongly shaped by environmental conditions, yet their metabolome-wide adaptations across habitats remain unexplored. Methods: Here, we established a continent-scale reference for the in-situ metabolome of the model lichen Ramalina farinacea, from thalli collected across six European regions during winter and summer, using untargeted GC-MS. Results: In total, 187 small molecules were annotated, including a compact core of 12 metabolites shared across all sites and seasons. Notably, the most abundant and core metabolites have recognized osmoprotective roles. The metabolome was primarily centered on polyols: arabitol was the predominant metabolite (49.9% of total relative abundance), followed by ribitol, sucrose, sorbitol, and mannitol. Multivariate analyses revealed season, region, and climate-similarity groups as the main drivers of metabolomic dissimilarity. GABA and mannose were consistent summer markers, while linoleic acid and arabitol emerged as the top regional and climatic markers, respectively. Glycerol levels increased towards colder regimes alongside monoglycerides and mono/polyunsaturated fatty acids, reflecting patterns consistent with homeoviscous adaptation. Hierarchical clustering resolved coordinated metabolite modules that distinguish cold- continental from warm-Mediterranean regimes while preserving region-specific chemical fingerprints. Pathway over-representation analyses converged on alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. This and other differential pathways indicated coupled adjustments in carbon handling and stress physiology. Discussion: This is the first continent-scale characterization of low-molecular- weight metabolomic variation in a lichen, revealing environmentally linked metabolic remodeling beyond the traditionally studied secondary metabolites and defining new chemoenvironmental markers as the metabolic basis of poikilohydric resilience in lichens. Keywords: arabitol, GABA, GC-MS, glycerol, lichen metabolomics, linoleic acid, mannose.
39440	Roux C. (2026): Leprocaulon pseudocalcicola Cl. Roux et Magain sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Leprocaulaceae). Addendum. - Bulletin de la Société Linnéenne de Provence, 77, a03: 1. doi : 10.5281/zenodo.19998505. Genbank entries ommited in the original paper are added
39439	Kaufmann S., Hauck M. & Leuschner C. (2018): Effects of natural forest dynamics on vascular plant, bryophyte, and lichen diversity in primeval Fagus sylvatica forests and comparison with production forests. - Journal of Ecology, 106(6): 2421–2434. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12981. Stand structure, mean tree age, deadwood amount and microclimate all change markedly in the course of natural forest dynamics. The last remaining primeval forests of the temperate forest biome are valuable study objects to investigate the effects of forest dynamics and management on forest structure and function as well as phytodiversity, which is not sufficiently understood. Three pairs of Fagus sylvatica primeval and production forests in eastern Slovakia were selected for studying the effects of natural forest development stages on vascular plant, bryophyte, and lichen species richness and composition. We further compared the diversity patterns in the initial, optimal and terminal stages of forest development with those of nearby production forests. The plot-level species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens increased from the initial to the terminal stage, but only lichens exhibited a significantly higher cumulative species richness (γ diversity) in the later (optimal and terminal) stages. No increase in species richness from the initial to the terminal stage was found for deadwood-inhabiting epiphytes and the ground-layer vascular plants. Canonical correspondence analyses identified characteristic bryophyte and lichen species for the different development stages, while the bulk of vascular ground layer species occurred across all stages with no stage preference. Stem diameter was an even more important driver of epiphyte diversity and species composition than the development stage. All stages of the primeval forests (including the initial) were more species-rich in epiphytes and, when investigating larger plot numbers, also in vascular plants than the production forests. Synthesis. In primeval forests of European beech, plant species richness did not differ significantly between the consecutive forest development stages, while species composition did. This is attributable to the small-scale mosaic structure of the forest, rapid gap closure by beech, and the continuity of deadwood across the stages, which reduces spatio-temporal differences in microhabitat availability in the forest. Bryophytes and lichens are species-richer, and vascular plants at least similarly rich, in the primeval as compared to the production forests, if the study area is sufficiently large.
39438	Timdal E. & Spribille T. (2026): Ophioparma rubricosa confirmed for Europe. - Graphis Scripta, 38(2): 10–17. . The western North American lichen species Ophioparma rubricosa is reported new to Northern Europe from a collection in Southeast Norway, thus confirming its occurrence in Europe. It was previously reported outside North America with some doubt from one locality in Sardinia, Italy, and from one locality in China. The species grew on dry wood of an old pine stump in an open, middle to northern boreal pine forest bordering a mire. DNA sequences are presented from the species for the first time. The ITS sequence from the Norwegian specimen is identical with one from British Columbia, Canada, and 99.3% similar to one from Montana, U.S.A.
39437	Mollinedo P., Vila J.L., Nogales-Ascarrunz P. & Apaza Ticona L. (2026): QSAR Analysis of Lichen Depsides and Derivatives: Electronic Descriptors as Predictors of Antioxidant Activity via PLS-1. - Antioxidants, 15(5): 584 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050584. The antioxidant activity of natural and semi-synthetic depsides and benzofurans—including R-(+)-usnic acid (1), dibenzoyl usnic acid (2), atranorin (3), 2,4-bis(benzoyloxy)atranorin (4), 4-O-methyl atranorin (5), decarboxythamnolic acid (6), thamnolic acid (7), and perlatolic acid (8)—was evaluated in this study. Natural compounds were isolated from selected lichen species, whilst semi-synthetic derivatives were prepared to investigate the influence of esterification and methylation on electronic properties and radical-scavenging capacity. Structural elucidation was performed using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). Electronic and thermodynamic descriptors, including the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the most reactive O–H group, HOMO and LUMOr energies, the HOMO–HOMO-1 energy gap (ΔH(H-1)), polarisability, and logP, were calculated and correlated with experimentally determined antioxidant capacity using the TEAC assay. Multivariate partial least squares (PLS-1) analysis identified ΔH(H-1) and LUMOr as the primary determinants of antioxidant activity, with BDE and ΔHf providing complementary contributions. Perlatolic acid (8) exhibited the highest radical-scavenging capacity (TEAC = 2.7), whereas R-(+)-usnic acid (1) and dibenzoyl usnic acid (2) were the least active compounds (TEAC ≈ 0.1). Antioxidant activity was found not to correlate with the number of hydroxyl groups, but rather to be governed by electronic redistribution, conjugation effects, and substituent modulation. Exclusion of the outlier decarboxythamnolic acid (6) improved model performance, explaining 79.8% of the variance in TEAC values (R2Y), with strong predictive ability (Q2 = 0.724) using a single latent variable. Overall, these findings provide a robust basis for the prediction and rational design of new antioxidant compounds, highlighting the relevance of lichen-derived metabolites as structurally stable scaffolds with potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development. Keywords: lichen-derived depsides; QSAR; electronic descriptors; phenoxyl radical; PLS-1; TEAC assay.
39436	Opiña L.A., Bagacay J.F.E., Siccio M.A., Sara F.R., Canto C.M., Silaras M.L., Ynion G.P.L.Q. & Calabon M.S. (2026): Philippine mycology II: an integrative taxonomic classification of novel Basidiomycota, basal fungi, and fungus-like phyla from the Philippines. - Phytotaxa, 753(1): 1–69. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.753.1.1. The Philippines possesses significant fungal diversity, although comprehensive taxonomic assessments remain scarce. This study presents an overview of novel Basidiomycota, basal fungi, and fungus-like taxa identified in the Philippines, based on an extensive review of published records from fungal repositories. A total of 412 Basidiomycota species have been documented, encompassing 24 genera, 65 families, 24 orders, and 7 classes (Agaricomycetes, Dacrymycetes, Exobasidiomycetes, Microbotryomycetes, Pucciniomycetes, Tremellomycetes, Ustilaginomycetes). Additionally, four phyla of basal fungi were recorded: Basidiobolomycota (2 species, 2 genera, 1 order, 1 class), Chytridiomycota (3 species, 3 genera, 3 families, 2 orders, 1 class), Entomophthoromycota (5 species, 4 genera, 1 order, 1 class), and Mucoromycota (1 species from a single genus, family, order, and class). The fungi-like phylum Oomycota (Kingdom Chromista) was also represented, with 8 species, 6 genera, 3 families, 2 orders, and 1 class. This compilation extends previous efforts to update the status of mycology in the Philippines and provides valuable insights into the country's fungal biodiversity. The results underscore the rich mycological diversity of the Philippines and reinforce the necessity for ongoing taxonomic research, biodiversity documentation, and conservation initiatives.
39435	Di Nuzzo L., Agostini M., Benesperi R., Ravera S., Bianchi E., Corneti S., Del Vecchio S., Francesconi L., Gheza G., Paoli L. & Nascimbene J. (2026): Are seasonal acclimation and genetic variability of Lobaria pulmonaria relevant for conservation translocation? A case study along a latitudinal gradient in Italy. - Plants, 15(9): 1342 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091342. Understanding the factors that determine the success of lichen translocations is critical for effective conservation of lichen biodiversity. Both physiological acclimation and the genetic structure of source populations can influence conservation outcomes. This study examined seasonal variation in physiological parameters (specific thallus mass—STM, chlorophyll a fluorescence—FV/FM, and chlorophyll content) of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. across one year, selecting three source populations along a latitudinal gradient in Mediterranean forests in Italy. Genetic structure of their mycobiont and photobiont were also characterized. STM differed significantly among populations and seasons, with consistent increases from March to September. In contrast, FV/FM remained relatively stable, while chlorophyll content showed the highest values in December. Genetic analyses revealed clear differentiation among populations for both symbionts. These results suggest that L. pulmonaria can acclimate physiologically to seasonal environmental changes and highlight the importance of considering local genetic structure when selecting source populations for translocation. Integrating physiological and genetic information provides a robust framework for improving conservation strategies for this species. Keywords: chlorophyll fluorescence; genetic diversity; threatened lichens; translocation.
39434	Preethi S.J., Yamuna A., Arunkumar M., Murugesh E., Ponmurugan P. & Shanmughavel P. (2026): Computational screening of lichen bioactive compounds as a potential antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 main proteases. - In Silico Pharmacology, 14: 78 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-026-00564-0. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly transmissible novel coronavirus, sparked the global pandemic, COVID-19, in 2020. Research primarily targeted specific drugs to block this virus, with natural products emerging as promising and reliable treatments. Lichens represent a valuable source of antiviral drugs. Specific secondary metabolites present in lichens with known antiviral properties have been researched. The current work focussed on the molecular docking of antiviral compounds from lichen against two possible targets, the main proteases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Mpro PDB ID: 6W63 and 6Y84). Other drugs were evaluated to the same possible targets to compare their inhibitory effects against proteins and identify particular medication for the treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, Molecular dynamics simulation and ADMET prediction was carried out. The docking results showed that alectorialic acid with 6Y84 and 6W63 had a docking score of -10.92 kcal/mol and − 14.34 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation of the alectorialic acid with target protein complexes for 500 ns confirm the reliability of the drug and compound’s binding capability to the target. Our findings suggest that alectorialic acid, a bioactive compound from lichen, is a potential drug for COVID-19 treatment. Keywords: Lichen bioactive compounds · Antiviral drugs · SARS-CoV-2 · ADMET studies · Molecular docking · Molecular dynamics simulation.
39433	Ali W., Choe K., Nasir T., Atiq U., Tahir M., Ahmad W., Park H.Y., Park T.J. & Kim M.O. (2026): Atraric acid mitigates the cognitive and pathological deficits in mice via Aβ1−42 induced Alzheimer’s disease. - Inflammopharmacology, 34: 2693–2704. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-026-02182-w. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological disease that leads to cognitive deficits in aged people. There are numerous pathological hallmarks, among them the classical hallmark is β-Amyloid (Aβ), which induces inflammatory events and phagocytic ability of phagocytic cells (such as microglial cells). Until now, the role of atraric acid (AA) in the prevention of AD has not been reported. The study was designed to investigate the contribution of AA to Aβ-induced microglial activation and cognitive deficits. The Aβ-induced AD model was crossed with the AA-treated mice, followed by cognitive and pathological tests. These effects were assessed via western blot, confocal microscopy, Thioflavin-S, Nissl staining, and with behavioral tests (MWM & YM). The cognitive deficit was assessed via the Morris water Maze (MWM) and Y-maze (YM). The Aβ deposition and microglial recruitment were observed by Thioflavin-S and immunohistochemistry. The neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress signaling were identified by western blotting and immunological assays (ROS & LPO), respectively, in brain hippocampal homogenates. Neuronal loss and survival were examined by Nissl staining. The mice treated only with Aβ1−42 i.c.v. shows cognitive and memory deficits, leading to a neurodegenerative condition in mice. In contrast, the intraperitoneal (i.p) delivery of AA (20 mg/kg, for 4 weeks) after the Aβ1−42 injection reduced the amyloid beta (Aβ) burden and glial cells overactivation via inhibiting their surface receptors. Similarly, the AA reduced the oxidative stress by reducing the level of ROS and LPO in brain hippocampal homogenates, as well as enhanced the level of natural endogenous antioxidant proteins and enzymes (Nrf-2 and HO-1) in the Aβ1−42 + AA co-treated group. Moreover, AA retained the neuronal integrity and morphology in the mouse hippocampal brain region, which demonstrates that AA could potentially serve as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant in progressive neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., AD). Keywords: Amyloid-βeta (Aβ1−42) · Neuroinflammation · Oxidative stress · synaptic dysfunction · Alzheimer disease (AD) · Atraric Acid (AA).
39432	Boonpeng C., Sangiamdee D., Pischom M., Butrid P., Noikrad S. & Boonpragob K. (2026): Assessment of atmospheric potentially toxic elements in urban and mountainous regions of northern Thailand using lichen transplants. - Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 33: 5148–5159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37646-7. Lichen transplants are effective tools used to biomonitor airborne potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban and natural areas. The main objective of this study was to measure atmospheric PTE concentrations during the dry period in the urban and mountainous areas of Chiang Mai Province using lichen transplants. Samples of the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale were collected from a remote area and exposed at 18 sites in the Chiang Mai urban area and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park for 120 days. The concentrations of 15 PTEs, including Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn, in the lichen transplants were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed that the average PTE concentrations and pollution load indices (PLIs) presented the highest values in the urban area, followed by the mountain road and forested areas. Most monitoring sites were classified as having very high pollution, and these sites were observed in all areas. This indicates that the air of some locations in the national park, including forested areas, could be contaminated by the investigated PTEs. The contamination factor (CF) values suggested that Pb, Co, Cr, Cd and Ni highly contaminate the air. These elements can originate from various sources, especially motor vehicles and biomass burning. The results of this study can be used as complementary data to traditional air quality monitoring programs to improve environmental quality in Chiang Mai Province. Keywords: Bioaccumulator · Chiang Mai · Doi Suthep-Pui National Park · Parmotrema tinctorum · Pollution load index.
39431	Virolainen P., Pankova V., Nerezenko A. & Chekunova E. (2026): Structural features of algal and fungal GATA transcription factors may play a role in symbiosis. - Journal of Molecular Evolution, 94: 383–404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-026-10310-x. Algal-fungal symbiotic relationships are widespread in nature and promote the evolution of both partners. The best-known example of such symbiosis is lichen, a mutualistic association of a mycobiont and a photobiont. Long-term interactions may lead to the formation of new cooperative molecular mechanisms or changes in the genetics of the symbionts. Symbiosis establishment includes the fine-tuning of partner metabolism by transcriptional regulators. GATA family transcription factors have proven to be key regulators of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, response to light and various environmental signals. Analysis of GATA factors across the green and fungal lineages allowed us to characterize the unique structural features and sequence patterns in most of algal GATA transcription factors. We hypothesize that the described features may have ensured a high prevalence of a lichen-forming ability specifically in the Chlorophyta division. The obtained results emphasize the evolutionary role and adaptive significance of GATA family transcription factors in different taxonomic and ecological groups of organisms. Keywords: GATA factors · Symbiosis · Lichen · Fungi · Algae · Evolution.
39430	Carmona-Higuita M.J., García-Arias M., Duque-Trujillo J.F. & Benavides A.M. (2026): Integrating magnetic and elemental analyses to evaluate epiphytes as biomonitors of urban air pollution in a tropical city (Medellín, Colombia). - Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 198: 386 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15225-0. Urban air pollution is a major challenge for environmental health, especially in tropical cities where complex topography and fossil fuel dependence exacerbate poor air quality. Epiphytes, which rely on atmospheric water and nutrients, are particularly sensitive to airborne contaminants and represent promising biomonitors. This study compares the potential of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes to accumulate airborne pollutants, providing a direct assessment of their biomonitoring performance. We evaluated these epiphytes as biomonitors of urban air pollution in Medellín, Colombia. Six species were studied: three vascular epiphytes (Tillandsia recurvata, Pleopeltis macrocarpa, Rhipsalis baccifera), two bryophytes (Fabronia ciliaris, Kymatocalyx dominicensis), and one lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata). Host tree leaves were included for comparison. The samples were collected from 49 trees across sites representing contrasting pollution levels. We quantified magnetic susceptibility (χ) as a measure of particle accumulation, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‒OES). The results revealed marked interspecific differences: vascular epiphytes presented significantly higher χ values than bryophytes, lichens, and host tree leaves did. T. recurvata presented the strongest response, with median χ values up to an order of magnitude greater. Non-vascular species reflected pollution differences only weakly, indicating limited suitability for active monitoring. SEM revealed abundant metal particles and microplastic debris on vascular epiphytes, whereas ICP‒OES confirmed elevated Ba, Cu, and Cr at polluted sites. These results provide the first integrated assessment of epiphyte functional groups for biomonitoring in a tropical city, demonstrating that vascular epiphytes, particularly T. recurvata, are robust, accessible and low-cost biomonitors. Keywords: Atmospheric particles · Biomonitoring · Heavy metals · Magnetic susceptibility · Tillandsia recurvata · Tropical cities.
39429	Beard C., Sancho L.G., Vivas M., Hogg I.D., Brabyn L., Cary S.C. & Green T.G.A. (2026): Lichen growth rates over 51 years at Cape Hallett, Northern Victoria Land, support a large (100x) cline across Antarctica. - Polar Biology, 49: 35 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-026-03469-y. Crustose lichens show a very large (roughly 100 times) growth rate cline across Antarctica from some of the lowest known growth rates in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (78° S) to near fastest in the maritime Livingston Island, 63° S. This gradient, which correlates with changes in temperature and precipitation, provides an ideal opportunity to monitor climate-driven change across Antarctica. Although the cline is based on reasonably large sample sizes at its geographic limits, a central site at Cape Hallett (72° S), is represented only by a single data point. Here we report new lichen growth rates for Buellia frigida and Rusavskia elegans from Cape Hallett based on a lichenometry site established in 1966 and rephotographed in 2004 and 2017, thus providing a total span of 51 years. Mean growth rates for B. frigida were almost identical to the previous data point (0.068 mm/yr). Rusavskia elegans had slightly higher, albeit non-significant, growth rates (0.090 mm/yr). Species also had higher growth rates in the latest measurement period, significantly so for B. frigida. However, this did not correlate with mean annual air temperature (which was significantly lower) and, instead, seemed driven by an increase in water availability. We suggest that Cape Hallett is in a microenvironmental zone where vegetation may be driven by local water relations rather than by broadscale temperature clines. Details are provided for a new lichenometry site which has been established at Luther Peak to further aid in long-term monitoring of lichen growth rates in Antarctica. Keywords: Climate change · Buellia frigida · Rusavskia elegans · Temperature · Precipitation · Lichenometry.
39428	Moseev D.S., Kotova E.I. & Suetin Y.A. (2026): Metal accumulation by the lichen Flavocetraria nivalis on the coast of the southern part of Vaygach Island. - Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 19: 261–268. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425525701021. [original Russian Text published in Sibirskii Ekologicheskii Zhurnal, 2026, No. 2, pp. 324–334.] The results of the accumulation of metals by the epigeal lichen Flavocetraria nivalis, which is widespread on Vaygach Island, are presented. Lead–zinc ore deposits are one of the sources of environmental pollution on the island. However, the influence of lead–zinc ore mines on metal concentrations in F. nivalis has not been established, since the metal content in lichen only increased with distance from the mines. Concentrations of chemical elements in lichen differ in different biotopes, and they are higher on the cliff tops than in the tundra on the slopes of the native shores. A comparison of the results of metal accumulation on Vaygach Island with other territories has shown that the concentrations of most metals in F. nivalis are lower than or close to the Maarmorilik area of western Greenland, where lead–zinc ore mines are also located. The excess of zinc and lead at sampling points near the mines in the Maarmorilik area over the concentrations obtained in lichen thallomas on Vaygach Island may be due to the recent closure of mines in Maarmorilik. The mines on Vaygach Island were closed back in the late 1930s, but in the area of Maarmorilik they were closed only 20 years ago. The concentration of metals in lichen on Vaygach Island is much lower than in the industrialized areas of the Kola Peninsula, which is especially typical for nickel. Keywords: lichens, Flavocetraria nivalis, metals, Vaygach Island, environmental pollution, metal accumulation.
39427	Meysurova A.F. (2026): Comparative analysis of morphophysiological responses of the lichen Parmelia sulcata and the moss Orthotrichum speciosum to simulated acidic and ammonium air pollution. - Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 19: 251–260. https://doi.org/10.1134/S199542552570101X. [original Russian Text published in Sibirskii Ekologicheskii Zhurnal, 2026, No. 2, pp. 312–323.] This study presents the results of a model experiment investigating the effects of atmospheric pollutants – sulfuric and nitric acids, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate – on the epiphytic organisms Parmelia sulcata and Orthotrichum speciosum. The experiment simulated the deposition of polluted atmospheric precipitation. The assessment included spectrophotometric analysis of photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophylls a and b) and evaluation of morphological changes. All tested pollutants induced stress responses manifested by reduced pigment content and structural tissue damage. Ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) exerted the most pronounced inhibitory effect, leading to sharp pigment decline and morphological degradation. In contrast, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) had the least damaging effect, likely due to its high bioavailability and balanced nitrogen composition. The lichen P. sulcata exhibited more pronounced changes and higher sensitivity, while the moss O. speciosum showed signs of resistance and compensatory reactions. Cluster analysis confirmed differences between the taxa and revealed two stable response types: sensitive (P. sulcata) and compensatory (O. speciosum). The findings highlight the diagnostic value of a comprehensive approach combining biochemical and morphological indicators for assessing the state of the atmospheric environment within ecological monitoring frameworks. Keywords: pollutants, epiphytes, lichens, mosses, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, morphological changes, bioindication, Parmelia sulcata, Orthotrichum speciosum, model experiment, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate.
39426	Osyczka P., Kościelniak R. & Stanek M. (2026): Forest interior versus forest edge: the influence of microclimatic conditions on the functioning of epiphytic lichens—inference from a three-year transplant experiment. - European Journal of Forest Research, 145: 59 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-026-01898-2. Lichens contribute to increasing biodiversity in forests and have a substantial impact on forest dynamics, including water cycling and microclimate shaping. Natural disturbances, ongoing climate change, forestry practices, and habitat fragmentation disrupt the structural complexity of the woodland landscape, posing a serious threat to sensitive stenoecious species. Long-term studies on the acclimation abilities and physiological response of lichens to altered microclimatic conditions at the local landscape scale are largely lacking. We transplanted thalli of three epiphytic lichens confined to forest habitats to varying degrees from the forest interior to its edge for three growing seasons. After each season, we monitored basic physiological traits related to photobiont photosynthesis and mycobiont activity in both habitat types. Weather variables were continuously recorded to precisely define differences between habitats in terms of microclimatic conditions. Large diurnal fluctuations in climatic variables cause lichens at the forest edge to function under a different metabolic activity regime. Ecophysiological acclimation abilities varied among the studied lichens and we observed species-specific responses to relocation, in general: Cetrelia cetrarioides showed low resistance to changes in habitat conditions and climatic stress, Lobaria pulmonaria—intermediate resistance, and Flavoparmelia caperata—relative insensitivity. We consider determining the concentrations of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in lichens a promising assay for the early identification of adverse climatic changes in forest habitats. The successful adaptation of forest lichens to forest edge conditions is influenced by functional traits of a given lichen and the pattern of short-time scale climatic fluctuations. Keywords: Deciduous forest · Lichenized fungi · Ecophysiology · Climatic variables · Acclimation · Conservation biology.
39425	Dong Z., Sun M.S., He Y.D., Zhou L., Xiang W., Yao X., Huang P. & Zeng J.G. (2026): Fungal photobiont and microbiome genome composition in the Cladonia uncialis tripartite symbiosis. - Scientific Data, 13: 319 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-06624-6. As symbiotic complexes formed through the association of bacteria or algae with fungi, lichens exhibit exceptional adaptability to extreme environments and function as pioneer species in rocky habitat ecological succession. The absence of high quality chromosome-level genome has constrained investigations into lichen adaptive evolution, while functional contributions of symbiotic bacterial communities remain inadequately explored. This study presents the chromosome-level genome assembly of the mycobiont Cladonia uncialis, comprising 28 chromosomes with a total size of 43.49 Mb, generated through integrated PacBio HiFi and Hi-C methodologies. We characterized the symbiotic microbiota using integrated short and long-read sequencing and constructed 31 metagenome-assembled genomes. The community was dominated by Ascomycota (41.16%), Proteobacteria (17.61%), and Bacteroidota (14.20%). Long-read sequencing significantly enhanced detection sensitivity for low-abundance taxa. This study provides essential genomic resources and comprehensive profiles of the symbiotic microbiota, enabling mechanistic exploration of adaptive evolution within lichen symbiotic systems under extreme environmental conditions.
39424	Mazza I., Salerni E., Cecchi L., Benesperi R., Natale S.D. & Perini C. (2026): From historical collection to digital data: A 150-year-old mycological collection reveals the earliest documented fungal records from Sarawak and provides historical fungal data from Borneo and Sumatra. - Diversity, 18(5): 251 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/d18050251. Historical fungaria serve as critical repositories for documenting fungal diversity and establishing historical baselines, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. This study presents a systematic revision of the mycological collection of Odoardo Beccari, gathered during expeditions to Southeast Asia and Oceania (1865–1878). While part of this collection was examined by Vincenzo Cesati in 1879, a substantial portion remained unstudied at the Natural History Museum, University of Florence, for over 150 years. We conducted a morphological examination (macro- and microscopy) and catalogued 153 fungal specimens. Taxonomic identities were assigned following current nomenclatural standards and cross-referenced with modern databases, including the Checklist of Fungi of Malaysia and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Of these, 84 specimens were identified to species level and 36 to genus level. The collection also includes four specimens corresponding to material used for the original description of species (type material). Nearly 50% of the taxa collected exclusively in Borneo are absent from modern regional checklists, highlighting significant gaps in current knowledge of mycobiota. GBIF data confirm Beccari as the earliest documented collector of fungal specimens in the rainforests of Sarawak. By documenting taxa not recollected in over a century, this study establishes a crucial historical baseline for fungal diversity in Borneo and provides valuable historical data for Sumatra. All specimen data are now publicly available through GBIF. Keywords: biodiversity databases; digitization; fungarium; Malesian Herbarium; Natural History Museum of University of Florence Odoardo Beccari; scientific expeditions; 19th; Southeast Asia.
39423	Aramburu A., Beltran-Sanz N., Raggio J., Divakar P.K., Pintado A., de los Ríos A. & Sancho L.G. (2026): Islands of biodiversity: Characterization of lichen flora in Antarctic nunataks. - Journal of Fungi, 12(5): 314 [39 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050314. Antarctic terrestrial photosynthetic biota is dominated by cryptogamic communities, which are largely restricted to scarce ice-free areas. Among these, nunataks constitute habitats of remarkable biogeographical interest, as they may harbor distinctive biotic assemblages worthy of investigation. This work presents a comprehensive assessment of lichen diversity on Antarctic nunataks. The lichen flora of four nunataks on the Hurd Peninsula (Livingston Island, maritime Antarctica) was investigated. Specimens were identified using an integrative approach combining morphological assessment and DNA barcoding. This survey revealed a high and potentially underestimated species richness, with 39 confidently identified and several additional taxa requiring further taxonomic resolution. A review of published records of lichen occurrence in nunatak and non-nunatak environments throughout Antarctica was used to evaluate patterns in taxonomic, biogeographical, and morphotype composition. This synthesis showed that nunataks support lower species richness than other ice-free environments. Most of their taxa occur in non-nunatak areas, consistent with patterns observed locally on the Hurd Peninsula. Floristic overlap seems greater in continental Antarctica, suggesting a stronger influence of nunatak-associated environmental constraints in the maritime region. These results underscore the ecological significance of nunataks as environmentally filtered habitats and highlight their relevance for understanding biodiversity patterns and community assembly in Antarctica’s terrestrial ecosystems. Keywords: Antarctica; biogeography; cryptogams; DNA barcoding; lichen-forming fungi; species diversity; vegetation survey.
39422	Knudsen K., Kocourková J., Pušová T., Kondrysová E. & Malíček J. (2026): A study of Acarospora nitrophila, a rare and misunderstood lichen species, and the sister species A. praeruptorum (Acarosporales, Lecanoromycetes). - Folia Cryptogamica Estonica, 63: 25–36. https://doi.org/10.12697/fce.2026.63.03. Revised descriptions with new images and records of the European species Acarospora nitrophila and A. praeruptorum are published. Acarospora moraviae is treated as synonym of A. nitrophila. Acarospora matraensis, incorrectly reported as A. nitrophila, is described from Hungary. Keywords: Acarospora suzae, DNA barcodes, Iceland, integrative taxonomy, Korea, medullary anatomy.
39421	Ferron S., Chollet-Krugler M., Pinson H., Marzoug R., Uriac P. & Lohézic-Le Dévéhat F. (2026): Dereplicative combination of HPLC/DAD/MS and 2D NMR to identify lichexanthone isomers in lichen extracts. - Phytochemical Analysis, 37(2): 330–343. https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.70043. Introduction: Lichexanthones are the major xanthones found in lichens. They present a high degree of isomerism, which makes their identification tedious. Xanthones are known to occur in lichens according to chemosyndromes, and these compounds act as chemotaxonomic markers. Many lichens that produce xanthones are crustose lichens from Lecanora or Pertusaria genera, which often leads to small amounts of extracts being analyzed. Objective: We aimed to set up a method able to identify the right isomers of lichexanthones contained in the extract of a xanthone-producing lichen. This method has to produce reliable results even without all the possible isomers at hand, as they are numerous and difficult to obtain. Material and Methods: The 16 norlichexanthones were obtained by a strategy combining isolation and synthesis. All of them were characterized by a full set of NMR experiments, highlighting key features, and an HPLC/DAD/MS method was developed. To exemplify the method, selected lichens were submitted to acetone microextraction and the extracts were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/MS and NMR. Results: All norlichexanthones were well separated by HPLC/DAD/MS, which enables their identification in the lichen extracts, provided that the retention time of all the isomers is known; 13C NMR is very informative about the position of chlorine in norlichexanthones but lacks sensitivity. 2D NMR provides a high level of structural information even on complex extracts. Conclusion: In addition to HPLC/DAD/MS, NMR can be used directly on a lichen extract to confirm the positions of the chlorine atoms on the lichexanthone scaffold, thanks to the HSQC experiment. Furthermore, the NOESY experiment gives the position of methylations for a comprehensive overview of the substitution patterns involved in the extract of a xanthone-producing lichen, without requiring the entire series of the 64 derivatives. Keywords: dereplication | HPLC/DAD/MS | Lecanora alboflavida | lichens | NMR | xanthones.
39420	Ohmura Y., Tadome K., Kubo K. & Miyazawa K. (2026): Lichen diversity in the Imperial Palace Grounds, Tokyo, Japan, based on the third biodiversity survey. - Memoirs of the National Museum of Nature and Science [Tokyo], 53: 65–105. https://www.kahaku.go.jp/albums/abm.php?d=8041&f=abm00020727.pdf&n=memoir53_065.pdf. An inventory of lichens in the Imperial Palace Grounds, Tokyo, Japan, conducted between 2021 and 2025, identified a total of 110 taxa of lichens and allied fungi, comprising 66 genera, 82 species, and 28 taxa identified only to the genus level. These included three lichenicolous fungal taxa (three genera) and one non-lichenized fungal taxon. When combined with previous surveys conducted in 1995–1996 and 2009–2013, the cumulative number of taxa recorded from the area reaches 145 taxa (77 genera, 94 species, one variety, and 51 taxa identified only at the genus level), including three lichenicolous fungal taxa (three genera) and two non-lichenized fungal taxa (one genus). Among the taxa found in this study, Lecanora neobarkmaniana, L. pseudargentata, Leprocaulon adhaerens, L. nicholsiae, Psoroglaena humidosilvae, Squamulea loekoesiana, Trapelia pruinosa, and T. terrestris are newly reported from Japan, and 35 taxa are documented as new records for the Imperial Palace Grounds. These findings are based on both newly collected and previously collected specimens whose identities have now been clarified. Thirty-five taxa previously recorded were not confirmed in the present survey, probably due to their rarity and vulnerability to subtle habitat or substrate changes rather than actual local extinction, although the underlying causes remain unclear. In contrast to the recovery observed in earlier surveys, a recent decline of some lichen populations during the latter part of the study period may be associated with increasing temperatures and reduced precipitation. A preliminary survey was also conducted in Kitanomaru Park, located adjacent to the northern part of the Imperial Palace Grounds, and 21 species were identified from the area. Among these, Graphis deserpens, Pyrenula fetivica and Remototrachyna incognita were not found within the Imperial Palace Grounds, despite the detailed survey conducted there. The absence of these three species suggests that the environmental conditions within the Imperial Palace Grounds may differ from those in the adjacent large urban green space. Keywords: Ascomycota, BLAST, DNA barcoding, lichenized fungi, taxonomy, urban area.
39419	Ansil P.A., Rajeshkumar K.C. & Lücking R. (2026): Thelotrema maharashtrense (Graphidaceae), a new lichen-forming species from the Western Ghats of India. - Phytotaxa, 752(3): 185–196. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.752.3.1 . This study describes a new lichenized species, Thelotrema maharashtrense, from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, integrating morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic methods. Thelotrema maharashtrense is characterised by a loosely corticate thallus, prominent apothecia with an only rarely apically free, basally I+ amyloid exciple, 1-spored asci producing large, muriform ascospores, and lack of lichen substances. Analyses based on a concatenated mtSSU, LSU and rpb2 data set placed T. maharashtrense in a well-supported monophyletic clade allied to T. adjectum. This is the first molecular phylogenetic study of Thelotrema from India. Key words: Lichenized Ascomycota, Graphidales, Crustose lichen, Polyphasic taxonomy, Phylogeny.
39418	Poumarat S. & Roux C. (2026): Determinilo de la Rhizocarpaceae de Okcidenta Eŭropo. Clé de détermination des Rhizocarpaceae d’Europe occidentale. - Bulletin de la Société Linnéenne de Provence, 77, a02: 1−44. . [in Esperanto and French with an additional English abstract: ] General traits and identification key of species of the family Rhizocarpaceae (genera Rhizocarpon, Catolechia, Poeltinula and Rehmia). Validation of the new combination Rhizocarpon richardii subsp. constrictum Cl. Roux comb. nov.
39417	Ferron S., Ismed F., Elyashberg M.E., Buevich A.V., Arifa N., Boustie J., Uriac P., Le Pogam P. & Le Dévéhat F. (2024): CASE-DFT structure elucidation of proton-deficient chlorodepsidones from the Indonesian lichen Teloschistes flavicans and structure revision of flavicansone. - Journal of Natural Products, 87: 2148−2159. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00277. Biodiscovery efforts in Indonesia have aimed to explore the understudied chemical diversity of its rich lichen flora, seeking to find new products endowed with significant biological properties. The chemical screening of a Teloschistes flavicans extract led to selection of this species for further investigation. LC/MS and 1H NMR-based dereplication pinpointed six chlorodepsidones from the thallus of a sample of this lichen. This led to the streamlined isolation and the subsequent structure elucidation of the three new compounds norflavicansone 1, flavicansone 2, and isocaloploicin 3, along with the known chlorodepsidones 4–6, stictic acid 7, aurantiamide acetate 8, and parietin 9. The challenging structure elucidation of these proton-deficient metabolites benefited from a state-of-the-art workflow involving a synergistic combination of Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the top-ranked candidates. This investigation also led to the revision of flavicansone’s structure, previously described from this species. The three new molecules that are being reported here are remarkable in that they represent hybrid depsidones in which one of the aromatic rings is derived from orsellinic acid and the other is derived from β-orcinol, a rare structural feature for lichen depsidones.
39416	Millot M., Tomasi S., Studzinska E., Rouaud I. & Boustie J. (2009): Cytotoxic constituents of the lichen Diploicia canescens. - Journal of Natural Products, 72: 2177–2180. https://doi.org/10.1021/np9003728. A new diphenyl ether (1), along with 12 known compounds, was isolated from the lichen Diploicia canescens. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, and the biosynthetic origin of this product is discussed. Secalonic acids B (7), D (8), and F (9) were isolated for the first time from D. canescens. The cytotoxic activities of 1−3, 6−8, and 10 against the B16 murine melanoma and HaCaT human keratinocyte cell lines were evaluated.
39415	Devi A.P., Duong T.-H., Ferron S., Beniddir M.A., Dinh M.-H., Nguyen V.-K., Pham N.-K.-T., Mac D.-H., Boustie J., Chavasiri W. & Le Pogam P. (2020): Salazinic acid-derived depsidones and diphenylethers with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from the lichen Parmotrema dilatatum. - Planta Medica, 86(16): 1216–1224. DOI: 10.1055/a-1203-0623. Three new depsidones, parmosidones F – G (1 – 2), and 8′-O-methylsalazinic acid (3), and 3 new diphenylethers, parmetherines A – C (4 – 6), together with 2 known congeners were isolated from the whole thalli of Parmotrema dilatatum, a foliose chlorolichen. Their structures were unambiguously determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The isolated polyphenolics were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Newly reported benzylated depsidones 1 and 2 in particular inhibited α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 2.2 and 4.3 µM, respectively, and are thus more potent than the positive control, acarbose. Key words: depsidones - Diphenylethers - α-glucosidase - Lichens - Polyphenolics - Parmotrema dilatatum,
39414	Masyagina O.V., Evgrafova S.Yu., Detsura A.E., Porfirieva E.V., Sitnikova M.V., Kovaleva N.M., Menyailo O.V. & Matvienko A.I. (2026): Unearthing current knowledge gaps in epiphytic lichen research: A bibliometric analysis. - Journal for Nature Conservation, 92: 127296 [15 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2026.127296. Epiphytic lichens (ELs) are widespread symbiotic organisms (consortia of algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, yeasts, and bacteria) crucial to the cryptogamic cover of woody plants and could significantly influence carbon cycling under climate change. This study provides a scientometric analysis (using R and VOSviewer) of 1796 Scopus publications (1950–2023) to assess research trends on ELs, including their role in greenhouse gas exchange. The study revealed the following key findings:●Approximately 73% of EL research is concentrated in Europe, while more than half of the output is produced by just nine countries, led by Italy, the USA, and Canada.●Main research themes are biodiversity and environmental pollution (64.5%); hot topics include bioindicators, biodiversity, and conservation.●Emerging frontier topics (post-2016) involve beta diversity, functional diversity, and functional traits.●Temperate forests account for the majority of studied ecosystems (65%), whereas forest–tundra and wetlands are minimally represented (0.9%).●Commonly studied EL taxa are Hypogymnia (7.8%) and Parmelia (6.1%); oak is the most frequent host tree (14.2%).●Critical knowledge gaps persist regarding EL’s contribution to carbon cycling and greenhouse gas fluxes (addressed in just 0.5% of papers).The analysis underscores the need for long-term EL studies as model systems for environmental health assessment. The results are vital for researchers, policymakers, and forestry professionals aiming to mitigate climate impacts on biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity in natural ecosystems, urban forests, and plantations. Keywords: Epiphytic lichens; Carbon cycle; Climate change; Bioindicator; Biodiversity; Forest ecosystems; Bibliometric analysis.
39413	Semwal R.B., Nautiyal S. & Semwal D.K. (2026): Chemistry and pharmacology of vulpinic acid: The journey of a lichen metabolite from traditional poison to modern drug lead. - Phytochemistry Letters, 73: 104175 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2026.104175. Lichens have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in traditional medicine; however, their secondary metabolites remain far less explored pharmacologically compared to plant-derived bioactive compounds. This review aims to highlight the chemistry and pharmacological applications of the lichen metabolite vulpinic acid (VA). Relevant literature was retrieved from scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using the keyword “vulpinic acid,” and additional information was gathered through cross-referencing. Historically, VA was first noted for its toxic effects on wolves and foxes, but subsequent studies have revealed its diverse biological activities. It has demonstrated cytotoxic effects against several cancer cell lines, particularly breast and lung cancers, and has shown efficacy against a range of microbial pathogens as well as potential benefits in metabolic disorders. Beyond its direct pharmacological activities, VA is also of interest in medicinal chemistry as a precursor for the synthesis of various bioactive molecules, and methods for its chemical synthesis have been developed to enable commercial production. To date, most studies on VA have been conducted in vitro. Further research in advanced preclinical models is essential to evaluate its therapeutic potential and support its development as a viable drug candidate. Keywords: Letharia vulpina; Anticancer; Natural pigment; Antifeedant; Pulvinic acid.
39412	Moriyama T., Endo C., Isagi Y., Tanaka C., Ohkuma M. & Hashimoto A. (2026): Rediscovery of “Gloeocystis-Halbflechte” after 84 years revealed an independent lineage of ascomycetes harboured in gelatinous algal biofilms. - Fungal Biology, 130(4): 101757 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101757. Gloeocystis-Halbflechte refers to a variant of the interactive structure between fungi and terrestrial unicellular green algae in which fungi form haustoria in algal cells within gelatinous algal colonies and occasionally form monilioid hyphal outgrowth. It was first recognized in 1941; however, the identity of the fungal and algal components of this interaction has not been clarified. In this study, the interactive structure between fungi and algae resembling Gloeocystis-Halbflechte and the adjacent pycnidia formed within terrestrial gelatinous algal biofilms were collected in Japan. Fungal isolates from monilioid pigmented hyphae around haustoria and pycnidial wall were found to be genetically homogenous. Phylogenetic analysis of the fungal isolates suggested their affinity with the order of freshwater saprobic fungi Natipusillales, and formation of chlamydospore-like body under pure culture was shared with this family. Based on the genetic, ecological, and morphological independency, a new family, Tschermakiaceae, is proposed to accommodate a new genus and species, Tschermakia inclusa. It is highly possible that the fungi-algae interaction in Tschermakia has been acquired independently from other lichenized lineages as this order is independent from any other lichenized lineage. The algal isolate from the biofilm was grouped with the ex-type strain of Radiococcus signiensis (Prasiolales incertae sedis), and the morphology of the algae associated with the fungal hyphae in natural conditions was consistent with that of R. signiensis. Furthermore, the fungal isolate formed haustoria in the algal isolate in co-cultural experimental conditions. The evolutionary background and phylogenetic diversity of algae-symbiotic fungi are probably still underestimated. Keywords: Algal sheath; Biofilms; Phoma; Semilichens; Taxonomy.
39411	Luo D., Cheng K., Wang Y., Xie T. & Yang R. (2026): The transport and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across the Hengduan Mountains, southwest China. - Forests, 17(4): 502 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040502. Despite recent advances in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) research on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), studies investigating the transport potential and accumulation dynamics of these contaminants in the Hengduan Mountains, especially in forest soils which are important sinks for atmospheric PAHs, remain scarce. In the present study, soil and lichen samples (partially located under the forest canopy) were concurrently collected from 62 sampling sites across the Hengduan Mountains to characterize the occurrence, spatial distribution patterns, and underlying controlling factors of PAHs. The total concentrations of the 16 US EPA priority PAHs (∑16PAHs) in soils and lichens ranged from 59.8 to 1163 ng/g and 174 to 3362 ng/g, respectively—values consistently higher than those reported in corresponding matrices from the northern and northwestern TP. Further, concentrations of PAHs in both soil and lichen under the forest canopy are significantly higher than those on the leeward slope without forest. Compositional fractionation of PAHs along the longitudinal and latitudinal gradients of sampling locations indicates significant modulation of PAH distribution by both the Indian monsoon and East Asian monsoon, a pattern further corroborated by air mass backward trajectory analysis. Our results confirm that PAHs can be transported to the southeastern TP slope via long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT). Notably, the combined effects of mountain cold-trapping and forest filtering jointly govern the deposition and spatial distribution of PAHs in this region. Keywords: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Hengduan Mountains; long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT); mountain cold-trapping effect; forest filtering effect.
39410	Jiang S.-H., Liang W.-Q., Li S. & Jia Z.-F. (2026): A new species and one new record of Pallidogramme (Ascomycota, Graphidaceae) from Southern China. - Phytotaxa, 752(1): 79–86. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.752.1.6. Comprehensive morphological, anatomical and chemical analyses support the recognition of an additional species in the genus Pallidogramme, which is described herein as new to science under the name P. norstictica. Additionally, Pallidogramme divaricoides is newly reported from China. This study also summarizes the key characteristics of the known species worldwide.
39409	Zuševica A., Vendina V., Lazdiņa D., Matisons R., Štāls T.A., Dūmiņš K. & Celma S. (2026): Natural regeneration of sand quarries supports oligotrophic boreal forest vegetation development within three decades: A case study. - Sustainability, 18(8): 3989 [21 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083989. Sand extraction drastically alters ecosystem structure and initiates conditions for primary succession development. Forest stands aged 9, 16, 19, and 28 years were surveyed to assess understory vegetation and epiphytic lichen communities in post-mining sand and gravel quarries in eastern Latvia. Community structure and functional traits were analyzed. Younger stands (9–19 years) exhibited the highest understory species diversity, dominated by hemicryptophytes, open-habitat grasses, and low-to-moderate ecological value lichens, while older stands (28 years) supported high-value epiphytic lichens and understory species typical of oligotrophic boreal forests. In 9-year-old stands, high-value epiphytic lichens comprised, on average, 5.7% (SE = 1.6) total lichen cover, while in 28-year-old stands it was 24.8% (SE = 1.9). Species with animal-mediated seed dispersal were more prevalent in younger stands, reflecting indications of animal presence based on vegetation composition and observed animal damage on trees. No invasive species were recorded, likely due to quarry isolation (≥1 km closest edge of the forest ecosystem) and proximity to mature forest margins. Our results highlight the multidimensionality of biodiversity by integrating two taxonomic groups and indicate high potential for passive natural regeneration toward Western Taiga 9010 habitat conditions under an oligotrophic environment. Keywords: afforestation; epiphytic lichen; forest vegetation; biodiversity indices; quarry restoration; Scots pine.
39408	Paukov A. G., Davydov E. A., Kuzmina I. A., Chusovitin A. A., Ren Q. & Sohrabi М. (2023): Diversity and preliminary phylogeny of ‘Circinaria transbaicalica’ group (lichenized Ascomycetes). - Problems of Botany in South Siberia and Mongolia (Проблемы ботаники Южной Сибири и Монголии), 22(2): 248-250. https://doi.org/10.14258/pbssm.2023135. Circinaria transbaicalica – is a saxicolous dwarf-fruticose lichen species, with a range spreading from the Trans-Baikal territory and China to the Ural Mountains. The study of ITS and mtSSU sequences showed that it is relative to the crustose Circinaria arida, previously known from the USA only, and to the radiate C. maculata described from China. Specimens determined as Circinaria transbaicalica were split into two separate branches likely representing cryptic species that have no distinct morphological and anatomical differences but having a different distribution. The ‘Circinaria transbaicalica‘ group represents an example of an evolution of life forms of crustose lichens from the uniform cracked- areolate to the dwarf-fruticose morphology. Aspicilia transbaicalica, dwarf-fruticose lichens, ITS, Megasporaceae, morphology.
39407	Iqbal M. S., Din A. U., Khalid A. N. & Niazi A. R. (2024): A new species in the lichen genus Circinaria (Megasporaceae) from Pakistan based on morphology and DNA sequence data. - Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 18(2), 333–340. https://doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v18.i2.1370. Circinaria terrenoides sp. nov. was collected in Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan. Comparative morpho-anatomical research, chemical analysis, and ITS-based DNA analyses all support its placement within the genus Circinaria. Circinaria terrenoides sp. nov. is distinguished from the closely related species C. affinis in having a crustose, areolate to rimose-areolate thallus (vs. subfruticose, verrucose-areolate), earthy brown to greenish gray upper surface (vs. earthy gray to gray-green), smaller conidia 12–18 × 0.4–0.9 µm (vs. 16–20 ×1–1.2 μm), (vs. black to brownish), and growing on calcareous sedimentary rock (vs. stony steppes).
39406	Sipman H.J.M. & Raus T. (2026): Annotated lichen list for the island of Astipalea (central Aegean, Greece), including taxonomic and chorological novelties. - Willdenowia, 56: 225–247. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.56.09. We report 152 species of lichenized and lichenicolous fungi from the central Aegean island of Astipalea, Greece, based on morphological, anatomical, chemical and macromolecular examination. Amandinea oleicola, Arthonia sanguinea and Endocarpon latzelianum are reported for the first time from Greece. Glaucomaria sulphurata and Lepra parotica are introduced as new combinations. Ramalina aegaea is described as a species new to science because its ITS sequences deviate from the morphologically similar R. requienii and agree with those of R. canariensis. A genetically distinct population of Calogaya arnoldii present in the Aegean is left unnamed because it shows no differentiating morphological characters. The ITS sequences of Xanthoria monofoliosa show that this species is widespread in the Aegean, and the sequences available in GenBank suggest that its range includes the Mediterranean climate zones of both the northern and southern hemispheres. Keywords: Aegean, Astipalea, cryptic species, fungal diversity, Greece, lichens, ITS, new species, population genetics.
39405	McIlroy de la Rosa J.P., Warke P.A. & Smith B.J. (2014): The effects of lichen cover upon the rate of solutional weathering of limestone. - Geomorphology, 220: 81–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2014.05.030. The contribution of lichens to the biomodification of limestone surfaces is an area of conflict within bioweathering studies, with some researchers suggesting a protective effect induced by lichen coverage and others a deteriorative effect induced by the same organisms. Data are reported demonstrating the potential role of endolithic lichen, in particular of Bagliettoa baldensis, in the active protection of Carboniferous limestone surfaces from rainfall-induced solutional weathering. During a 12-month microcatchment exposure period in the west of Northern Ireland, average dissolutional losses of calcium are greater from a lichen-free limestone surface compared with a predominantly endolithic lichen-covered surface by just under 1.25 times. During colder winter months, the lichen-free surface experiences calcium loss almost 1.5 times greater than the lichen-covered surface. Using extrapolation to upscale from the micro-catchment sample scale, for the year of sample exposure, the rate of calcium loss is 1.001gm−2a−1 from lichen-covered limestone surfaces and 1.228gm−2a−1 from lichen-free bare limestone surfaces. This research has implications for our understanding of karst environments, the contribution of lichens to karren development and the conservation of lichen-colonised dimension stone within a cultural setting. Keywords: Limestone; Lichen; Karst; Solution; Weathering; Bioprotection.
39404	Мелехин А.В. [Melekhin A.V.] (2026): Новые для Мурманской области виды на северной границе распространения [Lichens new for the Murmansk Region at the northern limit of distribution] . - Труды Карельского научного центра РАН, Серия "Биогеография", Петрозаводск [Transactions of the Karelian Research Centre of Russian Academy of Science, ser. Biogeography, Petrozavodsk], 2026/3: 142–145. http://dx.doi.org/10.17076/bg1920. [in Russian with English abstract: ] Three lichen species previously unknown for the Murmansk Region are reported at the northern limit of their distribution and away from areas with their concentrated populations: Lecania naegelii, Porina lectissima, and Psora testacea. Porina lectissima was found in the northeast of the region, and the other two in the Khibiny Mountains. All the species are common in southerner regions of the world. Keywords: lichens; new records; calcicolous species; Murmansk Region; northern distribution limit.
39403	Do T.-H., Duong T.-H., Ho M.-T.-T., Pham D.-D., Nguyen T.-H.-M., Aonbangkhen C., Sichaem J., Nguyen C.H.,, Vo T.-P.-G., Nguyen N.-H. & Tran T.-M.-D. (2026): A new diphenyl ether from the cultured lichen mycobiont of Graphis cf. handelii. - Natural Product Research, 40: 189–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2398736. Lichen is well-known for its various purposes. However, understanding the chemical composition and antimicrobial characteristics of Graphis cf. handelii remains insufficient. In this study, a new compound, graphinone A (1), together with three known compounds, handelone (2), 4-O-methylhiascic acid (3), and ethyl orsellinate (4) were isolated and structurally elucidated. Their chemical structures were established using comprehensive spectroscopic data (1D- and 2D-NMR and HRESIMS). Compounds 1–4 were tested for antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and evaluated for the alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Keywords: Graphis cf. handelii; cultured lichen mycobiont; graphinone A; handelone; antimicrobial activity.
39402	Huneck S., Porzel A. & Schmidt J. (1993): Structure and synthesis of arthonin, a lichen metabolite from Arthonia endlicheri. - Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 4(3): 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0957-4166(00)86074-7. Arthonin, a metabolite of the lichen Arthonia endlicheri has been structurally elucidated as (−)-N-benzoyl-L-valinyl N′-benzoyl-L-isoleucinate. The syntheses of arthonin and iso-arthonin [(−)-N-benzoyl-L-isoleucyl-O-benzoyl-L-valinol] are described. Arthonin (1) has been structurally elucidated as (−)-N-benzoyl-L-valinyl N′-benzoyl-L-isoleucinate. The syntheses of arthonin and iso-arthonin (2) are described.
39401	Tran T.-M.-D., Aonbangkhen C., Duong T.-H., NguyenT.-H.-M., Ho M.-T.-T., Chavasiri W., Wongsuwan S., Chatwichien J., Vo T.-P. G., Nguyen N.-H., Kiriwan D. & Choowongkomon K. (2024): Diphenyl ethers from the cultured lichen mycobiont of Graphis handelii Zahlbr. - Heliyon, 10(4): e25763 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25763. Purpose: Cultured lichen mycobionts are valuable sources of new natural compounds. Mycobiont of Graphis handelii growing in Vietnam was isolated, cultivated and chemically investigated. The crude extract of this cultured mycobiont showed potent alpha-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 50 μg/mL. Methods: Multiple chromatographic methods were applied to the extract to isolate compounds. The combination of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis and high-resolution mass spectroscopy determined their chemical structures. Electrophilic bromination/chlorination was applied to obtain new derivatives using NaBr/H2O2 and NaCl/H2O2 reagents. Compounds were evaluated for enzyme inhibitory activities, including alpha-glucosidase inhibition, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition, SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity, and cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines. A molecular docking study for anti-SARS-CoV-2 was conducted to understand the inhibitory mechanism. Results: A new diphenyl ether, handelone (1) and a known compound xylarinic acid A (2) were isolated and elucidated. Four synthetic products 6′-bromohandelone (1a), 2′-bromohandelone (1b), 2′,6′-dibromohandelone (1c), and 2′,6′-dichlorohandelone (1d) were prepared. Compound 1 showed good activity against Mpro with an IC50 value of 5.2 μM but it showed weak or inactive activity in other tests. Other compounds were inactive in all assays. Conclusion: A new compound, handelone (1) was isolated from the cultured mycobiont of Graphis handelii. From these compounds, four new derivatives were prepared. Compound 1 showed good activity against Mpro with an IC50 value of 5.2 μM but it showed weak or inactive activity in other tests. Other compounds were inactive in all assays. Keywords: Cultured lichen mycobiont; Graphis handelii; Depsidone; Handelone; Alpha-glucosidase inhibition; Mpro inhibition.
39400	Kumar V., Upreti D.K. & Nayaka S. (2024): Morpho-taxonomic revision of the lichen genus Psora Hoffm. (Psoraceae, Lecanorales) from India. - Biology Bulletin, 51: 954–958. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359023606146. Three species of the genus Psora are recognized in India including Psora crenata (Taylor) Reinke, P. decipiens (Hedw.) Hoffm. and P. himalayana (C. Bab.) Timdal. Among them, P. crenata is described as a new record to the lichen biota of India. Descriptions, illustrations and distributions are provided for each species together with a key to all species of Psora known from India. Keywords: lichenized fungi, biodiversity, taxonomy, Himalaya.
39399	Martellos S., Seggi L. & Trabucco R. (2026): The dataset of the lichen collection "Abramo Massalongo" preserved at the Natural History Museum of Venice. - Biodiversity Data Journal, 14: e184587 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e184587. Background: Italy was one of the most active countries in the field of lichenology in the nineteenth century. Researchers such as Baglietto, De Notaris, Massalongo and Trevisan produced relevant herbaria, which are (at least in part) still preserved today. The digitisation of at least some of the collections is allowing the mobilisation of information from these specimens and aggregating the metadata in national and global repositories. New information: This dataset contains the metadata and images of 594 specimens for 490 infraspecific taxa belonging to 31 orders, 73 families and 218 genera, which were mostly collected in north-eastern Italy between 1845 and 1856. The digitisation was carried out following an image to data to web workflow. Specimens where digitally imaged, taking a panoramic view and one or more details. Data were standardised to Darwin Core, with image metadata standardised according to the Simple Multimedia extension. Keywords: digitisation, exsiccata, historical collections, mobilisation, specimens.
39398	Fałowska P., Dziurowicz P., Waszkiewicz K., Kamiński A., Nicia P., Zadrożny P. & Węgrzyn M.H. (2026): Seasonal, microclimatic and edaphic determinants of Cladonia spp. stress physiology in dry sandy Scots pine lichen forests. - Forest Ecology and Management, 612: 123732 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123732. The Cladonio–Pinetum association is among Europe’s most endangered dry, sandy forest communities and is highly sensitive to microclimate and edaphic shifts. We quantified how seasonality and microhabitat (psammophilous grasslands vs. pine forests) modulate physiological traits of the dominant terricolous lichens Cladonia mitis and Cl. uncialis in Bory Tucholskie National Park (north-central Poland). From September 2022 to September 2023 we monitored six permanent sites, recording light, temperature, moisture, and soil chemistry, and seasonally measuring maximum quantum efficiency of PS II (FV/FM) and concentrations of usnic acid, total chlorophyll (a+b), lutein, and β-carotene. Usnic acid was quantified by UHPLC–PDA; chlorophylls/carotenoids by UHPLC–ESI-QqQ-MRM. FV/FM peaked in winter (0.77 ± 0.019) and reached a summer minimum (0.59 ± 0.05) in both species, consistent with photothermal and drought stress. Usnic acid showed the opposite pattern, peaking in summer (31.66 mg g⁻¹ DW) and remaining ∼2 × higher in Cl. mitis across seasons; beyond certain concentration levels, higher usnic acid content was associated with a downward trend in FV/FM. Total chlorophyll differed between species and was consistently higher in Cl. mitis; β-carotene showed seasonal variation, whereas lutein remained stable. Multiple regression identified light, air temperature, soil moisture, pH, and nitrogen as the main predictors of both FV/FM and usnic acid, explaining > 40% of their variance. Our results demonstrate that an integrated suite of chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment profiles, and secondary metabolite levels provides a sensitive early-warning system for detecting habitat degradation in Scots pine lichen forest. Managing canopy openness and curbing nutrient enrichment emerge as key conservation levers for sustaining these communities. Keywords: PS II efficiency (FV/FM); Usnic acid; Total chlorophyll (a+b); Lutein; β–carotene; Cladonio-Pinetum association.
39397	Hynniewta L. & Syiem M.B. (2026): Ultrastructural and metabolic modifications in the cyanobiont of a high-altitude symbiotic lichen Peltigera malacea from Meghalaya, India. - Symbiosis, 98: 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-025-01105-7. The lichen Peltigera malacea collected from Pynursula, East Khasi Hill district, Shillong, Meghalaya, India, situated at N: 25° 82’ 9.6” E: 92° 6’ 43” at an altitude of 1425 m above sea level was investigated. Morphological and ultrastructural studies showed the presence of a cyanobacterium Nostoc calcicola just below the upper cortex of the lichen thallus and in contact with the fungi. Biochemical analysis proved this symbiosis to be a bipartite, where the heterocyst frequency of the cyanobiont is similar to its free-living form. The nitrogen fixing enzyme nitrogenase showed a comparative result between the cyanobiont and its free-living form. Highly repressed glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was found in the cyanobiont. Glutamine dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was high in the lichen indicating GDH is the main ammonia assimilating enzyme. Protection of nitrogenase activity was also observed in the cyanobiont when treated with ammonia where the nitrogenase activity was sustained for a period of 24 h, but this was not the case in the free-living cyanobacteria. In the dark, nitrogenase activity of the cyanobiont was seen even after 24 h, almost 30% of the activity still remains which is not the case with its free-living form where the activity is depleted within 12 h. Phycobiliprotein spectra showed the presence of only one peak corresponding to phycoerythrin (PE) in the cyanobiont and the presence of three distinct peaks in its free-living form corresponding to phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC). Keywords: Peltigera malacea · Nostoc calcicola · Nitrogenase activity · Bipartite lichens.
39396	Lobakova E.S., Zaytseva A.A., Shibzukhova K.A., Butaeva G.B. & Gorelova O.A. (2026): Localization of cyanobacteria in cohabitations with moss Hylocomium splendens and lichen Nephroma arcticum of the Karelian coast of the White Sea and heir phylogenetic relationship. - Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 73: 42 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443725606081. Cyanobacteria have a number of properties, such as the ability to photosynthesize and fix nitrogen, which contribute to their survival in the harsh climatic conditions of the White Sea coast, which makes them attractive to organisms of various kingdoms for creating associations. In this paper, we studied such cohabitations with the moss Hylocomium splendens and the three-component lichen Nephroma arcticum. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, elongated ellipsoid, less often spherical, primordia of cyanobacteria were found on the surface of moss shoots. For the lichen, the location of cyanobacteria in cephalodia inside the thallus is shown, and for the first time, microscopic observation revealed the division of the phycobiont layer into upper and lower parts. In both types of associations, mucopolysaccharides were noted using ruthenium red staining. Genetic diversity analysis of moss- and lichen-associated cyanobacteria based on the V4 fragment of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of representatives of the families Nostocaceae, Tolypotrichaceae, and Leptolyngbyaceae on the moss surface, while only representatives of the family Nostocaceae were noted for the lichen. Six amplicone sequence variants of Nostoc sp. were noted for cyanobacterial cohabitations with moss, while only one was found for the lichen, and it was found among moss associates. The present study suggests that long-term cohabitation of cyanobacteria with fungi in lichen thallus serves as a reservoir of symbiotic cyanobacterial strains capable of infecting moss shoots. It has been established that identical cyanobacterium may be present in cohabitation with mosses and fungi in the same biotope. Keywords: closely related cyanobionts, cyanobacterial localization, Hylocomium splendens, moss-cyanobacterium association, Nephroma arcticum, 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding.
39395	Jin G., Liu W., Wu Z., Yang Q., Lu W., Fu Y.V., Wang Y., Ren D., Lin W., Fu X. & Wei X. (2026): Lasting biosignatures for 165 million years in lichens detected by multiple spectroscopies and the implication for extreme environmental and exoplanetary life exploring. - Astrophysics and Space Science, 371: 30 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-026-04558-4. A type of specialized fungi, lichens, are the pioneer and predominant life form in harsh land environments on Earth with strong tolerance to extreme environment, including both extant and fossilized materials. Multiple spectroscopic techniques have been widely used in extreme-environment and planetary detection and life detection. Herein, multiple spectral methods and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analysis were applied to test whether lichens could be the potential biomarkers and might contain the detectable biosignatures as life signal in extreme environments and on exoplanets (such as Mars). Our results indicated that Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and EDS techniques are effective for micro-region analysis of fossil components, which could distinguish fossil and rock substrates by characteristic spectral bands and elemental component contents. More importantly, C–O stretching in phenyl and C–H stretching were detected in both extant and the 165-million-year fossil lichens by IR, which are the basic skeleton constituting the characteristic lichen secondary metabolites. Raman spectroscopy successfully identified characteristic peaks corresponding to chlorophyll and carotenoids in extant lichen samples, but strong fluorescence interference hindered its application to fossil samples. Similarly, Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis detected emission peaks of CN and C2 in extant lichen samples but failed to detect these organic components in fossil samples, likely due to the loss of organic materials during fossilization. Despite limitations, integrating multiple spectral techniques is crucial for comprehensive exoplanet and extreme environment life detection missions. This study suggested that lichen can be utilized as a potential biomarker for searching the Martian and extreme environmental life, as its characteristic aromatic compounds will be the practical biosignatures lasting 165 million years. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the potential of infrared spectroscopy, among other techniques, for in-situ biosignature detection in extreme environment and on exoplanets (such as Mars), offering valuable insights for future exploration. Keywords: Extreme environment · Lichen fossil · Biosignature · Multiple spectroscopy · Aromatic compounds.
39394	Ortiz G.J., Botsch J.C., Book K.R. & Ives A.R. (2026): The distribution and photobiont characteristics of two lichen species along a resource gradient from the shoreline of Lake Mývatn, Iceland. - Aquatic Ecology, 60: 46 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-026-10289-z. Organisms that move across ecosystem boundaries can create resource gradients in adjacent ecosystems. Midges that emerge from Lake Mývatn, Iceland, are deposited as nutrient-rich carcasses on land, and this generates a nutrient gradient from its shoreline. We contrasted the distribution and photobiont characteristics of two lichen species, Nephromopsis cucullata and Peltigera leucophlebia, in a lava field adjacent to Mývatn along this midge deposition gradient. While the primary photobionts of P. leucophlebia and N. cucullata are green algae, P. leucophlebia also contain nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. Because the landscape surrounding Mývatn is generally nitrogen-limited and midge carcasses are nitrogen-rich, we hypothesized that the different photobiont associations would result in contrasting distributions between species and contrasting photobiont characteristics within species along the midge gradient. We found that N. cucullata was at its highest density 100 m from the lakeshore, while P. leucophlebia was more evenly distributed. Both species had a larger photobiont layer thickness near the lakeshore, although N. cucullata had a negative relationship between chlorophyll-a concentration (as measured using a greenness index) and distance, whereas P. leucophlebia showed no pattern. The contrasts between N. cucullata and P. leucophlebia may be related to the presence of cyanobacteria in P. leucophlebia, which provide nitrogen and, in part, decouple P. leucophlebia from the midge nitrogen deposition gradient. This study illustrates that nutrient gradients may alter lichen distributions and photobiont characteristics and suggests that these responses are primarily taxon-specific. Furthermore, it highlights the capacity for the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems to propagate into adjacent landscapes. Keywords : Subsidy · Resource gradients · Ecosystem linkage · Fertilization · Lichen · Photobiont.
39393	McCarthy P.M., Elix J.A. & Heenan P.B. (2026): A first inventory of the lichens of Mangaia, and an updated checklist for the Cook Islands. - New Zealand Journal of Botany, 64: e70063 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70063. A first checklist is provided for the lichenised fungi of Mangaia. Based on field work undertaken during November 2024, when 144 collections were made over a 5-day period, 66 species are recognised from Mangaia, including 43 new national records for the Cook Islands. A number of the new records reported here for Mangaia are first reports for islands of the wider Pacific Ocean or south-western Polynesia. The new Mangaia records comprise 37 genera from 22 families. Seven genera include three or more species: Anisomeridium, Cratiria, Dirinaria, Graphis, Physcia, Pyrenula and Ramalina. Eight collections could not be identified to species level. A remarkable specimen is that of Gassicurtia manguensia Marbach which was made from the trunk of Fagraea berteroana A.Grey ex Benth. in Mangaia. Previously this taxon was only known from the type collection from mangrove bark in south-eastern Brazil. An up-to-date Cook Island checklist is provided in which 156 taxa are recognised by combining the new Mangaia records with earlier records mainly from Rarotonga. The most species-rich genera in the Cook Islands are Pertusaria (8 taxa), Porina (11), Pyrenula (13), and Ramalina (8). Keywords: biodiversity | lichenised Ascomycota | new records | Oceania | Pacific Ocean | Polynesia.
39392	Боровичев Е.А., Кожин М.Н., Жданов И.С., Курка А.А., Мелехин А.В., Полошевец Т.В., Пустин П.В., Разумовская А.В., Рябова Д.Р. & Химич Ю.Р. [Borovichev E.A., Kozhin M.N., Zhdanov I.S., Kurka A.A., Melekhin A.V., Poloshevets T.V., Pustin P.V., Razumovskaya A.V., Ryabova D.R. & Khimich Yu.R.] (2026): Значимые находки растений, лишайников и грибов на территории Мурманской области. IX [Noteworthy records of plants, lichens and fungi in Murmansk Region. IX]. - Труды Карельского научного центра РАН, Серия "Биология", Петрозаводск [Transactions of the Karelian Research Centre of Russian Academy of Science, ser. Biology, Petrozavodsk], 2026/3: 68–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.17076/bg2291. [in Russian with English abstract: ] The important 68 findings of 46 species of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and fungi acquired lately from Murmansk Region are reported. Three species (Leccinum albostipitatum, Tubulicrinis sororius, Poa pinegensis) were found in the region for the first time. New locations of rare species of fungi (Xanthoporus syringae), lichens (Buellia leptocline, Calvitimela talayana, Flavoplaca marina, Lecanora caesiosora, L. epanora, Psilolechia clavulifera, Rhizoplaca melanophthalma, Stereocaulon incrustatum, Xylographa trunciseda), liverworts (Isopaches alboviridis) and vascular plants (Chaenorhinum minus, Anthoxanthum odoratum s. str., Eleocharis mamillata) previously known from several locations were recorded. Five new species of vascular plants (Carex holostoma, C. fuliginosa, C. rupestris, Koeleria spicata, Sagina nivalis) and one moss (Leucodon sciuroides) were recorded for the flora of the Lovozero Mountains. Five species of liverworts (Barbilophozia rubescens, Cephaloziella elachista, Isopaches alboviridis, Protolophozia elongata, Riccardia incurvata) and two species of vascular plants (Carex laxa, Epilobium davuricum) were recorded for the Murmansky Tundrovy Federal Sanctuary for the first time. New data are reported for regionally red-listed species (Arenaria pseudofrigida, Beckwithia glacialis, Carex glacialis, Cassiope tetragona, Cotoneaster cinnabarinus, Cryptogramma crispa, Isoetes echinospora, Micranthes tenuis, Pseudorchis albida, Salix arbuscula, Veronica fruticans, Woodsia glabella). Keywords: vascular plants; bryophytes; lichens; fungi; new records; rare species; Red Data Book; Murmansky Tundrovy Federal Sanctuary; Lapland State Nature Reserve; Khibiny Mountains; Lovozero Mountains; Murmansk Region.
39391	Ismailov A.B., Urbanavichus G.P. & Urbanavichene I.N. (2026): Lichens and lichenicolous fungi of the Khynekhdere tract (East Caucasus, Republic of Daghestan). - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L89–L101. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L89. For the first time, lichens and lichenicolous fungi of the mountainous landscapes of the Khynekhdere tract (Southern Daghestan) have been studied. Our investigation covered habitats across an altitudinal range of 1770–2700 m a. s. l. A total of 199 species (including 24 lichenicolous fungi) were identified, among them Arthonia circinata and Lichenopeltella maculans are new to Asia and Russia, Lichenothelia dimelaenae is reported for the first time for Russia, Phacographa glaucomaria is a new record for the Caucasus, and four species (Catapyrenium daedaleum, Immersaria athroocarpa, Lecidea confluens, Staurothele fissa) are new to the North Caucasus. For the lichen flora of Daghestan, 41 species have been recorded for the first time, including 10 new genera (Buelliella, Epithamnolia, Immersaria, Lichenopeltella, Ophioparma, Phacographa, Psorula, Schaereria, Spilonema, Toensbergia) and four new families (Mniaeciaceae, Schaereriaceae, Trichothyriaceae, Coccocarpiaceae). Keywords: biodiversity, highlands, inventory, new records, Caucasus.
39390	Csiky J., Dobronoki D., Lőkös L., Sipos A., Širka P., Wirth T., Baráth K., Beránek Á., Papp B., Sabovljević M.S., Sabovljević A.D., Valachovič M., Dela Campos G.K., Hrivnák R., Bednár F., Döme B., Nobis M., Klichowska E., Šingliarová B., Szurdoki E. & Hrivnák M. (2026): New records and noteworthy data of plants, algae and fungi in Central Europe and adjacent regions, 2. - Comprehensive Plant Biology, 50(1): 141–160. https://doi.org/10.2298/CPB2601141C. This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in Central Europe and adjacent regions: a stonewort Nitellopsis obtusa, lichens Absconditella lignicola, Lobaria pulmonaria, Multiclavula mucida, and Parmelia submontana, liverworts Mesoptychia heterocolpos and Sphaerocarpos europaeus, mosses Atrichum flavisetum, Campylopus pyriformis, Fabronia pusilla, Leptodon smithii, and Lewinskya acuminata, dicots Crataegus coccinea var. pringlei, Cuscuta approximata, Phedimus stoloniferus, and Tropaeolum majus, and monocot Sagittaria latifolia. Keywords: new report, Absconditella lignicola, Atrichum flavisetum, Campylopus pyriformis, Crataegus coccinea var. pringlei, Cuscuta approximata, Fabronia pusilla, Leptodon smithii, Lewinskya acuminata, Lobaria pulmonaria, Mesoptychia heterocolpos, Multiclavula mucida, Nitellopsis obtusa, Parmelia submontana, Phedimus stoloniferus, Sagittaria latifolia, Sphaerocarpos europaeus, Tropaeolum majus, Central Europe.
39389	Aragón G., García-Cervigón A.I., Escudero A. & Martínez I. (2026): Beyond tree planting: The critical role of Mediterranean mature pine forests for epiphyte biodiversity. - Forest Ecology and Management, 611: 123723 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123723. Reforestation is expanding rapidly worldwide; however, most reforestations lack the heterogeneous structure of mature forests, limiting their capacity to support biodiversity. We evaluated whether Mediterranean reforestations could recover the diversity and composition of epiphytic lichen and bryophyte communities found in well-conserved mature forests and identified the key structural and environmental drivers underlying these patterns. Epiphytic diversity and composition were assessed across 14 mature and 14 reforested pine stands (Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris) in central Spain spanning a wide range of forest ages and structures. Forest type was the dominant determinant of both diversity and composition, and the Forest Maturity Index (FMI), a composite maturity metric developed to integrate key structural attributes associated with late-successional conditions, emerged as the most influential structural predictor. Tree age showed weak effects largely confounded with FMI, being independently significant only for bryophyte richness. Although structural predictors affected epiphytic diversity in a similar way across both forest types, reforestations did not reach the levels of structural maturity needed to support late-successional or specialist epiphytic communities. Indicator species analysis further revealed that all late-successional and specialist taxa were restricted to mature forests. Our findings highlight the irreplaceable role of mature pine forests for epiphytic conservation and emphasize the importance of restoration approaches that facilitate the development of mature-forest structural attributes. Keywords: Mediterranean ecosystems; Forest maturity index; Lichens; Bryophytes; Biodiversity recovery; Reforestation effectiveness.
39388	Etayo J. & Yazıcı K. (2025): Lichenicolous fungi and lichens from Turkey with the description of new taxa. - Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid, 82(1): e157 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3989/ajbm.666. Several species of lichenicolous fungi from the region of Batman and Siirt provinces in Turkey are recorded here. A new species is described: Rhymbocarpus circinariae on Circinaria sp. A new combination, Muellerella fuscoatrae on Lecidea fuscoatra, is established alongside the selection of a neotype. Three species are reported for the first time in Turkey: Lichenochora epidesertorum, Paralecia pratorum, and Sclerococcum homoclinellum. In addition, Paralecia pratorum is also reported for the first time in Asia.
39387	Kotkova V.M., Afonina O.M., Alverdiyeva S.M., Androsova V.I., Averin V.S., Beliaeva T.A., Bessudova A.Y., Bolsun I.M., Bortsov K.V., Davydov E.A., Doronina A.Yu., Doroshina G.Ya., Efremov A.N., Filippova N.V., Gabyshev V.A., Gorbunova I.A., Goskova S.M., Ignatova E.A., Ismailov A.B., Kapitonov V.I., Konoreva L.A., Liksakova N.S., Lukin A.V., Makryi T.V., Melekhin A.V., Mikhaltsov A.I., Mongush Ch.B., Moroz E.L., Paukov A.G., Plikina N.V., Popova N.N., Popova O.Yu., Storozhenko Yu.V., Tarasova V.N., Tsurykau A.G., Vetlina V.P., Vishnyakov V.S., Vlasenko A.V., Vlasenko V.A., Yakovchenko L.S. & Yatsyna A.P. (2026): New cryptogamic records. 17. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): R1–R23. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.R1. The paper presents the first record for Russia of one species of agaricoid fungus and two species of lichens, first records for the Republic of Belarus of one species of myxomycetes and two species of lichenicolous fungi, first records for the Republic of Azerbaijan of two species of lichens new for the Caucasus, and the first records for regions of Russia: one a siphonous yellow-green alga for the Arkhangelsk Region, one diatom for the Udmurtian Republic, four silica-scaled chrysophyte species for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), two species ascomycetes for the Omsk Region, 18 species of ba- sidiomycetes for the republics of Altai and Tuva, Omsk, Tyumen, Yaroslavl regions, including three species new to Siberia; 28 species of lichens for the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, republics of Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Dagestan, and Tuva, Altai and Trans-Baikal territories, including by one species new to Siberia and Asian Russia; four species of mosses for the Leningrad and Lipetsk regions, and Chukotka Autonomous Area. The data on their localities, habitats, distribution are provided. The specimens are kept in the herbaria ALTB, BAK, DAG, GSU, H, KPABG, LE, MSK, NSK, OMSK, PZV, TOB, UFU, VU, YSU, in the algological collection in the Laboratory of Cell Ultrastructure of the Limnological Institute SB RAS (LIN), the Laboratory for Algology IBIW RAS, and the private collection of S. M. Goskova. Sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 nrDNA region of some reported specimens of fungi have been deposited in the GenBank (NCBI). Keywords: Agaricus altipes, Arthonia helvola, Arthonia molendoi, Ascomycota, Aspicilia aquatica, Athelia nivea, Baci dina chloroticula, Basidiomycota, Biatora fallax, Botryobasidium isabellinum, Bryoerythrophyllum latinervium, Buellia ar borea, Buellia arnoldii, Buellia erubescens, Calicium tigillare, Caloneis bottnica, Calvitimela perlata, Catillaria nigroclavata, Chrysophyceae, Circinaria reagens, Clitocybe festivoides, Clitocybe nebularis, Coniophora arida, Didymocyrtis epiphyscia s. l., Diploschistes diacapsis, Didymodon mongolicus, Entoloma alnetorum, Ephemerocybe callina, Fuscidea arboricola, Halecania giraltiae, Hygrocybe coccinea, Hygrophorus agathosmus, Inocybe teraturgus, Junghuhnia nitida, Lecanora albella, Lecanora boligera, Lepraria incana, Mallomonas paludosa, Melanoleuca acystidiata, Micarea byssacea, Micarea peliocarpa, Mnium ly copodioides, Mycena pelianthina, Myxomycetes, Paradiacheopsis cribrata, Parmelia pinnatifida, Peltigera retifoveata, Phaeo graphis dendritica, Phellinidium ferrugineofuscum, Phlebia radiata, Polyporus umbellatus, Pseudoplectania episphagnum, Punctelia borreri, Pyrenocarpon thelostomum, Ropalospora viridis, Rostania pallida, Rhizina undulata, Reichlingia zwackhii, Skeletocutis odora, Stereocaulon sasakii, Stereocaulon sibiricum, Synura biseriata, Synura bjoerkii, Synura macracantha, Tim mia comata, Toniniopsis separabilis, Vaucheria prona, agaricoid fungi, aphyllophoroid fungi, diatoms, lichens, mosses, myco- biota, new records, silica-scaled chrysophytes, siphonous yellow-green algae, Altai Territory, Arkhangelsk Region, Asian Russia, Azerbaijan, Caucasus, Chukotka, Chukotka Autonomous Area, East Siberia, European Russia, Gunib Plateau, Khi- biny, Leningrad Region, Lipetsk Region, Lovozerskie tundry, Murmansk Region, Omsk Region, Republic of Altai, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Buryatia, Republic of Dagestan, Republic of Sakha, Republic of Tuva, Russia, Salair National Park, Salair Ridge, Samursky National Park, Siberia, Sotinsky nature reserve, Talysh, Trans-Baikal Territory, Tyumen Region, Udmurtian Republic, Urals, West Siberia, Yakutia, Yaroslavl Region.
39386	Hindák F. (1978): The genus Gloeocystis (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae). - Preslia, 50: 3–11. https://www.preslia.cz/archive/Preslia_50_1978_3-11.pdf.
39385	Darnajoux R., Haynes S.J., Renaudin M., Magain N., Dani S., Koonin S., Miadlikowska J., Uchida Y., Ohigashi T., Haughland D., Lutzoni F., Bellenger J.-P. & Zhang X. (2026): Global role of vanadium for cryptogamic nitrogen fixation in extratropical forests. - Environmental Science and Technology, 60(12): 9213–9224. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c12982. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by nitrogenase is often assumed to rely on molybdenum as an enzymatic cofactor, despite molybdenum scarcity in terrestrial ecosystems relative to vanadium and iron, two alternative cofactors. Findings that cyanolichens across northeastern American boreal forests can rely substantially on vanadium nitrogenase (V-Nase) for BNF suggest that V-Nase is used by other cryptogams, which collectively contribute a large share of terrestrial BNF. Here, we show global-scale vanadium-based nitrogen fixation in common cryptogams from deciduous and needleleaf extratropical forests, including remote and urban areas. Measurements demonstrate V-Nase activity in bryophytes and cyanolichens from 44 sites across three continents. V-Nase is regulated by molybdenum content and nitrogen fixation rate, a marker of nitrogen demand. Extrapolations based on nutrient deposition suggest hotspots for V-Nase activity at higher latitudes and nonsignificant contributions in urbanized areas (>40% and
39384	Torres-García M.T., Löf M., Larrieu L., Schmucker J., Nordén B. & Felton A. (2026): Restorative selective cutting maintains tree-related microhabitats in mixed oak-dominated forests. - Forest Ecology and Management, 608: 123598 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123598. Mixed-species forests in southern Fennoscandia have been subject to deforestation and degradation by land-use changes and intensive forest management. Given the importance of mixed forests for biodiversity and climate change adaptation, it is crucial to conserve remaining patches and manage them in ways that sustain or restore their associated habitats for biodiversity. We evaluated whether restorative selective cutting contributes to forest diversity by fostering tree-related microhabitats (TreMs). We inventoried TreMs on 2346 trees from 42 mixed oak-dominated forests in Sweden and Norway and compared the composition and diversity of TreMs at the plot and tree scale in selective cutting stands (25 % basal area removed 7 or 21 years ago, cutting conifers preferably and opening the space around large deciduous trees) and control stands (no recent intervention). At the tree scale, higher TreM diversity was observed on trees from selective cutting plots, but only in stands cut 7 years ago. Moreover, selective cutting had a positive effect on the epiphyte group that includes bryophytes and lichens. At the plot scale, however, there was no difference in TreM diversity between treatments. At both scales, diameter at breast height was the prevalent factor that positively affected TreM diversity, together with tree species and living status: conifers had a negative effect on TreMs, whereas higher proportion of standing dead trees explained higher TreM diversity. Our results indicate that selective cutting with clear ecological-restoration goals is a favourable approach to maintaining TreMs in mixed forests of hemiboreal regions, although its long-term implications need further research. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; Hemiboreal region; Habitat tree; Partial cutting; TreM.
39383	Фролов И.В. [Frolov I.V.] (2026): Ключ для определения эпифитных и эпиксильных накипных лишайников семейства Teloschistaceae на территории России [A key for the identification of crustose corticolous and lignicolous Teloschistaceae in Russia]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L1–L13. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L1. [in Russian with English abstract:] A key for identification of 61 species and two subspecies of crustose lichens of the former polyphyletic genus Caloplaca s. l. (family Teloschistaceae), occurring on bark and wood in Russia, is provided. Keywords: Caloplaca s. l.
39382	Глазкова Е.А., Зуева А.С., Чесноков С.В. & Конорева Л.А. [Glazkova E.A., Zueva A.S., Chesnokov S.V. & Konoreva L.A.] (2026): К изучению лихенобиоты острова Итуруп (Курильские острова, Сахалинская область) [A contribution to the study of the lichen biota of Iturup Island (Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Region, Russian Far East]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L15–L26. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L15. [in Russian with English abstract:] This paper presents a list of 61 lichen species and one lichenicolous fungus collected in 2022 on Iturup I. Twenty-eight of these are new to the island. Among them Cetrelia monachorum and Ramalina litoralis are new to the Sakhalin Region, Mycobilimbia carneoalbida is new to the Kuril Islands, and four species (Cladonia deformis, Lecanora argopholis, Plectocarpon linitae, and Pseudephebe minuscula) are recorded for the first time on the Southern Kurils. New localities of three species (Bryocaulon pseudosatoanum, Cladonia vulcanii, and Lobaria pulmonaria) listed in the Red Data Book of Russia and the Red Data Book of the Sakhalin Region have been found. For all species, the coordinates of the collection points, substrates, communities, and information on the distribution of the species in the Kurils and the neighboring regions are provided. Keywords: distribution, lichens, lichenicolous fungi, new records, Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, Eastern Asia.
39381	Родионова А.А., Гимельбрант Д.Е., Чернышова В.А., Степанчикова И.С., Фролов И.В., Прокопьев И.А. & Цуриков А.Г. [Rodionova A.A., Himelbrant D.E., Chernyshova V.A., Stepanchikova I.S., Frolov I.V., Prokopiev I.A. & Tsurykau A.G.] (2026): Лишайники острова Соммерс (Ленинградская область, Россия) — пример биоразнообразия на малых дальних островах Финского залива Балтийского моря [The lichens of Sommers (Leningrad Region, Russia) — a case study of biodiversity on a small remote island in the Gulf of Finland]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L27–L38. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L27. [in Russian with English abstract:] The paper is dedicated to lichens and allied fungi of Sommers Island. The revealed lichen diversity has a total of 183 species, including 176 lichenized, six lichenicolous fungi, and one non-lichenized saprobic fungus. Umbilicaria subpolyphylla is new to the North-West of European Russia and Protoparmeliopsis achariana is firstly reported for the Leningrad Region. Seven species discovered on Sommers are listed in the Red Data Book of the Leningrad Region; they are mostly connected with exposed rocky habitats. Despite the small size of the island, the revealed lichen biota is rich and worth protecting. Keywords: Protoparmeliopsis achariana, Umbilicaria subpolyphylla, protected species, Karelia australis, Vyborg ­District.
39380	Тарасова В.Н. & Кутенков С.А. [Tarasova V.N. & Kutenkov S.A.] (2026): Характеристика ценопопуляций редкого охраняемого лишайника Leptogium rivulare (сем. Collemataceae) в Архангельской области [Characteristics of coenopopulations of the rare protected lichen Leptogium rivulare (Collemataceae) in the Arkhangelsk Region]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L39–L53. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L39. [in Russian with English abstract: ] New data on the distribution, abundance, structure, and ecology of coenopopulations of Leptogium rivulare in the Kuloy Protected Area (Arkhangelsk Region, Russia) are presented. Until this study, only two records of the species, represented by single thalli, were known from the southeastern part of the region, at a considerable distance from the new locality. The species was recorded in the floodplain of the Kuloy River and its tributaries, the Kelda and Polta rivers, at eight of the 17 surveyed sample plots (47%), within willow forests, paludified herb-rich spruce forests, and a willow sedge-hypnum swamp. All recorded habitats are associated with floodplain communities located along riverbanks or near oxbow lakes, with an average spring flood depth of approximately 2 m. A total of 38 host trees were recorded, supporting 530 thalli with a total area of 527.5 cm2. Thalli predominantly occur on trunks of living trees and, considerably less frequently, on standing dead trees of Salix caprea, as well as S. pyrolifolia and S. dasyclados. In most communities, the number of trees colonized by L. rivulare ranges from one to four, whereas in one phytocoenosis the number of host trees reaches 21. Thalli representing three ontogenetic periods were identified within the coenopopulations: pre-generative (immature and virginal stages), generative (with apothecia), and post-generative (subsenile and senile stages). Generative thalli predominate and are characterized by the largest sizes, while thalli of other ontogenetic stages occur in close proximity to fertile individuals. Overall, the coenopopulations of L. rivulare in the studied communities exhibit a sexual reproduction strategy. The rare occurrence of subsenile and senile thalli suggests that the processes of their death and destruction proceed relatively quickly due to the mechanical impact of the flood processes. The data obtained in the Kuloy Protected Area characterize this system of L. rivulare coenopopulations as one of the largest currently known in Europe. The occurrence of the species within a protected area in minimally disturbed floodplain communities with a stable hydrological regime and abundant suitable substrate promotes the persistence of this rare species. Keywords: Red Data Book of Russian Federation, Kuloy Protected Area, population ecology, river floodplains, nor­thern taiga forests, cyanolichens.
39379	Яковченко Л.С. & Давыдов Е.А. [Yakovchenko L.S. & Davydov E.A.] (2026): Verrucaria madida (Verrucariaceae, Ascomycota) — новый для Азии и России вид из Сахалинской области [Verrucaria madida (Verrucariaceae, Ascomycota) new to Asia and Russia from the Sakhalin Region]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L67–L73. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L67. [in Russian with English abstract: ] The amphibious freshwater lichen Verrucaria madida previously known only from a few scattered, predominantly oceanic localities in Europe, is reported for the first time for Asia and Russia on the basis of morphological, anatomical and molecular data. The species was found on the Crylion Peninsula in southern Sakhalin Island, growing on periodically submerged siliceous rocks in a forest stream. A detailed description of the Russian material is provided, confirming its identity by the unique character of (3)4(5)-spored asci, a green subgelatinous thallus with a characteristic green cortical pigment, prominent perithecia and small ellipsoid ascospores. The characteristics of pycnidia and conidia missing in the protologue are given for the first time. A key morphological finding supporting the phylogenetic relationship with Wahlenbergiella is the first documented presence of filiform conidia in Verrucaria madida, a trait it shares with Wahlenbergiella tavaresiae. The discovery extends the known range of this rare species eastward by over 7000 km and represents a significant range extension from its European localities. Keywords: Wahlenbergiella, aquatic lichens, biogeography, disjunctive distribution, lichenized fungi, new record, py­renocarpous lichens, range extension, Crylion Peninsula, East Asia.
39378	Стороженко Ю.В., Давыдов Е.А. & Яковченко Л.С. [Storozhenko Yu.V., Davydov E.A. & Yakovchenko L.S.] (2026): Woessia lignicola (Ramalinaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) — новая комбинация и новый вид лишайника для Азии и России [Woessia lignicola (Ramalinaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) a new combination and a new lichen species to Asia and Russia]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L81–L88. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L81. [in Russian with English abstract: ] The epiphytic species Woessia lignicola, comb. nov., is newly reported for Asia and Russia from the Altai Territory (South Siberia). The species identity is supported by morphological examination and molecular-phylogenetic data (nrITS sequence). This finding extends the known distribution of the species eastward by more than 4000 km. In light of the recent resurrection of the genus Woessia, we propose the new combination W. lignicola (based on Bacidina lignicola). Keywords: Bacidina, Woessia, biogeography, ITS, new record, taxonomy, Altai-Sayan Mountain system, Altai Territory, Salair Ridge.
39377	Мучник Е.Э., Урбанавичене И.Н. & Прохорова Н.Е. [Muchnik E.E., Urbanavichene I.N. & Prokhorova N.E.] (2026): Biatora ligni-mollis (Ramalinaceae) — новый вид для лихенофлоры России [Biatora ligni-mollis (Ramalinaceae) — a new species for the lichen flora of Russia]. - Новости систематики низших растений [Novosti sistematiki nizshikh rastenii] / Novitates systematicae plantarum non vascularium, 60(1): L75–L79. https://doi.org/10.31111/nsnr/2026.60.1.L75. [in Russian with English abstract: ] The species Biatora ligni-mollis is reported for the first time for Russia from the Kaluga Region (Central ­European Russia). Species identity of the specimen was confirmed by morphological examination and secondary metabolite analysis. The species was described from virgin mountain forests of North America and is widespread in Europe but has a rare occurrence there. A description of the species is provided, along with differences between morphologically similar species found in Central European Russia. Keywords: distribution, floristic finding, lichen, European part of Russia, Kaluga Region.
39376	Taer E.C., Aptroot A., Amoroso V.B. & Dal Forno M. (2026): Uncovering hidden biodiversity: over 40 new records of pyrenocarpous lichens for the Philippines. - Folia Cryptogamica Estonica, 63: 9–23. https://doi.org/10.12697/fce.2026.63.02 . As part of ongoing efforts to document the lichen biota of the southern Philippines, we report 41 additional species as new records for the country, of which 14 are new to Southeast Asia and 4 species are new to Asia. The Philippine archipelago now emerges as one of the hotspots of pyrenocarpous lichens in Southeast Asia, with an updated list of 224 species, encompassing 39 genera and 10 families. Given the accelerating habitat loss and sporadic attention for lichens in the country, our findings underscore the urgent need for continued biodiversity exploration efforts not only to catalogue the lichen diversity but also to integrate these underrepresented organisms into broader conservation planning essential for supporting the ecological integrity of Philippine forests. Keywords: Bukidnon, Davao, Dinagat, Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, tropical lichen.
39375	Zueva A., Chesnokov S., Konoreva L. & Prokopiev I. (2025): Diversity and ecological drivers of lichens on Kunashir Island (Kuril Islands, Russian Far East). - Acta Biologica Sibirica, 11: 1395–1429. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17960832. The aim of this study is to examine the diversity of lichens in different communities of Kunashir Island and to identify factors influencing their distribution in the island. In total, we identified 172 species of lichens and allied fungi. Ochrolechia lijiangensis and Pertusaria plittiana are new to Russia. Amandinea pelidna, Bacidina brandii and Lecanora caesiosora are new for the Russian Far East. Thirteen species are reported for the first time for the Sakhalin Region. Six species are new for the Kuril Islands and 37 are new for Kunashir Island. Most of the identified lichens are corticolous species. The richest in the number of lichen species are Abies sachalinensis, Betula ermanii, Quercus crispula, Picea ajanensis, Acer mayrii, Alnus hirsuta and Salix udensis (25–40 species). It is shown that at the landscape level the only factor significant for the species composition of lichens is the community type, while at the substrate level, the coniferous or deciduous nature of the substrate and the acidity of the bark have an impact. Keywords: Lichens, distribution, ecology, substrates, non-metric multidimensional scaling.
39374	Svensson M., Ekman S. & Westberg M. (2026): An improved phylogeny and revised taxonomy of Catillariaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota). - Taxon, 75: e70069 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70069. The boundaries of the family Catillariaceae have largely remained untested through phylogenetic methods. Recent studies have led to the transfer of several genera previously classified in Catillariaceae to the newly described family Leprocaulaceae. Despite these changes, the distinction between Catillariaceae, Leprocaulaceae, and Catinariaceae remains ambiguous. To address these uncertainties, we conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis with improved taxon sampling (including the type species of all genera) and a six-marker dataset, including two newly developed markers. Our results strongly support Catillariaceae as a monophyletic group including the currently accepted genera Catillaria, Catinaria, Halecania, Leprocaulon, Solenopsora, and Speerschneidera. Consequently, we synonymize Catinariaceae and Leprocaulaceae with Catillariaceae, resulting in a revised, morphologically cohesive circumscription. The redefined Catillariaceae includes all Lecanoromycete species characterised by a Catillaria-type ascus, paraphyses with thickened brown pigmented caps, and 2-celled, unpigmented ascospores (in sexually reproducing species). However, our findings question traditional generic circumscriptions in this group, revealing paraphyly in Catillaria, Halecania, Leprocaulon, and Solenopsora. As a step towards resolving these issues, we describe the new genera Caelochroma (for Catillaria atomarioides) and Halecaniella (for Halecania viridescens), and resurrect the genera Microlecia (for Catillaria lenticularis) and Placolecania (for part of Solenopsora not including its type). Several taxonomic challenges persist however, particularly within Leprocaulon and Solenopsora s.l. Additionally, we demonstrate that the genus Placolecis does not belong in Catillariaceae. We describe Halecania abscondita, a new corticolous species from northern Sweden, propose the new combination Catillaria nubila (for C. chalybeia var. chloropoliza) and designate a lectotype for Lecania alpivaga. Keywords: lichen taxonomy; morphological traits; new taxa; phylogenetics; Placolecideaceae; Xanthopsorellaceae.
39373	Ekman S., Svensson M. & Westberg M. (2026): Phylogeny, species delimitation and machine learning bridge the gap between DNA sequences and morphology in the lichen genus Arctomia (Arctomiaceae, Ascomycota). - Taxon, 75: e70082 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70082. This study investigates species boundaries in the lichen genus Arctomia (Arctomiaceae, Ascomycota) using an integrative approach combining molecular phylogenetics, full Bayesian population delimitation, heuristic and model-based species delimitation, and supervised machine learning applied to morphological data. We analysed DNA sequence data from four markers: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit (nrLSU) of the ribosomal RNA gene, the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit RPB1 (RPB1), and the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mrSSU) gene. Additionally, we assessed morphological measurements of ascospores and apothecia. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered Arctomia, also including A. interfixa, as monophyletic. The traditional classification of A. delicatula was found to encompass multiple species. We recognise three distinct species within this complex: A. delicatula s.str., A. acutior (resurrected from synonymy with A. delicatula), and a newly described species, A. confusa. Supervised machine learning, trained on morphological data from sequenced specimens, successfully learnt morphological differences between species in the training set and subsequently classified unseen (unsequenced) specimens, including type material, with high probabilities. Arctomia acutior can be distinguished from A. delicatula and A. confusa by its narrower ascospores, smaller apothecia, and preference for bark substrates. While A. confusa is similar to A. delicatula, it can be separated by slightly narrower ascospores. Arctomia acutior inhabits decaying bark, A. delicatula s.str. overgrows soil and bryophytes on soil, whereas A. confusa can be found in either of the habitats. Our study demonstrates that the novel application of machine learning trained on morphological measurements from sequenced specimens offers a promising tool for distinguishing between species when morphological differences are subtle and for classifying historical specimens (including types) based on morphology when DNA sequences are not available. Keywords Baeomycetales; coalescent; machine learning; phylogeny; speciation; taxonomy.
39372	McKellar M. (2026): Accidental observations of an accidentally foliicolous lichen in central New York. - Evansia, 43: 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1639/0747-9859-43.1.1. Foliicolous lichens, typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions, are comparatively less commonly observed in temperate climates. In 2025, during routine surveys in central New York, U.S.A., Physcia millegrana Degel was observed growing on leaves of Rhododendron at three separate locations. Although typically a bark-dwelling generalist, Physcia spp. have been documented as accidentally foliicolous in several studies. This report may represent the northernmost occurrence of foliicolous lichens in eastern North America, highlighting a need for further monitoring to determine if the lichen persists.
39371	LaGreca S. & Gardens S.P.D. (2026): Ramalina's growing where they shouldn't. - Evansia, 43: 7–11. https://doi.org/10.1639/0747-9859-43.1.7. This paper reports Ramalina lichens growing where they shouldn′t—in other words, in unexpected localities outside their normal geographic or temporal distribution, or on unusual substrates. The anecdotes herein include both my observations as well as others, compiled by me while working at various herbaria and traveling over the past 10 years. All species identifications were confirmed with TLC.
39370	Paulsen J., Hillegass K., Herath H.K. & Bauer J. (2026): Above the desert: Bryological andllichenological diversity at the summit of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Mount San Jacinto, California. - Evansia, 43: 34–41. https://doi.org/10.1639/0747-9859-43.1.34. During the Botany 2025 conference in Palm Springs, California, the American Bryological and Lichenological Society (ABLS) held a field trip to Mount San Jacinto State Park. The field trip began by taking a short bus ride from the convention center to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where about 30 bryophyte and lichen enthusiasts were shuttled up the mountain. After the group split into two at the Long Valley Ranger Station, we explored the Long Valley Discovery Trail, which led onto the Desert View Trail. On the hike, the group encountered, collected, and identified a diverse variety of lichens and bryophytes. Keywords: Southern California, California Peninsular Ranges, Botany 2025, Bryophytes, Lichens, Sky Island.
39369	Ravera S., Agostini M., Bianchi E., Benesperi R., Bellini E., Campisi P., Di Nuzzo L., Nascimbene J., Sanità di Toppi L., Ruffini Castiglione M. & Paoli L. (2026): Does epiphytic lichen translocation work? Methods, outcomes and future perspectives. - Plants, 15(7): 1042 [24 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071042. Epiphytic lichens are highly sensitive components of forest ecosystems, increasingly threatened by habitat disturbance and climate change. While habitat protection remains central to lichen conservation, translocation has emerged as a promising tool to address population decline, although its global effectiveness remains poorly evaluated. This scoping review, conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidelines, analyzes 30 taxa across 12 countries to evaluate current methodologies and outcomes. The reviewed literature is largely characterized by small-scale, method-oriented interventions, with a strong predominance of thallus fragment translocation over diaspore-based approaches. Success is most often evaluated through short-term survival and persistence of transplanted material, whereas indicators of long-term population self-maintenance and reproductive viability are rarely considered. Major limitations emerge from technical constraints, including early sample loss due to inadequate fixation, as well as from mismatches between donor requirements and recipient-site microhabitat conditions. Although high initial survival is frequently reported, evidence for long-term population stability, secondary colonization, and genetic resilience remains scarce. Overall, translocation may support short-term establishment under favorable environmental conditions, mainly at local scales, but its reliability as a long-term conservation strategy requires further validation. This review identifies a critical gap in long-term monitoring and highlights the need for research priorities that enhance the effectiveness, conceptual clarity, and technical precision of future translocation efforts to ensure the persistence of epiphytic lichen populations within changing forest landscapes. Keywords: assisted relocation; conservation translocation; endangered lichens; reintroduction; reinforcement.
39368	Yazıcı K. & Aslan A. (2025): Lichens and lichenicolous fungi from Batman Province, Turkey. - Phytologia Balcanica, 31: 37–56. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytolbalcan.31.e161611. This study is a contribution to the lichen biota of Turkey. A total of 360 taxa (324 lichens, 29 lichenicolous fungi and seven lichenicolous lichens) have been identified from 124 sites in the Batman Province of Turkey. Of these, 291 lichens, 28 lichenicolous fungi and six lichenicolous lichens are new records for the Batman Province. Lobothallia parasitica, a lichenicolous lichen, is new to Turkey. Seven lichens (Candelariella oleifera, Circinaria scabridula, Clavascidium lacinulatum, Johnsheardia zwackhiana, Miriquidica leucophaea, Sarcogyne platycarpoides and Staurothele bacilligera) and one lichenicolous fungus (Lichenochora verrucicola) have been recorded for the second time from Turkey. Keywords: Ascomycota, biodiversity, lichens, new records.
39367	Yazıcı K. & Aptroot A. (2026): Lichens and lichenicolous fungi from the Siirt Province, Turkey. - Phytologia Balcanica, 32: 3–26. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytolbalcan.32.e187427. As a result of the lichenological exploration in the Siirt Province of Turkey, the authors report 327 lichens, seven lichenicolous lichens and 27 lichenicolous fungi, representing 135 genera of Ascomycota. Thelidium pyrenophorum is new to Turkey, and 301 lichens and 26 lichenicolous fungi are new records for the Siirt Province. Furthermore, five lichens (Anema decipiens, Lecanora stenotropa, Peccania tiruncula, Sarcogyne arenosa, and Verrucaria bryoctona) have been found for the second time in Turkey. The localities where the taxa have been collected and their substrata are presented. Keywords: biodiversity, lichens, new records, southeastern Anatolia.
39366	Jørgensen P.M. (2026): The lichens in Norway’s first flora. - Graphis Scripta, 38: 1–8. . In Norway’s first flora the author, Ernst Gunnerus (1718-1773), records no less than 77 lichen species, eight of which are described as new. Only one of them, Lichen (=Cornicularia) normoericus, is based on specimens in his herbarium. The others are based on information from professor Oeder in København, five with illustrations in ‘Flora danica’ which need interpretation. Two of these, Lichen groenlandicus and Lichen heclae, have remained untypified, which is rectified here. Lichen heclae is a later synonym of Placopsis gelida (L.) Linds. Lichen groenlandicus proved to be an overlooked name in the Peltigera canina complex, here lectotypified by the illustration in ‘Flora danica’. According to exsiccate material from the region where the original collection was made, it represents the recently described Peltigera islandica Goward & Manoharan-Basil, an isotype of which confirms this interpretation and is designated as epitype of the cited illustration. The necessary combination into Peltigera is made. The new taxonomy of Rhizocarpon requires a new combination: Rehmia oederi (Gunnerus) P.M. Jørg. (= Rehmia petraeum (Wulfen) E.J. Möller et al.). Two further species which were named as new by Gunnerus, but without any known specimens, are discussed.
39365	Jørgensen P.M. (2026): Ny feltflora for nordiske lav. - Graphis Scripta, 38: 9. . [in Norwegian: ] a review on the book: Moberg, R., Thor, G. & Hultengren, S. 2025: Lavar – en fältguide, 365 s. Naturcentrum AB. Pris: SEK 275.
39364	Peksa O. (2025): Vzácná strupka Friesova nalezena v PR Údolí Teplé. - Arnika, Přírodou a historií Karlovarského kraje, 1/2025: 10–11. . [in Czech] popular paper; Xyliopsora friesii
39363	Peksa O. (2025): Lišejníky Přírodní památky Šlovický vrch. - Sborník Západočeského muzea v Plzni, Příroda, 131: 21–35. . Lichens of the Šlovický vrch Nature Monument [in Czech with English abstract:] Šlovický vrch Nature Monument (Western Bohemia, Czech Republic) represents protected area established in former military training area. It protects specific environment with dry grasslands and early successional biotopes (with naked soil) endangered by succession of shrubs and trees. The area is typical by shallow soils on specific bedrock (spilite), and also relatively hot and dry climate (especially in last years). Initially, the area was considered unattractive for lichens due to the absence of rock outcrops and well-preserved grasslands. However, several solitaire records of interesting lichens in the last decade incited recent lichenological exploration which results are presented here. The locality harbours relatively high species richness (149 species), including several endangered or poorly recorded taxa, mainly from epiphytic (Cetrelia cetrarioides, C. monachorum, C. olivetorum, Catillaria fungoides, Hypotrachyna afrorevoluta, H. revoluta, Parmotrema perlatum, Phaeophyscia chloantha, Usnea glabrata, U. glabrescens etc.) and terricolous lichens (Agonimia vouauxii, Enchylium limosum, Leptogium byssinum, Scytinium subtile, S. tenuissimum). Moreover, three interesting, probably undescribed taxa, were recorded here (Bryostigma sp., Psoroglaena sp. and Trapelia aff. concetrica). Keywords: cyanolichens, diversity, epiphytic lichens on shrubs, endangered species, lichen-forming fungi.
39362	Pecháčková S. & Peksa O. (2025): Doplněk ke studii vřesovišť Plzeňska. - Erica, 32: 55–80. . Supplement to the study of heathlands of the Pilsen region. [in Czech with English abstract: ] Following on our previous study, we present a set of 23 phytosociological relevés of heathlands dominated by Calluna vulgaris from the Pilsen Region (West Bohemia, Czech Republic). In this set, the forest (Vaccinium) type of heathlands predominate over the non-forest heathlands (as it is recently common in the whole region). We include several locations in the power line corridors, which all fall into the species-poor forest heathlands category, nevertheless, they serve as refuges for some rare species (e.g. Antennaria dioica, Cladonia portentosa). Since heathlands represent an endangered and disappearing biotope, the main goal of our work is to record their current state, and thus create a data basis for future monitoring of their development. Keywords: diversity, heath, lichens, power lines, succession, vegetation.
39361	Mapari S.V., Gaikwad S.B., Sutar R.R., Patil R.M. & Behera B.C. (2026): From symbiosis to cytotoxicity: Biosynthesis, molecular mechanisms, and anticancer potential of lichen-derived depsides and depsidones. - Chemistry and Biodiversity, 23(3): e02921 [26 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202502921. Lichen is a unique symbiotic organism that consists of fungi and photosynthetic algae and or cyanobacteria. They are known for producing a large repository of secondary metabolites, among which depsides and depsidones gain pharmacological interest. This review meticulously examines the anticancer efficacy of lichen-derived depsides and depsidones, with a focus on their chemical composition, biosynthetic pathways, and molecular mechanisms that underpin their antitumor activities across various cancer cell lines. These compounds have shown notable bioactivities, including cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and suppression of critical oncogenic cascades such as cellular proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In some studies, they have shown their selectivity for malignant cells while having minimal cytotoxicity towards healthy cells. This review also addresses the challenges for isolation and large-scale production of these metabolites and also explores the aspect of chemical synthesis or designing of synthetic analogues to increase stability, potency, and pharmacokinetic profile. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential application of depsides and depsidones as natural anticancer drugs, as studies strongly recommend conducting further analysis using laboratory models. Keywords: anticancer | biosynthesis pathway | depsides | depsidones | lichen metabolites.
39360	Stark S., Wallén H., Kurkilahti M., Pekkarinen A.-J. & Kumpula J. (2026): Plant interactions, climate, and the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) interdependently shape vegetation in northern Finland. - Ecological Applications, 36(2): e70200 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.70200. There is limited understanding on how complex interdependencies among large herbivore grazing, competitive and facilitative interactions among plants, and the changes in temperatures and precipitation shape northern boreal and subarctic ecosystems. Here, we assessed changes in dwarf shrub and lichen cover and height using data from 617 field sites monitored a decade apart (2005–2008 and 2016–2018) in semi-dry and dry habitats in northernmost Finland, where reindeer herding constitutes a traditional livelihood with reindeer moving freely across landscapes and grazing on seasonally available forage plants. We hypothesized that several direct and indirect factors related to climate and reindeer herding regimes drive changes in vegetation. We predicted that over the 10 years, shrub cover and height would increase and that lichen cover and height would decrease in response. We also expected that the decline in lichen cover and height would be more pronounced in summer-grazed areas and in areas with higher reindeer densities. We observed that shrub cover and height had increased drastically, and the change in lichen cover was negatively correlated with change in shrub cover. However, the change in lichen height was positively correlated with change in shrub height, which reveals a dual relationship between dwarf shrub and lichen vegetation. The seasonal timing of reindeer grazing was also important: lichen cover decreased less in winter than summer and year-round ranges. The direction of the change in lichen height was even opposite among seasonal ranges with decreased height in summer and year-round ranges and increased height in winter ranges. Lichen cover and height responded negatively to higher reindeer densities in both summer and winter ranges. While shrub cover had increased in summer and year-round ranges, shrub cover was unchanged in winter ranges, and shrub height increased less with increasing reindeer densities. These results indicate that reindeer grazing may partially counteract “shrubification” in areas that are grazed only during winter. Our results demonstrate how differing large herbivore grazing regimes, together with their complex interdependencies between climate warming and associated changes in plant–plant interactions, contribute to spatially variable vegetation trajectories. Due to the direct and the indirect mechanisms by which climate warming affects dwarf shrub and lichen vegetation, for maintaining good lichen grounds for reindeer herding, the benefit of seasonal range rotation will likely even increase in the future. Keywords: boreal forests, Cladonia lichens, climate change, evergreen dwarf shrubs, range management, reindeer, subarctic ecosystems.
39359	Möller T., Kaufmann S. & Hauck M. (2026): Effects of habitat quality and fine-scale spatial structure on epiphytic lichen and bryophyte communities. - Journal of Ecology, 114: e70274 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.70274. With global habitat destruction progressing at an alarming rate, there is an urgent need to understand how species persist in dynamic habitats and how underlying processes influence their spatial distribution. Theories hinge on the principle that individuals of the same species are non-randomly distributed, and recent work emphasizes that community assembly is shaped by a dynamic interplay of deterministic and spatial processes. In epiphytic lichens and bryophytes, environmental filtering and spatial structure are known to shape community patterns, yet their roles at fine spatial scales remain poorly understood. Our study investigated the relative influence of fine-scale spatial structure and habitat quality on epiphyte diversity and composition. We assessed spatial structure by comparing mean pairwise similarity in species composition among conspecific and heterospecific tree pairs and by distance-based Moran's eigenvector maps (dbMEMs) to account for spatial structure across scales. To evaluate environmental filtering, we considered site-related factors (topography, microclimate) and tree-level traits (diameter, bark physico-chemical properties), introducing internal stem decay (ISD) as a novel structural variable. We studied 96 tree pairs of Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba and Picea abies in the southern Black Forest, Germany, across diameter at breast height categories along an elevation gradient of 700–1000 m a.s.l. Tree species identity, particularly via bark physico-chemical traits, was the strongest determinant of epiphyte diversity and composition. Spatial proximity increased community similarity in both bryophytes and lichens, but in lichens, environmental filtering via habitat-related factors, such as bark features and microclimate outweighed this effect. dbMEMs explained additional variation in species composition and richness, revealing spatial structure beyond measured environmental variables. Microclimatic and topographical variables had minor influences at mid-elevation sites. ISD significantly enhanced bryophyte cover. Synthesis: Fine-scale community assembly in epiphytic lichens and bryophytes is governed mainly by habitat quality at the bark surface, while spatial proximity differs between organism groups, reflecting the varying importance of niche-based filtering and habitat ranges. ISD emerged as a previously underrecognized driver of bryophyte abundance. By disentangling environmental and spatial drivers within a single framework, this study advances ecological understanding of community assembly in substrate-dependent forest organisms. Keywords: bark chemistry, community ecology, forest microclimate, internal stem decay, neighbourhood effects.
39358	Smith M.P., Campbell L.M., Richardson D.H.S., Parsons M.B. & Rickwood C.J. (2026): Co-sampled fruticose and foliose epiphytic lichens as spatial biomonitors of airborne mercury and arsenic in a historical “Gold Rush” mining district . - FACETS, 11: 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2025-0203. Historical gold mine tailings may have elevated total mercury (Hg) and total arsenic (As) concentrations. We collected and analyzed the fruticose lichen genus Usnea and the foliose lichen genus Platismatia for biomonitoring airborne sources of Hg and As at the historical Montague Gold Mine District in Nova Scotia, Canada. We investigated spatial trends of Hg and As measured from 112 Usnea (10 species) and 113 Platismatia (2 species) lichen thalli collected across four sampling grids covering both tailings and nontailings areas. Usnea consistently had higher Hg concentrations, while Platismatia showed higher As concentrations. Areas where there was evidence of known past mining activities (i.e., mine shafts, stamp mills, Hg-amalgamation sites) were found to be hotspots for both Hg and As in the lichen samples collected nearby. These areas likely received greater inputs of these elements from windblown tailings or volatilization processes, or indirectly from the interception of these elements by the forest edge/canopy adjacent to the tailings. A tailing-contaminated wetland at Montague was also identified as a hotspot for Hg, likely facilitating its redistribution into the atmosphere. Co-sampling of a fruticose and a foliose lichen can be an effective method for airborne monitoring of contaminants around historical mine tailing sites. Keywords: Nova Scotia; Canada; Montague Gold Mine District; Usnea; Platismatia.
39357	Ochoa-Hueso R., Delgado-Baquerizo M., Estébanez B. & Homet P. (2026): Cyanolichen crusts are a key predictor of nitrogen cycling and fixation potential in soils from semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems. - Pedobiologia, 115: 151124 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2026.151124. Biocrusts play a key role in supporting nitrogen (N) cycling and bioavailability in drylands. However, the taxon-specific contribution of biocrust constituents to soil N fixation and bioavailability is far less understood. We measured the composition of soil-associated biocrusts and soil pigment content in a semiarid shrubland from central Spain, and evaluated the potential regulatory capacity of biocrusts, and their forming constituents (mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria) over the N cycle (storage, bioavailability, and processing). We found that key biocrust species contributed to explain N fixation potential and availability. In particular, the cyanolichen Collema was positively correlated with N fixation potential, as was total cyanobacterial abundance, and, in particular, the morphotypic genera Microcoleus, and Leptolyngbya. Also, the cyanobacterial morphotype Microcoleus was associated with ammonium accumulation and negatively with ammonification potential. Total biocrust cover and the cover of the moss Tortella squarrosa were negatively correlated with soil N content in this relatively low-fertility site, and positively with N fixation potential. Our results underline the taxon-specific contributions of biocrust components, such as Collema, which emerged as a key predictor of N bioavailability. We provide a novel empirical demonstration of how different biocrust components play distinct roles in N cycling processes at the local scale, by promoting or inhibiting N fixation and/or storing organic and inorganic N, thus contributing to the efficient cycling of this critical element in the typically N-poor Mediterranean ecosystems of central Spain. Keywords: Biocrusts; Biological nitrogen fixation; Cyanolichens; Mediterranean shrublands; N cycle.
39356	Redkina V.V., Krivina E.S., Soromotin A.V. & Temraleeva A.D. (2026): First records of cyanobacteria and microalgae in sand dunes of the Russian high north: morphological and DNA barcoding evidence. . - Archives of Microbiology, 208: 270 [35 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-026-04791-z. This study presents the first integrated analysis of cyanobacterial and microalgal diversity in soils and biological soil crusts from the sand dunes of the Russian High North, combining morphological characterization with DNA barcoding of cultured isolates. We identified 33 taxa across four phyla, dominated by Chlorophyta (Trebouxiophyceae and Chlorophyceae). Although ITS2 sequencing is widely used for phylogenetic studies, only approximately 35% of eukaryotic algal strains in our study could be confidently identified to the species level, underscoring both the limitations of this marker for certain taxonomic groups and the ongoing challenges in algal systematics. ITS2 sequencing limitations as a single-locus marker were revealed when analyzing phylogenetically complex genera, including Asterochloris, Klebsormidium, Interfilum, and Vischeria, where robust classification required integration of additional genetic markers. Phylogenies revealed taxonomic gaps in several algal lineages (Spongiococcum, Myrmecia, Leptosira, and the Radiococcaceae family), exacerbated by critical gaps in reference databases. We identified eight novel candidates via concordant molecular and morphological divergence, including one potential new genus. Ecological roles varied, ranging from free-living soil crust formers (Klebsormidium spp., Kalymmatonema sp.) to lichen symbionts (Asterochloris spp., Myrmecia israelensis). Remarkably, we documented the rare cyanobacterium Dapisostemon apicaliramis in these sand dunes, expanding its known range beyond Brazil. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of multi-locus approaches to resolve taxonomic uncertainties in understudied genera, while emphasizing the crucial role these microbial communities play in stabilizing fragile northern taiga ecosystems in Western Siberia. Keywords: Soil · Biological soil crusts · Lichen · Cultivated biodiversity · 16S rRNA · ITS2.
39355	Toraman E., Kalın Ş.N., Bayındırlı K.N., Günaydın Ş., Keleş F., Altay A. & Budak H. (2026): Pro-oxidant effect of lobaric acid as a therapeutic strategy against breast cancer: a molecular perspective. - Molecular Biology Reports, 53: 520 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11688-z. Background: This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of lobaric acid (LA), a lichen acid, in MCF-7 cells. Our previous study demonstrated that LA exhibits anticancer effects by triggering apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. However, the relationship between this anticancer effect and the oxidative pathway and apoptosis mechanism has not been explained. In this study, the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of LA on MCF-7 cells were investigated through oxidative stress and thioredoxin system pathways. Methods and results: For this purpose, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in MCF-7 cells exposed to LA at a concentration of 44.21 µg/mL (IC50). Additionally, the activities, gene, and protein levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GR, and TrxR enzymes were evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of TXN and TXNIP genes were also analyzed. The results showed that LA increased ROS and MDA levels and decreased GSH levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GR, TrxR) and protein levels decreased compared to the control, while heterogeneous changes were observed in gene expression levels. Despite increased GPX gene expression, a decrease in enzyme activity and protein levels was observed. While no change in TXN gene expression was observed, protein levels were decreased. TXNIP protein levels were also decreased. Conclusions: The findings provide important data for evaluating lichen-derived compounds as potential anticancer agents targeting redox balance.
39354	Larsen E.M., Paulsen J. & Allen J.L. (2026): Draft genome sequence of Nostoc (Nostocaceae) from the metagenomes of Sticta deyana and Sticta beauvoisii and the secondary metabolic potential of lichen-associated cyanobacteria. - Bryologist, 129(1): 29–34. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-129.1.029. Keywords: secondary metabolites, comparative genomics, natural products.
39353	Davydov E.A., Kosachev P., Golyakov P., Zalutsky T., Svirin E., Kudrov O., Pavlova P., Slepchenko A., Knyazev S., Storozhenko Y., Yakovchenko L. & Yakovlev R.V. (2025): New and noteworthy records of Plants, Lichens and Insects in Altai Territory and Republic of Altai (Southern Siberia). II. - Acta Biologica Sibirica, 11: 1499–1531. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18007146. This study reports new geographical occurrences for seven species of vascular plants (Cyperus michelianus, Gymnocarpium continentale, Rhynchospora alba, Scheuchzeria palustris, Schoenoplectiella supina, Veronica × schmakovii, and V. × sessiliflora), eight species of lichens (Chaenotheca chlorella, Lathagrium dichotomum, Myrionora albidula, Scoliciosporum perpusillum, Physcia alnophila, P. tenella, Peltigera collina, and P. extenuata), and nine species of Lepidoptera in the Altai Territory and the Republic of Altai. For each recorded species, localities and ecological preferences are detailed. Plants Veronica × schmakovii, V. × sessiliflora, and Rhynchospora alba are recorded for the first time in the Altai Territory; Scheuchzeria palustris and Gymnocarpium continentale for the second time. Scheuchzeria palustris and Rhynchospora alba, identified as rare fog-dependent plants, are recommended for inclusion in the Red Book of the Altai Territory. Lichen Chaenotheca chlorella is recorded as a new species for Southern Siberia; Lathagrium dichotomum is recorded for the first time in the Altai Territory; Myrionora albidula, Scoliciosporum perpusillum, Physcia alnophila, and P. extenuata are reported as new lichen species for the Salair Ridge; Physcia tenella and Peltigera collina are new records for the Salair botanical-geographical province within the Altai Territory. New faunistic records for Lepidoptera include first reports for the Altai Territory of the tortricids Cydia medicaginis, Cochylis pallidana, and Aethes cnicana; the chimabachid Dasystoma salicella; the erebids Catocala helena, Catocala bella, and Hypena crassalis; the noctuid Conistra rubiginea; and the lasiocampid Dendrolimus pini. Additionally, the cossid Dyspessa salicicola is reported as a new species for Western Siberia. The sphingids Agrius convolvuli and Macroglossum stellatarum are newly recorded for the Republic of Altai, with the latter's spring discovery suggesting the potential formation of a stable local population. The noctuid Orthosia cerasi is also reported for the first time in the Republic of Altai. Furthermore, this study contributes rare quantitative data on population dynamics, presenting an estimated population size for a newly documented locality of the lichen Lathagrium dichotomum. This information is crucial for conservation planning and assessing the status of this Red Data Book listed species. Keywords: Altai, Biodiversity, Lichenized fungus, Red Data Book, Salair National Park, Salair Ridge, Tigirek Strict Reserve.
39352	Brūmelis G., Dauškane I., Ikauniece S., Laime B., Ozols J. & Tjarve D. (2026): Assessment of the quality of EU boreal forest habitats of importance on the basis of indicators of natural structures and processes. - European Journal of Forest Research, 145: 44 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-026-01888-4. All European Union countries are obliged to report on the status of EU forest habitats of importance, which needs to rely on assessments of their quality; however, standardised methods to accomplish this goal remain elusive. A survey of EU forest habitats of European importance in Latvia was conducted from 2017 to 2021, which resulted in a large dataset of structures, processes and species within forest patches identified as such. We analysed the quality of five selected boreal forest habitats ranging from moist to dry sites. Principal component analysis revealed the key natural structures and processes related to the quality gradient. These included uneven age structure, dead standing and fallen trees, polypores, old trees and gaps. The quality gradient based on indicators of naturalness was also associated with a nutrient and moisture gradient of site types and with dominant tree species; compared to poor dry sites with pine, rich site types with spruce and deciduous trees had higher quality based on structures and processes. This indicated that poor sites develop structures over a longer period of time, thereby having a lower quality assessment and being neglected for protection. The results of the study were used to rank the quality of EU forest habitats, which served to prioritise sites for protection. Considering the criteria and indicators used for assessing the quality of EU forest habitats, it is highly likely that the stands with highest quality can also be defined as old-growth forest. Keywords: Biological diversity · Conservation · Naturalness · Habitat directive.
39351	Kindt C. (1888): Fortsættelse af Bidrag til Kundskab om Throndhjems Lavvegetation. - Det Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskabs Skrifter, 1886-1887: 65–66. https://www.ntnu.no/ojs/index.php/DKNVS_skrifter/article/view/978. Norway
39350	Kindt C. (1885): Fortsættelse af Bidrag til Kundskab om Throndhjems Lavvegetation. - Det Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskabs Skrifter, 1884: 1–11. https://www.ntnu.no/ojs/index.php/DKNVS_skrifter/article/view/967. Norway; Microglaena nidarosiensis sp. nov.
39349	Kindt C. (1881): Bidrag til Kundskab om Throndhjems Lavvegetation. - Det Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskabs Skrifter, 1880: 25–41. https://www.ntnu.no/ojs/index.php/DKNVS_skrifter/article/view/950. Norway
39348	Adhikari R.S., Ngangom R., Biswas S., Daimari R. & Nayaka S. (2025): Two new species and additional records of Coenogonium (Ostropales: Coenogoniaceae) from India. - Nordic Journal of Botany, 2025: e04376 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.04376. Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish-grey thallus, pale-orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed-filamentous thallus, small-sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided. Keywords: Ascomycota, foliicolous, moniliform, Sunderdhunga glacier.
39347	Daimari R., Islary P., Brahma S., Basumatary S., Goswami J.P., Nayaka S. & Joseph S. (2021): Additions to the lichen flora of Assam with special reference to Astrothelium alboverrucoides, a new record to India. - Studies in Fungi, 6(1): 342−351. doi: 10.5943/sif/6/1/25. The present study enumerates the diversity of corticolous lichens from Kokrajhar district of Assam state. The study records 54 species of lichens belonging to 21 genera and 14 families. Majority of the species are crustose (44 species) and 10 are foliose. One of the species, Astrothelium alboverrucoides is a new record to India while five species viz., Graphis sayeri, Hemithecium croceum, Malmidea piperis, Ocellularia allosporoides and Porina belanospora are new additions toS the lichen biota of Assam. Among the species, nine are endemic to India. Graphidaceae is the dominant family and Dirinaria consimilis is frequently found in all the study sites. This indicates its scope for future applications in other studies related to lichens in the region. Keywords: Corticolous, Enumeration, Ultapani Forest range, University campus.
39346	Manlapaz A.P.B., Mariano M.I., Reyes O.R.M., Rodriguez L.C. & Paguirigan J.A.G. (2022): Antibacterial activity of Leptogium cochleatum and Leptogium moluccanum. - Studies in Fungi, 7: 19 [4 p.]. https://doi.org/10.48130/SIF-2022-0019. Currently there is an increase in the emergence and re-emergence of bacterial infections, and lichens are potential sources of pharmaceutically important secondary metabolites to halt this problem. Lichens are unique plant-like organisms which are relatively less explored in the Philippines. Here, lichen extracts of Leptogium cochleatum and Leptogium moluccanum were tested against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter agglomerans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus using paper disk diffusion assay. Hexane extract of L. moluccanum led to a 17.14 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) against K. pneumoniae, while hexane extract of L. cochleatum led to a 15.28 mm ZOI against E. agglomerans. Dichloromethane extracts of L. cochleatum exhibited a ZOI of 15.86 mm against E. agglomerans and 14.84 mm ZOI against E. coli. The bioactivities exhibited by the lichen extracts may be due to the secondary metabolites detected using thin layer chromatography. Indeed, lichen-derived bioactive compounds hold great promise for pharmaceutical applications for the benefit of human life. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Crude extracts, Lichen, Secondary metabolites, Thin-layer chromatography, Zone of inhibition.
39345	Debnath R., Khare R., Gogoi L., Upreti D.K. & Rout J. (2018): New additions of macrolichens to the lichen flora of Arunachal Pradesh, India in Eastern Himalaya. - Studies in Fungi, 3(1): 100−114. doi: 10.5943/sif/3/1/12. Lichen exploration of West Kameng district and Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh state, India located in the Eastern Himalayas reveal seventy nine lichens represented primarily by foliose (73%), a few fruticose (15%), dimorphic (8%), leprose (2%) and crustose (1%) types. Of these, seventeen species, one fruticose, sixteen foliose growth forms, belonging to 12 genera and 5 families are recorded as new additions to the lichen flora of Arunachal Pradesh state. The lichens were sampled at an elevation ranging from 1618 meter to 4509 meter. The diagnostic features of new additions to macrolichens of Arunachal Pradesh based on the phytogeographic affinities and distribution of species is briefly described. Keywords: Foliose, Fruticose, Elevation, Distribution.
39344	Paguirigan J.A.G., Bernal K.D., Dayto C.G.A., Ramos M.E.D., Vigo G.D.S. & dela Cruz T.E.E. (2019): Foliose lichens along the trails of Casaroro Falls and Pulangbato Falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines. - Studies in Fungi, 4(1): 43−49. doi: 10.5943/sif/4/1/6. Lichens are abundant and highly diverse in tropical areas such as the Philippines due to its climate and geographical features. However, several regions of the country remained underexplored or unexplored and many species remained undiscovered in the country’s many unique habitats. This study determines the occurrence of foliose lichens in Casaroro Falls and Pulangbato Falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines. The lichen morphologies were characterized using available taxonomic keys. Among the 26 lichen samples collected from the two falls, 23 specimens were identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Of these, 8 species were specific to Casaroro Falls and 13 species to Pulangbato Falls, with only 2 species of lichens found on both waterfalls. Interestingly, 17 species are new records for the Philippines. Keywords: foliose, lichen identification, Negros Oriental, new records, Philippines, tropics.
39343	Ansil P.A., Rajeshkumar K.C., Lücking R., Gaikwad S. & Sharma B. (2025): Resolving the phylogeny of Diorygma aeolum, along with its photobiont Trentepohlia species from the Western Ghats, India. - Studies in Fungi, 10: e023 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.48130/sif-0025-0022. This study unravels the symbionts of the lichenized fungus Diorygma aeolum with its Trentepohlia photobiont from the Western Ghats (India). Phylogenetic positioning of the mycobiont and photobiont was assessed by integrating morphology, thallus chemistry, and DNA sequence data. In the phylogenetic analysis of the mycobiont using mtSSU, nuLSU, and RPB2 sequences, D. aeolum was placed in a clade closely related to D. karnatakense. Based on the study, the species D. albovirescens and D. saxicola under D. aeolum were synonymized by re-examining type material and protologue. The ITS-based phylogenetic analysis placed its photobiont Trentepohlia sp. in a clade containing the unidentified Trentepohlia isolates TreFl63 (from Graphis sp., Brazil), TreFl149 (from Arthonia atra, UK), S16_Gp (from Graphis propinqua, Argentina), TreFl51 (from Diorygma pruinosum, Brazil), and TreFl61 (from Graphis sp., Brazil), suggesting this clade to be entirely lichenized. Keywords: Lichenized fungi, Symbiosis, Synonymization, Polyphasic taxonomy.
39342	Nayak S.K., Bajpai R., Upreti D.K. & Satapathy K.B. (2016): Diversity of lichen flora of Odisha, India-A review. - Studies in Fungi, 1(1): 114−124. doi: 10.5943/sif/1/1/11. Based on the compilation of literature on lichens of Odisha (India) and other specimens and preserved in herbaria, we estimate that 252 species of lichens, belonging to 81 genera and 35 families are known from the state. Graphidaceae with 49 species is the dominant family, followed by Arthoniaceae (21), Pyrenulaceae (19), Parmeliaceae (18), Trypetheliaceae (17), Physciaceae (15), Teloschistaceae (14), Lecanoraceae (13), Pertusariaceae (12), Ramalinaceae (11), Caliciaceae (11), Thelotremataceae (9) and Lecidiaceae (4). Among the lichen genera Graphis is dominant with 27 species, followed by Pyrenula (16), Caloplaca (14), Pertusaria (12), Lecanora (10), Parmotrema (9), Cryptothecia (9) and Pyxine (6). Accounts of lichens are only available from 13 out of 30 districts. Of these only cursory collections from 10 districts are available, whereas Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda and Ganjam districts are well-explored for their lichen flora. The present enumeration of more than 250 species clearly indicates a rich diversity of lichens for the state. Further exploration in other unexplored districts will add more species to the lichen flora of the state. Keywords: Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Mayurbhanj, mycobiont, phycobiont.
39341	Vinay Bharadwaj T., Girija Sastry V. & Murthy K.S. (2018): A note on the occurrence of lichens on Vainateya Godavari mangroves in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh India. - Studies in Fungi, 3(1): 302−308. doi: 10.5943/sif/3/1/30. During the collection of manglicolous lichens for the project work on pharmacological evaluation, three lichen species collected from a remote "Lanka" in less known Vainateya Godavari river basin in the year 2015. There is no record of any of these lichen species on the mangroves of Andhra Pradesh like Dirinaria consimilis (Stirton) D. D. Awasthi, Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale and Roccella montagnei Bel. em. D. D. Awasthi on the host is Excoecaria agallocha. Interestingly the authors find no such lichen flora even in the Coringa wild life sanctuary the second largest stretch of mangrove forests of India due to its close proximity to the port city of Kakinada. Keywords: Andhra Pradesh, manglicolous lichens, mangrove, new records.
39340	Panda M., Murthy T.V.R., Samal R.N., Lele N., Patnaik A.K. & Mohan P.K. (2017): A comparative study of manglicolous lichens and their distribution inside Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha), India. - Studies in Fungi, 2(1): 1−13. doi: 10.5943/sif/2/1/1. The manglicolous lichens are a specific group of lichens which occur in association with mangrove plants. Mangrove ecosystems have limited accessibility and the lichen study in mangrove forests are less studied and reported. The present study is the first-time report on lichen diversity, their distribution and its associated host mangrove species at eight different sites within the mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (Odisha), India. The study recorded a total of 49 lichen species which belongs to 26 genera and 14 families. The comparison of growth forms showed presence of 28 species of crustose, 18 species of foliose and three species of fruticose type of lichens from the study sites. The analysis of host mangrove species showed Excoecaria agallocha as the most preferable mangrove species as it housed 38 lichen species on its surface (i.e., 45% crustose, 47% foliose, and 8% fruticose). The comparison of growth forms of the total recorded lichen species from Bhitarkanika National Park, resulted 57% species crustose, 37% foliose and 6% of fruticose type of lichens. The mangrove species, Avicennia officinalis and lichen of the genus Chrysothrix were found as common to all the study sites. The Jaccard similarity index study of lichen species between the study sites showed Kalibhanjadiya Island and Habelikhati as more similar in comparison of lichen species composition (i.e., 0.64). The occurrence of foliose and fruticose type of lichens showed the healthy and undisturbed mangrove forest conditions at many sites within Bhitarkanika National Park. Keywords: Bhitarkanika, Diversity, Growth form, Host Mangrove, Lichens.
39339	Zachariah S.A., Nayaka S., Joseph S., Gupta P., Thomas S. & Varghese S.K. (2018): New and noteworthy records of lichens from Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India. - Studies in Fungi, 3(1): 349−356. doi: 10.5943/sif/3/1/35. Lichen biota of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state was thoroughly studied which resulted in 24 lichen species as new to Kerala and one species, Phaeographis nylanderi (Vain.) Zahlbr. as new to India. All the species identified are either crustose or foliose forms belonging to families Graphidaceae and Caliciaceae indicating the dominance of these groups in the study area. List of all the 25 species are provided along with their distribution. Keywords: Biodiversity, Caliciaceae, Endemic, Graphidaceae, Lichenized fungi, Western Ghats.
39338	Voitk A., Thorn G. & Saar I. (2024): Revision: Lichenomphalia umbellifera: fungible and infungible epithets and species concepts. - Mycotaxon, 137(4, Supplement): S1–S48. https://doi.org/10.5248/137.629s. This is a revision of a recently published work (Voitk & al. 2023a). The original publication appeared in what turned out to be the last issue of Mycotaxon, published under trying conditions, following the death of its long-time Editor-in-Chief, Lorelei Norvell (Redhead, Ammirati, Korf & Pennycook 2023). After publication, Scott Redhead notified us that the work contained some nomenclatural errors, the major one being the rejection of a lectotypification for Agaricus umbellifer L., which, according to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland & al. 2018; henceforth, the Code), cannot be superseded. This meant that the neotype erected in the original work was not Code compliant. Because Mycotaxon ceased publication after the issue carrying this work, this and a lesser nomenclatural error were corrected in Nomenclatural Novelties of Index Fungorum (Voitk & al. 2023b).
39337	Kumar V., Upadhyay S., Joshi Y. & Sharma Y.P. (2026): Elucidating the impact of Quercus species on diversity of epiphytic macrolichens in some forest reserves of Kumaun Himalaya, India. - Journal of Natural History, 60: 677–689. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2627504. An ecological investigation was conducted on epiphytic macrolichens inhabiting five Quercus species within reserve forests of Kumaun Himalaya. A total of 3765 individuals of macrolichens representing 41 species from 20 genera and 8 families were recorded across 625 Quercus trees. Quercus leucotrichophora exhibited the highest alpha diversity (3.12), species richness (28 species) and number of macrolichen individuals (1187), followed by Q. semecarpifolia and Q. lanata. Parmotrema reticulatum had the highest abundance, density and relative importance, while Heterodermia albidiflava and Peltigera collina had the lowest representation. The macrolichen distribution followed a contagious pattern, with the elevation of 2053 m supporting the highest diversity. Host specificity analysis showed that some species were present on all Quercus species while others, such as Canoparmelia texana and Collema coccophorum, were restricted to specific hosts. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the Quercus species into two main clusters based on their lichen communities, with Q. leucotrichophora forming a distinct cluster due to its higher species richness. The highest similarity in lichen composition was observed between Q. leucotrichophora and Q. semecarpifolia. Our results highlight the role of host tree species and elevation in shaping macrolichen diversity and distribution, providing valuable insights for conservation and ecological studies. Keywords: diversity; distribution; host specificity; lichenised fungi; species composition.
39336	Chaiwan N., Phookamsak R., Jiang H., Thiyagaraja V., Bhat J., Dawoud T.M. & Promputtha I. (2026): Lecanora rhododendri sp. nov. (Lecanoraceae, Lecanorales) associated with Rhododendron sp. in Yunnan, China. - Studies in Fungi, 11: e008 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.48130/sif-0026-0006. During a survey of fungi on Rhododendron in China, Lecanora rhododendri sp. nov., was identified. In this paper, it is introduced with a detailed morphological description and illustrations. The species' novelty is justified on the basis of its distinct morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) sequence data using maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony criteria, as well as ITS and mtSSU nucleotide base comparisons with related taxa. A preliminary chemical test with 5% KOH and Lugol's reagent on the thallus, apothecial margin, and asci was also observed. The fungus was collected from dead branches of Rhododendron sp. in Yunnan, China. In the phylogenetic analyses of a combined ITS and mtSSU sequence dataset, the species formed a separate branch and has a close relationship with Lecanora orientoafricana in the genus Lecanora (Lecanoraceae, Lecanorales). Morphologically, the new isolate is typical of Lecanora in having a crustose thallus; apothecial, sessile ascomata with black-brown discs; Lecanora-type clavate asci; and hyaline, subglobose to obovoid aseptate ascospores. Keywords: Lecanoromycetes, Lichenized fungi, New species, Rhododendron inhabiting fungi, Taxonomy.
39335	Yang K.L., Lin J.Y. & Li G.-M. (2026): Stray studies on mushrooms from China. - Phytotaxa, 746(1): 1–119. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.746.1.1. This study presents taxonomic updates and revisions on mushrooms from China, incorporating morphological, traditional phylogenetic, and phylogenomic approaches. In Kingdom Amoebozoa, several taxa of Ceratiomyxa and Tubifera are discussed. In Ascomycota of Kingdom Fungi, two species of Geoglossum and Squamulea with special morphology or ecology are reported. In Basidiomycota, Kingdom Fungi, some cryptic taxa are recognized with molecular evidence for Agaricus, Amanita, Calvatia, Cantonopsathyra, Clavaria s. l., Delicatula, Disciseda, Geastrum, Lepiota, Leucocoprinus s. l., Mycena s. l., Mycoamaranthus, Pseudolyophyllum and Volvariella. These are described, and some new combinations in Lycoperdaceae and Mycenaceae are suggested to achieve monophyly. A reclassification is presented for the leucocoprinoid group, organizing two subfamilies and nine genera (Leucocoprinoideae including Leucocoprinus, Leucoagaricus, Conioexocarpus, Pulchrolepiota and Tristolepiota; and Micropsalliotoideae including Micropsalliota, Mesopsalliota, Macropsalliota and Candelolepiota). Concept of the historical species name Macropsalliota purpureorubra is clarified with recent collections. Sinotermitomyces meipengianus is surprisingly recognized as an earlier name of Macrolepiota detersa based on type studies, and is recombined as Macrolepiota meipengiana. Key words: phylogenomics, phylogeny, synonyms, systematics, taxonomy.
39334	Carrasco F., Hernández W., Castro N., Sivipaucar N., Bongiorno B., Chupayo O., Raposo C., Silva L.A., Rodilla J.M., Carrasco E. & Dávalos J.Z. (2026): Identification of secondary metabolites from the lichen Hypotrachyna enderythraea (Zahlbr.) Hale by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. - Molecules, 31(6): 954 [21 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31060954. In this study, sixteen secondary metabolites, including two chromones, four dibenzofurans, three lipids, three depsides, two aromatic compounds, a quinone, and a terpene, were detected in the methanol:acetone (1:1 v/v) extract of the lichen Hypotrachyna enderythraea (Zahlbr.) Hale, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Orbitrap Electrospray Ionization tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-Orbitrap ESI tandem MS/MS). These metabolites were characterized by analysis of their exact molecular masses and corresponding fragmentation patterns. The retention times of the identified metabolites were compared with those of standard compounds, confirming the presence of naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate preferential deprotonation sites in representative polyprotic metabolites. All these findings may contribute to expanding the spectrum of compounds identified within the genus Hypotrachyna and to evaluating their potential biological activities. Keywords: Hypotrachyna species; secondary metabolite profiling; lichen; UHPLC-MS-MS.
39333	Schüle M. & Heinken T. (2026): Rapid shift in plant species composition in burned pine forests with different post-fire management. - Fire Ecology, 22: 21 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-025-00437-5. Background: Wildfires have burned large areas of forest in Central Europe in recent years, and the risk of fires is predicted to increase. However, this region is still underrepresented in fire ecology research. To help to fill this knowledge gap, we investigated post-fire vegetation composition and mean Ellenberg indicator values (EIV) in two burned Scots pine forests in NE Germany with different levels of salvage logging (no, partial, complete) in the first 6 years after a severe fire. Results: Vegetation composition of burned plots differed drastically from unburned control plots, resulting in enhanced species richness (mainly due to open land species) and increased EIV for light, reaction, and nitrogen. In the first year, species richness was generally lower on completely salvage logged plots, as was EIV for light, reaction, and nitrogen. On non-salvage- and partially salvage logged plots, total species richness and the number of open land species, as well as forb cover, increased in the first 3 years and decreased thereafter. The number of forest species, as well as the cover of grasses and bryophytes, increased continuously on all plots. EIV for moisture, reaction, and nitrogen showed a temporal decrease. Conclusions: We were able to show that even in the short period of up to 6 years after fire, vegetation changed rapidly. Post-fire species composition shifted from early open land pioneer species towards late successional forest species. Decreasing EIVs for reaction and nutrients indicate that the temporary increase in nutrient availability quickly dissipates, probably due to nutrient leaching. Post-fire management has a strong influence on post-fire vegetation. Even if some successional patterns remained similar for all salvage logging groups, recolonization of completely salvage logged plots was slower, resulting in lower species richness and ground vegetation cover. In the next years, the shift from pioneer towards late successional climax species will probably continue in our study areas as site conditions are expected to change further.. Keywords: Post-fire salvage logging, Secondary succession, Ellenberg indicator values, Temperate Scots pine forests, Central Europe, Post-fire vegetation change, Plant species diversity.
39332	Nirhamo A. & Naranjo-Orrico D. (2026): Lichen communities on understory rowans (Sorbus aucuparia) in managed, urban, and old-growth forests in southern Finland. - Biodiversity and Conservation, 35: 99 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-026-03298-9. Old-growth forests differ from even-aged managed forests, for example, in the age or size of canopy trees. In contrast, understory trees in managed and old-growth forests may appear superficially similar, but they may still differ in ways that would impact species communities associated with them, such as epiphytes. To address this, we surveyed epiphytic lichens on 270 rowans across managed, urban, and old-growth forests in southern Finland. The sampled trees were components of the understory and represented a size gradient, mostly in the range of 1–15 cm in diameter at breast height. Forest type and tree diameter affected both lichen species richness and composition significantly. A few species were associated with small rowans, but many more with larger ones. Thus, tree-level species richness increased with diameter. Tree-level diversity was higher in old-growth forests, independently of tree size, compared to managed and urban forests. Species composition was divergent in urban forests, which is apparently related to nitrogen pollution and the urban heat island effect, although these effects were relatively light. Ruderal species traits were more prevalent on small rowans and rowans in urban forests, and competitive traits on larger rowans and rowans in old-growth forests. Our results reflect differences in understory dynamics and structures between old-growth and managed (including urban) forests, which also affect associated species communities. The assumed main driver of our results was that, despite similar sizes, understory rowans may have been older in old-growth forests than in managed and urban forests. Understory trees can significantly contribute to epiphyte diversity, especially when their substrate properties differ from those of canopy trees. When that condition is met, as with rowans in spruce forests, understory trees should not be overlooked in epiphyte inventories, and retaining them during thinning and in clearcuts can support epiphyte diversity in managed forests. Keywords: Boreal forests · Forest management · Traits · Succession.
39331	Šíma V. & Halda J. (2026): Urban orchards as key refugia for epiphytic fruticose lichens: A case study from Brno, Central Europe. - Biologia, 81: 87 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-026-02162-z. Urban green spaces provide a variety of habitats essential for maintaining biodiversity in cities, including epiphytic fruticose lichens. However, urban environments differ considerably from rural and natural areas, which are less affected by human activities. This study investigated the occurrence and ecological determinants of epiphytic fruticose lichens in the city of Brno (Czech Republic), where this ecologically sensitive group of lichens had not been previously examined. Field surveys were conducted at 30 localities representing forests, parks, and orchards, where a total of 240 trees were examined for the presence of epiphytic fruticose lichens. For each tree, data on species identity, canopy openness, trunk circumference, herbaceous cover, dead wood, distance from the city center, and land use were recorded to assess which factors influence the occurrence and diversity of epiphytic fruticose lichens. A total of 177 epiphytic fruticose lichen thalli of six species were found in Brno. Of the variables considered, the occurrence of epiphytic fruticose lichens was primarily associated with tree species composition. All epiphytic fruticose lichen species were found on deciduous trees, particularly fruit trees, with the highest frequency in orchards. The effects of light availability and tree trunk circumference were also significant. These findings highlight the importance of urban orchards and other green spaces with diverse fruit trees for sustaining urban lichen diversity. The preservation and proper management of such habitats are therefore essential for maintaining and supporting populations of sensitive epiphytic lichens within cities like Brno. Keywords: City conditions · Ecological indicators · Tree species diversity · Urban green spaces.
39330	Liu L.-N., Razaq A., Atri N.S., Bau T., Belbahri L., Chenari Bouket A., Chen L.-P., Deng C., Ilyas S., Khalid A.N., Kitaura M.J., Kobayashi T., Li Y., Lorenz A.P., Ma Y.-H., Malysheva E., Malysheva V., Nuytinck J., Qiao M., Saini M.K., Scur M.C., Sharma S., Shu L.-L., Spirin V., Tanaka Y., Tojo M., Uzuhashi S., Valério-Júnior C., Verbeken A., Verma B., Wu R.-H., Xu J.-P., Yu Z.-F., Zeng H., Zhang B., Banerjee A., Beddiar A., Bordallo J.J., Dafri A., Dima B., Krisai-Greilhuber I., Lorenzini M., Mandal R., Morte A., Nath P.S., Papp V., Pavlík J., Rodríguez A., Ševčíková H., Urban A., Voglmayr H. & Zapparoli G. (2018): Fungal Systematics and Evolution: FUSE 4. - Sydowia, 70: 211–286. Sydowia 70 (2018) 211 DOI 10.12905/0380.sydowia70-2018-0211. Eight new species presented are Calostoma areolatum collected in Wuyishan National Park (China), Crinipellis bidens from Hubei Province (China), Lactifluus sainii from Himalayan India, Inocybe elata from Yunnan (China), Inocybe himalayensis from Pakistan. Specimens previously identified as Massalongia carnosa represent a new species, namely M. patagonica restricted to southern South America. Saprolegnia maragheica is a new oomycete species of fresh water in Maraghe (Iran). Uncispora wuzhishanensis is a new aquatic hyphomycete species. A type specimen of Raddetes turkestanicus was studied and based on this the new combination Conocybe turkestanica, is proposed. Argyranthemum frutescens is a new host for Alternaria alternata and Syzygium cumini for Phyllosticta capitalensis in India. Crepidotus ehrendorferi is confirmed for Hungary and Pluteus leucoborealis for Central Europe, and for the phytogeographical region of Carpaticum. Pseudopithomyces palmicola is shown to occur on grapevine and it is validated by adding a unique identifier. Terfezia fanfani is reported first from Algeria. Keywords: Agaricomycetes, Ambicystidiati, Bolbitiaceae, Boletales, Didymosphaeriaceae, Herpotrichiellaceae Inocybaceae, Marasmiaceae, Pezizaceae, Pluteaceae, aquatic hyphomycetes, barcoding, Carpaticum, cyanolichens, desert truffle, ectomycorrhizal fungi, ITS, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, type studies, 8 new species, 1 new combination, 1 validation.
39329	Darmostuk V., Etayo J., Rodriguez-Flakus P., Pino-Bodas R. & Flakus A. (2026): Phylogenetic position and revised classification of Trichonectria (Hypocreales) and related genera. - Taxon, 75(1): e70032 [32 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70032. The genus Trichonectria includes a group of fungi, primarily comprising of lichen-dwelling species but also with fungicolous, bryophilous, and saprotrophic taxa. This genus is mainly characterised by the presence of thick-walled setae around the ostiole or distributed across the whole surface of the ascomata. Until now, molecular data have been available for only a limited number of species. This study aims to clarify the phylogenetic placement of Trichonectria and closely related genera within the order Hypocreales through morphological assessment and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Our analyses, encompassing newly obtained molecular data for Trichonectria hirta and related taxa, reveal that Trichonectria, Cylindromonium, and Phialoseptomonium form a distinct lineage within Hypocreales, which we here introduce as the new family Trichonectriaceae. The taxonomic circumscription of Trichonectria has been revised, resulting in the segregation of unrelated lineages and the formal description of two novel genera: Reticulonectria (type: R. setadpressa) and Trichonectriella (type: T. rubefaciens). To stabilise the taxonomy and facilitate further studies, we designate an epitype for Trichonectria hirta. Additionally, we propose three new species (T. coronatosetosa, T. crystallifera, T. polyblastidii) and 26 new combinations. A key for species identification within the Trichonectriaceae family is provided. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the phylogenetic complexity and taxonomic diversity of hypocrealean fungi associated with lichen hosts. Keywords: epitypification; lichenicolous fungi; new species; Reticulonectria; taxonomy; Trichonectriaceae; Trichonectriella.
39328	El-Sofany W.I., Alshammari A.F., Alshammari M.Z., Alshammari H.K., Alshammari N.S., Masood N. & Hamden K. (2026): Extraction, characterization, and biological evaluation of atranorin against diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways and key reproductive enzymes. - International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(5): 2416 [19 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052416. Male fertility is declining worldwide, with notable reductions in sperm counts, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic interventions. Atranorin (ATR), a lichen-derived secondary metabolite, exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study assessed the protective effects of ATR on type 1 diabetes (T1D)-induced reproductive dysfunction in rats. T1D was induced in male Wistar rats via a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at 150 mg/kg body weight (bw). ATR significantly ameliorated T1D-related reproductive damage. At 170 mg/kg bw, ATR reduced hyperglycemia by 66% and attenuated seminal inflammation, decreasing leukocyte infiltration (−51%) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (−68%). Oxidative balance improved, as evidenced by increased total antioxidant status (TAS) (+203%) and decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (−73%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (−45%), and total oxidant status (TOS) (−70%). Steroidogenesis was restored through enhanced 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) (+65%) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) (+102%) activities, resulting in a 90% recovery of testosterone levels. Seminal plasma function improved, with increased fructose levels (+71%), normalized pH (7.4), and enhanced hyaluronidase (HYAL) (+71%), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (+71%), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) (+79%) activities. Fertility biomarkers, such as adenosine deaminase (ADA) (+148%) and lactate dehydrogenase-C4 (LDH-C4) (+62%), increased, and essential minerals Zn2+ (+72%), Ca2+ (+96%), Mg2+ (+84%), and Se (+57%) were restored. Consequently, sperm density (+87%), viability (+69%), and motility (+189%) improved, while abnormalities declined (−46%). Histological findings confirmed the restoration of spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. ATR effectively counteracts diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress while improving hormonal and seminal parameters. Keywords: type 1 diabetes; sperm; enzyme; inflammation; atranorin; lichen.
39327	Duflot R., Heinrichs S., Balducci L., Chianucci F., Hofmeister J., Paillet Y., Trentanovi G., Archaux F., Boch S., Bouget C., Dvořák D., Fischer M., Gosselin F., Gosselin M., Gossner M.M., Holá E., Hošek J., Jung K., Palice Z., Renner S.C., Weisser W.W., Nagel T., Burrascano S. & Schall P. (2025): Sustainable forest planning: Assessing biodiversity effects of Triad zoning based on empirical data and virtual landscapes. - Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America, 122(39): e2512683122 [10 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2512683122. The Triad framework seeks to balance the economic and ecological functions in forested landscapes by combining intensively, extensively, and unmanaged areas, assuming a higher support to biodiversity in extensively rather than in intensively managed forests. We quantified the effects of Triad zoning on biodiversity in (sub)montane eutrophic European beech forests. Using a European-wide multitaxon database and a “virtual” landscape approach (i.e., by resampling empirical data), we evaluated how the proportion of Triad management categories affected the landscape-level species diversity of birds, saproxylic beetles, vascular plants, epiphytic bryophytes, lichens, and wood-inhabiting fungi, as well as multitaxonomic diversity. The results varied greatly among taxonomic groups. Multitaxonomic diversity peaked in landscapes composed of 60% unmanaged and 40% intensively managed forests. While intensive management can benefit some taxa through the creation of open habitats, unmanaged forests are the backbone of biodiversity conservation, underlining the need to safeguard the remaining old-growth forests under natural dynamics, and to extend the current area of unmanaged forests in Europe. Extensive forest management, however, did not contribute to biodiversity conservation as expected. As withdrawing such a high proportion of European forest landscapes from management is unfeasible given the increasing demand for timber, efforts are needed to increase the presence of structural features supporting biodiversity into extensively managed forests. Keywords: forestry | biodiversity conservation | gamma diversity | forest management | landscape planning.
39326	Balducci L., Haeler E., Paillet Y., Alterio E., Ammer C., Archaux F., Boch S., Bouget C., Brazaitis G., Chianucci F., Cutini A., De Smedt P., Doerfler I., Dvořák D., Fischer M., Giordani P., Gosselin M., Heilmann-Clausen J., Holá E., Hofmeister J., Hošek J., García-Mijangos I., Janssen P., Jung K., Kepfer-Rojas S., Korboulewsky N., Kozák D., Kuras T., Lachat T., Malíček J., Mårell A., Mikoláš M., Müller J., Napoleone F., Nordén B., Ódor P., Palice Z., Schall P., Sitzia T., Šimkevičius K., Svoboda M., Tenčík A., Tinya F., Trentanovi G., Ujhazyova M., Vandekerkhove K., Wohlwend M., Weisser W.W. & Burrascano S. (2026): European forest carbon and biodiversity policies have a limited win-win potential. - Nature Communications, 17: 1976 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68668-x. Climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation are key forest functions, but how to pursue them jointly in timber-managed forests is still unclear. We use a Europe-wide dataset of forest multi-taxon diversity and stand structure to (i) evaluate the importance of aboveground carbon stocks in determining species richness of six taxonomic groups; (ii) assess relationships between species richness and carbon stocks; (iii) discuss the potential to jointly enhance carbon and biodiversity and policy implications. Carbon-diversity relationships are positive for several groups, but mostly when deadwood pools are considered. Forest policies should consider the complex relationship between different carbon pools and taxonomic groups. Environmental policies emphasizing carbon sequestration in aboveground living biomass may conflict with biodiversity conservation by promoting homogeneous, fast-growing forests that fail to support species diversity of multiple groups. Sustainable forest management should acknowledge that deadwood carbon instead may translate into positive outcomes for both carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.
39325	Desponts M., Brunet G., Bélanger L. & Bouchard M. (2004): The eastern boreal old-growth balsam fir forest: a distinct ecosystem. - Canadian Journal of Botany, 82(6): 830–849. doi: 10.1139/B04-063. The objective of this project was to assess the importance of pristine forests in maintaining the botanical biodiversity of the humid boreal balsam fir forest of eastern Canada. The study was based on a comparative analysis of silviculturally mature second-growth stands and pristine forest stands at two stages of development (senescent and old growth) in the Gaspé Peninsula. The structure and composition of the stands was described, and the abundance of structural attributes evaluated. The communities of nonvascular plant species (mosses, liverworts), lichens, and saprophytic fungi were compared. The study demonstrated that the pristine forest landscape studied was composed largely of old-growth and senescent stands. Old-growth forests are differentiated by their irregular structure. The results regarding nonvascular plant species, lichens, and saprophytic fungi show higher species diversity in old-growth forests, corresponding to higher habitat diversity. Species assemblages were comparable between the pristine forests, but different from those of second-growth stands. Rare species are found more frequently in the old-growth forests. The results indicate that the old-growth balsam fir stands of the Gaspé Peninsula constitute critical habitats for maintaining a large number of species threatened by the gradual disappearance of primeval stands.Key words: forest management, biodiversity, old-growth forest, humid boreal fir forest, nonvascular plants. Key words: forest management, biodiversity, old-growth forest, humid boreal fir forest, nonvascular plants.
39324	Delin A. (2008): Forskningsresan i Naturvårdens Utmarker i Lycksele och Dorotea i juli 2008 visade skogsskövlingens slutfas. - Växter i Hälsingland och Gästrikland, 26(3): 40–45. . [in Swedish]
39323	Delin A. (2008): Hotade och sällsynta lavar och mossor i Dalarna. Recension. - Växter i Hälsingland och Gästrikland, 26(3): 36–39. . [in Swedish]
39322	Isaksson R., Edman A., Tholin M., Hansson J., Olofsson M. & Persson O. (2023): Ölands väderkvarnar – ett viktigt habitat för flera sällsynta lavar. - Krutbrännaren, 32(1): 1–12. . [in Swedish with English abstract: ] Oland’s windmills are an important habitat for several rare lichens. A total of 192 windmills out of 366 known on the island were visited and lichen flora investigated. The lichen flora found on this very special “culture wood” was before the study relatively unknown. 19 rare and culture wood-specific lichens was selected and mapped during the years 2017-2021. 248 findings of red-listed lichens were made and of the 178 windmills examined there were red-listed lichens on 140. Pycnora praestabilis is also reported as a new species to Oland.
39321	Clerc P. (2025): Lichens (Ascomycètes lichénisés) nouveaux ou intéressants pour la Suisse et/ou le canton de Genève – 6. - Saussurea, 54: 79–86. . Th is article continues the new series inaugurated in 2020 and intended to publish interesting or new lichenological discoveries for Switzerland or the canton of Geneva. A study using thin-layer chromatography of specimens collected in Switzerland from the Fungarium G of the Ochrolechia androgyna group shows the presence of three species: O. androgyna s.str., O. bahusiensis and O. mahluensis. The latter species is new to Switzerland. The known distribution of these three species in Switzerland is provided. Erroneous identifications of specimens named O. androgyna in the Red List of epiphytic and terricolous lichens of Switzerland have been corrected. Chaenotheca xyloxena, Ochrolechia alboflavescens and Pertusaria pustulata are new to the canton of Geneva, Loxospora chloropolia is new to the cantons of Bern, Neuchâtel and St. Gallen; Ochrolechia frigida is new to the cantons of Bern, St. Gallen and Valais; O. szatalaensis is new to the canton of Valais; Lecanora expersa is new to the Swiss National Park.
39320	Claerhout T., Sparrius L.B., Keßler P.J. & Stech M. (2026): Urban heat Islands shape epiphytic communities of lichens and bryophytes. - Urban Ecosystems, 29: 63 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-026-01930-8. Lichens and bryophytes are renowned for their use as bioindicators of environmental pollution and climate change. In urban environments, climate change may directly affect the temperature regime, thereby worsening the intensity of the urban heat island effect (UHI). Using lichens and bryophytes as bioindicators for the UHI allows urban planners and policy makers to mitigate the UHI in a targeted approach. Here, we investigated whether and how the diversity and community composition of epiphytic lichens, algae and bryophytes are influenced by the UHI gradient. We collected species and abundance data on 303 trees from the genus Tilia in three Dutch cities (Amsterdam, Leiden, and Rotterdam) along an UHI gradient. Additionally, abiotic data (relative humidity, temperature, and vapour-pressure deficit) were collected using sensors on 24 trees in Rotterdam. The results show that lichens have a peak in biodiversity in zones where the UHI is intermediate, whereas bryophyte biodiversity increases linearly along the gradient. Furthermore, the biodiversity of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes increases with the age of urban trees. We identified 23 indicators for different zones along the UHI gradient. Their suitability as indicators at the macroclimatic (UHI) level was supported by their microclimatic niche according to the sensor data. Our study, therefore, provides a novel, robust biological framework for developing or refining UHI monitoring in cities. Keywords: Urban ecology · Biomonitoring · Epiphyte · Microclimate.
39319	Sharrett S., Waldear F., Villella J., Allen J.L. & Calabria L.M. (2026): A review of the distribution and conservation status of the old-growth specklebelly lichen, Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis, in Washington State. - Opuscula Philolichenum, 25: 1–37. https://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/op/biblio_list.php?BucVolume_tab=25. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis, or the old-growth specklebelly lichen, is considered an important indicator of temperate rain forests of high conservation value in the Pacific Northwest bioregion of North America. Concerns about continued habitat destruction and recent population losses due to wildfires prompted us to investigate the status of P. rainierensis. We gathered all available records of the species for Washington State and conducted an extensive assessment of occurrences. We revisited 31 of the 143 known occurrences and did not recover P. rainierensis at 13 occurrences, suggesting a decline of at least 9% and at most 41% across the state. An additional analysis of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data revealed the presence of P. rainierensis in eight of 664 forest plots surveyed over a 20-year period. During field surveys, we discovered four new occurrences, and a review of records from the community science database iNaturalist identified eight new occurrences. Our findings underscore the critical need to regularly monitor old-growth dependent lichen populations and plan for strategic surveys to identify potential new locations where these species may occur. Our study offers a model for successful monitoring of rare species through public-private partnerships and engagement with community science efforts. Using these methods, forest managers and policy makers can utilize the best available scientific information to make informed conservation decisions. Keywords: Conservation, old-growth forests, phytogeography, Pacific Northwest, rare species.
39318	Lendemer J.C., Mayrhofer H., Morse C. & Scott P.A. (2026): Studies in lichens and lichenicolous fungi – No. 24: First reports of Thelenella vezdae from North America. - Opuscula Philolichenum, 25: 38–44. . Thelenella vezdae is reported for the first time from North America based on collections from Indiana, U.S.A. The species was found on small dead branches and stems of a variety of trees and shrubs. Keywords. – Biodiversity, floodplain forests, floristics, Thelenellaceae.
39317	Kulinowska M., Dresler S., Baczewska I., Horecka A. & Strzemski M. (2026): Systematic review of usnic acid extraction from wild-grown lichen biomass. - Applied Sciences, 16(5): 2188 [33 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052188. Usnic acid (UA) is one of the most extensively studied specialized metabolites of lichens, attracting considerable interest due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. The efficiency of UA extraction from lichens depends on multiple interrelated biological and technological factors. This systematic review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate reported strategies for UA extraction from wild-grown lichen biomass, with particular emphasis on extraction efficiency, practicality, and application potential. This systematic literature review, based on the Scopus database was conducted by including original research articles reporting UA extraction from wild-growing lichens. The analysis covered species selection, sample pre-treatment, solvent type, and extraction methodology. A total of 117 studies were included. Due to the predominantly non-polar nature of UA, higher extraction efficiencies were generally achieved using solvents, including acetone, supercritical CO2, vegetable oils, and lipophilic green solvent systems. Pre-treatment strategies such as grinding or flaking significantly enhanced extraction performance by improving mass transfer. Alongside conventional methods (maceration, reflux, Soxhlet), non-conventional techniques such as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Ultrasound- (UAE), and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) enabled faster and more selective UA extraction with reduced solvent use. Notably, SFE have been reported as particularly promising in terms of selectivity, process control, and potential suitability for scale-up, with commercially available supercritical CO2 extracts of Usnea species supporting the feasibility of this approach. This review provides a consolidated and application-oriented overview of UA extraction, highlighting strategies that balance efficiency, selectivity, sustainability, and practical implementation. Keywords: usniacin; usninic acid; Usnea; supercritical fluid extraction; NADES; thallus.
39316	LaGreca S., Phillips L., Medeiros I.D., Allen J.L. & Lendemer J.C. (2026): Updates and additions to the lichen checklist of Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina, with conservation proposals for five rare species. - Castanea, 90(2): 89–108. https://doi.org/10.2179/0008-7475.90.2.89. A survey of the lichens of Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina, published in 2017, recovered 171 species and reported 27 historically reported taxa missing. Here we report 72 lichen taxa as new for the park—based on both recent and historical specimens—for a total of 243 total taxa reported for all time points. In addition, 13 of the 27 taxa reported missing for the park in the 2017 survey were rediscovered. Most of these were found by either investigating non-spruce-fir substrates, which was the focus of the most recent survey in 2016, or returning to localities where historical specimens had previously been collected and intensively searching for the species. A revised list of 27 taxa that have not been seen since at least the early 1970s is presented, nine of which belong to the speciose genus Cladonia. The updated checklist for the park contains a surprisingly high level of cyanolichen diversity, suggesting the impacts of pollution and invasive insects on the lichen biota of the park are not as severe as previously thought. Molecular data (nrITS) confirm that Parmelia neodiscordans is distinct from other species of Parmelia and suggest that Appalachian material identified as P. omphalodes may be conspecific with the eastern Asian species P. ‘fertilis B’. Lastly, five rare lichens recorded from the park (Alectoria fallacina, Hypotrachyna densirhizinata, Lobarina scrobiculata, Nephroma parile and Parmelia neodiscordans) are proposed for conservation at the state level.
39315	Vaiana A., Martin F., Kjøller R., Spribille T. & Singh G. (2026): Demystifying fungal systematics: A gateway to fungal literacy and societal/ecological relevance through familiar species. - Plants People Planet, 8: 499–515. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70119. Societal Impact Statement Fungal systematics can feel overwhelming given the vast species diversity within this kingdom, with numerous subgroups at every taxonomic rank. This often creates a disconnect between the general undertsanding of fungal taxonomy and societal relevance and recognition of fungi. Here we anchor well-known fungi onto the taxonomic tree, using them as signposts to navigate fungal taxonomy. By presenting taxonomic ranks in relation to fungi encountered in daily life, we make the system more relatable and engaging for students, researchers, and the broader public. This approach provides both an evolutionary roadmap and an accessible guide, raising awareness of these essential yet often overlooked life forms. Summary Fungal systematics can feel difficult to navigate because of the high species diversity and several subgroups in each taxonomic rank. Although classification systems aim to simplify and organize this diversity, the number of subgroups/divisions often presents challenges for students and researchers. This review introduces commonly observed and well-known fungal species, including mushrooms, molds, yeasts, lichens, and fungi used in food production and medicine, as reference points to explore major clades within the fungal tree of life. Our selection spans fungi of ecological, medical, and industrial relevance, offering a tangible reference for understanding where different groups are placed within the fungal kingdom. We highlighted the position of famous fungi on a fungal tree of life, simultaneously highlighting the ecological, industrial, and medical relevance of each clade. This approach links well-known examples to broader patterns in fungal evolution and taxonomy, providing a structured overview of the fungi we have heard of or encountered in our lives. Integrating taxonomy with familiar real-world examples offers a more accessible entry point into fungal biology. This resource is intended for educational and introductory systematic purposes and supports a clearer understanding of fungal diversity and classification. By linking taxonomic groups with commonly encountered fungi, this paper aims to raise awareness of fungi and promote a more integrated understanding of fungal evolution and its significance across biological disciplines. Keywords: Ascomycota, Fusarium, lichens, molds, mushrooms, Penicillium, yeast.
39314	Vloon C.C., Halvorsen R., Nordbakken J.-F., Töpper J.P., Auestad I. & Rydgren K, (2025): Vegetation nynamics on a boreal raised bog: Changes in carpets, lawns and hummocks towards wetter conditions over a 34-year period. - Journal of Vegetation Science, 36: e70095 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.70095. Question: How do vascular plant and cryptogam cover, bare peat area and species composition in different microforms on a boreal raised bog change over a 34-year period (1988–2022)? We discuss the observed patterns in the light of ongoing climate change. Location: Rønnåsmyra Nature Reserve, south-eastern Norway. Methods: We recorded total vascular plant and cryptogam cover, bare peat area and species composition in 51 permanent 0.5 × 0.5 m plots in 1988, 2004 and 2022. The plots were assigned to microform classes (carpet, lawn, hummock) based on their characteristics in 1988 and 2022. We analysed changes over time and explored the relationship between change in species composition and change in the relative distance from the bog surface to the groundwater table (rDWT) in each microform using linear mixed-effect models and ordination (GNMDS). Results: No shifts between microforms had occurred during the 34-year period, but the number of observed taxa had decreased from 51 to 38. While the vegetation changed very little between 1988 and 2004, substantial changes occurred from 2004 to 2022. During this period, carpets showed a substantial increase in bare peat at the cost of cryptogam and vascular plant cover. Lawns showed a similar but less strong trend. Hummocks showed no such changes. The species composition of all microforms changed towards vegetation typical of wetter bog surfaces. In hummocks, this implied a shift from dominance by lichens to dominance by strongly peat-producing Sphagnum species of section Acutifolia, coupled with an increase in rDWT. Conclusion: We demonstrate that bog vegetation can change substantially within two decades. The observed, divergent successions—retrogressive in carpets and lawns and progressive in hummocks—may result from the responses of the cryptogam layer to a combination of increased temperature and increased precipitation. Extreme weather events may have contributed to the increase in bare peat. Keywords: boreal raised bog | climate change | groundwater table | long-term monitoring | microform | ombrogenous mire | peatland | short-cycle regeneration | succession | vegetation dynamics.
39313	Suija A., van den Boom P., Berger F., Suija M., Thayer J.W. & Frisch A. (2026): Taxonomic investigation of Abrothallus (Abrothallales, Ascomycota) species associated with lichen genera Ramalina and Bryoria, including the description of a new species. - Nordic Journal of Botany, 2026(2): e05033 [18 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/njb.05033. The obligately lichenicolous genus Abrothallus consists of approximately 50 species, almost all of which are associated with lichens having foliose, fruticose, or pendulous thalli. This paper focuses on species that grow on strap lichens (Ramalina) providing new insights into their phylogenetic relationships and distribution. The three-gene phylogeny, which includes one nuclear ribosomal (nrITS) and two protein-coding genes (rpb2 and tef1-α), shows that Abrothallus suecicus and A. ramalinae are only distantly related to each other. Abrothallus suecicus, characterized by four-celled intact ascospores, forms a well-supported clade with A. bryoriarum that grows on horsehair lichens (Bryoria). Within this clade, specimens associated with Ramalina exhibit significant morphological and genetic differentiation. Phylogenetic analyses, species delimitation using bGMYC, and morphometric data support the existence of five putative species, among which the true A. suecicus is growing on the apothecia of several non-sorediate Ramalina. We describe Abrothallus farinaceae being exclusively known from Ramalina farinacea in Europe and North America. We also give a preliminary description for a singleton taxon with two-celled ascospores that split in part-spores, which is only distantly related to A. suecicus and A. ramalinae. Three Lichenoconium species included to root the phylogenetic tree appeared to be paraphyletic. Keywords: lichen-inhabiting species, Lichenoconium, phylogeny, taxonomy, new species, species complex.
39312	Moore M., Kanne A.I., Markle C.E., Smolarz A.G., Moore P.A., Furukawa A.K. & Waddington J.M. (2026): Depression storage controls moss and lichen moisture availability and net primary productivity in rock barren turtle nesting habitat. - Ecohydrology, 19(1): e70190 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.70190. Mosses and lichens that colonize rock barrens are critical for primary soil formation, landscape water storage and ecosystem succession. Mosses and lichens often grow as mats or cushions (referred to as mats) in and above depressions or crevices in the bedrock where moisture availability is greater. Shallow soil deposits covered with mats also provide critical nesting habitat for species-at-risk turtles in the eastern Georgian Bay, Ontario region. However, there is concern that a drying climate will reduce mat productivity due to a reduction in moisture availability, thereby impacting soil formation, landscape hydrology and their suitability as turtle nesting habitat. To better understand how drying may impact moss and lichen mats, we assessed the ecohydrological controls on moisture availability and productivity. Net primary productivity (NPP) was estimated using fine-scale surveys in 2014 and 2024 and complemented with measurements of mat moisture availability at the start and end of the 10-year study period. We found that mat catchment size had a significant impact on moisture availability, but the strength of the relationship was reduced during periods of low soil moisture availability. Catchment size did not have a significant impact on NPP, but there was slightly greater NPP in large catchments, and NPP increased with increasing bedrock depression storage. We suggest that under a changing climate, the overall productivity of moss-dominated rock barrens will decrease with decreasing moisture availability, the relationship between NPP and moss depth will strengthen and mat cover may shift towards more lichen-dominated rock barrens, influencing the availability and function of turtle nesting habitat. Keywords: lichen | moss | net primary productivity | rock barrens | soil moisture | water storage.
39311	Furmanek Ł., Żurek N., Kapusta I., Seaward M.R.D. & Czarnota P. (2026): The cytotoxic potential of water-methanol-extracted secondary metabolites from lichens as an important source for treating human cancer cell lines. - Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 72: 103934 [22 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103934. The results of in vitro experiments on the cytotoxic potential of water-methanol extracts obtained from 11 lichen species, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia digitata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia phyllophora, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia uncialis, Hypogymnia physodes, Platismatia glauca, Pseudevernia furfuracea and Usnea dasopoga, against five human cancer cell lines - AGS, Dld-1, U251mg, LS180 and Ht-29 are presented. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was determined by means of the DPPH˙, FRAP and chelating ability of metals ion (ChP) tests. The highest activity for DPPH˙ (225.33 mmol TE/100 g d.m.) and FRAP (229.02 mmol TE/100 g d.m.) tests were shown for C. digitata extract, while for the ChP test, the extracts obtained from C. digitata and H. physodes species (IC50: 2.10 mg/mL). For the cytotoxicity test, the strongest potential was shown for the C. digitata extract against all the tested cancer cell lines - AGS (IC50: 123.14 μg/mL), Dld-1 (113.20 μg/mL), U251mg (137.20 μg/mL), LS180 (125.67 μg/mL) and Ht-29 (111.64 μg/mL). Slightly weaker cytotoxic efficacy was shown by extracts obtained from H. physodes and P. furfuracea. The qualitative-quantitative analysis of the profile of extracted lichen secondary metabolites performed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS identified 30 secondary compounds, the most abundant of which were fumarprotocetraric acid, physodic acid isomer, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid and usnic acid. The cytotoxicity potential of the tested extracts against AGS, DLD-1 and LS180 cell lines has been performed as a first approach worldwide. The results of all tests and analyses showed research opportunities in phytotherapy in the future. Keywords: Cytotoxic studies; Polyphenols; Cladonia digitata; Hypogymnia physodes; Pseudevernia furfuracea; Lichen extracts.
39310	Pradhan S.P., Bista H., Lamsal B., Deshpande A.G., Jones M.R., Pandey B.P., Weerakoon G., Baniya C.B., Sharma S. & Sutton M.A. (2026): Contrasting physico-chemical responses in Himalayan lichens as indicators of nitrogen and heavy metals stress. - Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 310: 119795 [20 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119795. The shortage of data on nitrogen (N) air pollution in the Himalayas points to the opportunity to utilise lichens as bioindicators to understand ecological impacts. In this study, we examine the chemical variability of two widely occurring lichens (Usnea spp., Hypotrachyna spp.), considering physico-chemical properties and responses along two Nepalese forest transects representing N pollution gradients, along which we measured atmospheric ammonia (NH3) concentrations for the very first time in the region. The measured atmospheric NH3 concentrations ranged from 3.01–4.84 μg m–3 in the Kathmandu transect and 2.51–4.74 μg m–3 in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) transect. We found higher thallus N, ammonium, and metal ion concentrations in both lichen species closer to local air pollution sources. The highest values were observed for lichens at the ACA transect, including for both physico-chemical parameters (electrical conductivity, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, phenolic content) and oxidative responses (radical scavenging, catalase activities), consistent with the higher levels of NH3 air pollution. We conclude that the atmospheric NH3 concentration has already exceeded the ecological threshold for effects on lichens in this region, highlighting a major risk of biodiversity loss. In the absence of large-scale air quality monitoring, the measured physico-chemical properties and oxidative responses can be used to inform the application of lichens as bioindicators of N and metal pollution. Further studies on other lichen species are recommended to better understand the functional biology explaining contrasting responses between lichen species of the Himalayan and (sub)tropical regions to strengthen their applicability for ecological monitoring. Keywords: Ammonia; Bioindicators; Ecosystem; Forest; Air Pollution
39309	Heim A., Chagnon P.-L., Haughian S., Richardson D. & Buffam I. (2026): Community assembly of mosses, lichens, and succulents across a green roof chronosequence in Malmö Sweden. - Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 117: 129303 [8 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2026.129303. Research on the flora of green roofs has mainly focused on vascular plants. However, as green roofs age, they are spontaneously colonized by mosses and lichens, with mosses often becoming the dominant lifeform. There is thus a need to document and understand how moss and lichen communities assemble over time, and how these changes influence the provisioning of ecosystem services. To fill this knowledge gap, we analysed a chronosequence of 20 extensive green roofs, ranging from 0.4 to 28 years of age. For each roof, we measured environmental variables and collected percent cover data for all observed vascular plants, mosses, and lichens. Overall, all rooftops experienced spontaneous moss and lichen colonization over time. Increased shade, organic layer depth, and age appeared to favour perennial, pleurocarpous moss species over annual acrocarpous moss species. Based on the results of our study, the pleurocarpous mosses Brachythecium albicans and Hypnum cupressiforme are well adapted to rooftop conditions, making them suitable candidates for propagation onto Sedum/moss green roofs. Our findings suggest that careful selection of moss and lichen species, tailored to specific roof conditions at installation, could enhance colonization success (e.g. a stable community that can persist over multiple seasons). Future research should explore how these communities interact with other components of green roof ecosystems. Keywords: Green roof; Moss; Lichen; Chronosequence; Plant community.
39308	Szafrańska K., Chowaniec K. & Skubała K. (2026): Importance of biocrusts for restoring ecosystem functions in two contrasting habitats of former sand mines. - Ecological Engineering, 225: 107905 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2026.107905. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are early colonizers of bare sand, forming a layer of microorganisms associated with soil particles. Former sand mines are examples of habitats that favor biocrust formation in a temperate climate. However, the flat area and slopes of sand mines create contrasting environmental conditions. In this study, we compared key biocrust functional indicators between biocrusts formed on flat areas and slopes to assess whether their traits support ecosystem functions, which may be useful in future restoration strategies. We expected that biocrusts on flat areas would exhibit higher microbiological activity due to more stable habitat conditions, whereas those on slopes would show higher exopolysaccharide (EPS) levels to reinforce slope stability. Our study showed that topography is an important driver of biocrust development and function, although its effects are closely intertwined with the dominance of photoautotrophic group. Biocrusts dominated by filamentous algae on flat area contributed to the improvement of soil conditions more effectively than cyanobacteria-dominated biocrusts developing on slopes owing to higher carbon fixation potential, stronger support for microbial activity, and better ability to maintain favorable moisture levels. On the other hand, cyanobacteria-dominated biocrusts contributed to soil stabilization and erosion control mainly through EPS secretion. Our results provide practical guidance for post-mining restoration by indicating that different biocrust types should be applied on slopes versus flat areas to improve restoration outcomes. We concluded that biocrusts can support ecosystem function and offer a promising tool for restoring former sand mines, especially where traditional vascular-plant-based methods are limited by unstable sandy soils. Keywords: Biological soil crust; Mesic areas; Slopes; Biocrust restoration; Anthropogenic disturbances; Open pit mining.
39307	Roychowdhury R. & Singhal R.S. (2026): Lichen Parmotrema perlatum derived constituents as natural metabolic interveners: mechanistic insights based on integration of bioactivities, molecular docking and fuzzy logic to develop a functional green tea beverage. - Food Chemistry, 507: 148151 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148151. The rising prevalence of obesity necessitates natural metabolic interventions targeting key digestive enzymes. This study investigated functional properties of an extract from lichen Parmotrema perlatum, obtained via methanolic extraction (1:4 w/v, 4 °C), purified via liquid–liquid partitioning and vacuum drying (MLE-PP), with emphasis on lipase inhibition and secondary effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. MLE-PP showed dose-dependent, non-competitive lipase inhibition, with fluorescence assays confirming enzyme conformational changes upon binding. LC–HRMS profiling revealed phenolic acids, terpenoids, and other bioactives with antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic potential. Molecular docking further validated strong phytoconstituent binding at catalytic and allosteric sites. To integrate into daily diet, vacuum-dried MLE-PP was formulated into green tea infusions. Bioactivity retention was confirmed post-processing, while fuzzy logic–based sensory evaluation identified a 1:1 GT–MLE-PP blend as optimal, combining high acceptability with potent lipase inhibition. Overall, MLE-PP demonstrates potential as a bioactive ingredient for functional beverages aimed at metabolic health. Keywords: Lichen; Parmotrema perlatum; Lipase inhibition kinetics; Fluorescence quenching; Green tea infusion; Fuzzy logic sensory analysis; Molecular docking; Functional beverage.
39306	Szafrańska K., Chowaniec K., Dul H., Zalewska-Gałosz J. & Skubała K. (2026): Insight into the long-term impact of fire in dry pine forests on biological soil crust and underlying soil. - Applied Soil Ecology, 220: 106837 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2026.106837. Although the impact of wildfires on vegetation and soil properties is well documented, long-term effects on biocrusts and underlying soils in dry temperate pine forests remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine microbiological parameters of biocrusts and characteristics of two underlying soil layers in a post-fire area 12 years after the wildfire, relative to an unburned forest. The wildfire caused long-lasting effects on biocrusts, leading to altered species composition and reduced species richness of lichens and bryophytes. Biocrusts from the post-fire area had lower chlorophyll a and a + b levels, indicating slow recovery of photosynthetic biomass. Although microbial activity, as reflected by dehydrogenase activity, was lower in soil after the fire than in the control forest, elevated concentrations of exopolysaccharides (EPS) were found. This suggests reduced EPS degradation due to suppressed microbial activity and/or selective enrichment of EPS-producing microorganisms following fire. The increased content of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in the 1–5 cm soil layer indicates that wildfire can promote a long-lasting accumulation of C and N in the studied ecosystem. Soil pH was significantly higher in the post-fire area, while conductivity showed the opposite trend, but only for soil directly below biocrust. Despite reduced microbial activity and EPS production, post-fire biocrusts showed a stronger influence on underlying soils, as reflected by a significantly higher soil-to-biocrust microbial activity ratio. Finally, local site conditions strongly influenced soil microbiological and chemical parameters, highlighting the importance of accounting for environmental heterogeneity in post-fire management. Consequently, restoration practices should focus on enhancing biocrust functions to accelerate ecosystem recovery, while adapting approaches to site-specific conditions. Keywords: Biological soil crust; Soil; Wildfire; Exopolysaccharides; Disturbance; Dehydrogenase activity.
39305	Iliquin-Inga I.M., Cortez-Lázaro A.A., Villanueva-Cadenas D.I., Rituay P., Arista J.P. & Díaz-Valderrama J.R. (2026): Bibliometric and systematic evaluation of lichens for biomonitoring in hydrocarbon pollution and mining,. - Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 30: 101172 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2026.101172.. Hydrocarbon pollution from oil spills, traffic emissions, and industrial processes continues to be a significant global threat to biodiversity, soil quality, water quality, and human health. Lichens, mutualistic life forms between fungi and photobiont symbionts that lack a protective cuticle, are widely used as biomonitors because they integrate atmospheric inputs and accumulate organic and inorganic contaminants. However, evidence for lichen-based hydrocarbon biomonitoring is methodologically heterogeneous, with limited comparability across studies regarding taxon selection, analytical endpoints, exposure design, and reporting practices. Here, we combine a global bibliometric analysis with a systematic review to map research trends in environments influenced by mining, where co-exposure to metals is frequently reported alongside organic fractions. The literature shows the recurrent use of taxa such as Xanthoria parietina, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Evernia mesomorpha, Cladonia mitis, and Hypogymnia physodes, but there is substantial variability in the measured variables and protocols. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total petroleum-related fractions are the primary organic targets across studies, often accompanied by metal tracers (e.g., Hg, As, Pb, Cu) for source attribution and characterization of co-pollutants. We highlight implications for environmental monitoring in resource-limited regions and propose priority elements for standardization to improve reproducibility and cross-study synthesis. Keywords: Bioindicators; Environmental pollution; Lichens; Sustainability.
39304	Atrena A., Kolényová M., Samarakoon J.M., Edman M., Carlsson F., Englund O. & Jonsson B.G. (2026): The effect of stand structure and landscape fragmentation on saproxylic polypores and epiphytic lichens in boreal Sweden. - Forest Ecology and Management, 608: 123613 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123613. Habitat fragmentation, driven by forestry and land-use changes, threatens biodiversity in boreal Sweden. While most forests in this region are heavily managed, historical forestry intensity varies geographically, with more intact old-growth forests remaining in mountain regions. Saproxylic polypores and epiphytic lichens, reliant on deadwood and old trees, are particularly sensitive to these changes. We surveyed 26 woodland key habitats in boreal Sweden, analysing total and red-listed species of wood fungi and epiphytic lichens, including functional traits relevant to fragmentation sensitivity. Landscape structure was assessed at three spatial scales (0.5, 5, 15 km), capturing habitat amount, quality, and geographic gradients reflecting historical forestry. Local environmental conditions were also evaluated. Local-scale factors were the strongest drivers of species richness: deadwood volume was critical for fungi, while tree age and stand size were key drivers for lichens. Landscape level effects were less pronounced. Total polypore richness and several of the fungal functional groups responded to landscape structure at either immediate (0–5 km) or broader (5–15 km) scales, while lichen richness was not affected by the measured landscape parameters. Both polypore and lichen communities reflected influence from past forestry and current stand structure. These findings underscore that expanding forest area alone is insufficient unless structural complexity and deadwood availability improves. Conservation efforts should prioritize preserving and restoring mature forest patches to sustain fungal and lichen diversity in managed boreal landscapes. Keywords: Fragmentation; Polypores; Lichens; Boreal forests; Landscape; Functional traits.
39303	Osipov A. & Kuznetsov M. (2026): The relationship between litterfall and stand characteristics in pine forests of the northeastern East European Plain. - Trees, 40: 39 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-026-02750-1. Litterfall plays a fundamental role in soil formation, the maintenance of soil fertility, and nutrient cycling. The objective of study was to characterize tree litterfall in Scots pine forests located in the northeastern part of the East European Plain and to assess its relationship with stand structural attributes. Long-term investigations were conducted across Scots pine forests representing three distinct types: Lichen, Myrtillus and Sphagnum using litter traps. Throughout the observation period, litterfall input remained relatively constant. Forest type exerted a significant influence on both the share of individual litter fractions and total litterfall. Specifically, the total quantity of tree litter in Sphagnum pine forests was 2.1–2.3 times lower than in Myrtillus and Lichen pine forests, which exhibited comparable values. No significant correlation was identified between stand density and the total litterfall or its individual fractions. In contrast, significant correlations were observed with other stand parameters, including growing stock, total basal area, and biomass components: foliage (needles and leaves), crowns (branches and foliage), branches, bark, and aboveground biomass. Regression equations were developed linking litterfall input to pine stand characteristics, which proved to be statistically robust predictors. Growing stock (R² ranging from 0.72 to 0.87) and basal area (R² ranging from 0.65 to 0.82) emerged as reliable variables for estimating both total and fractional litterfall in pine stands. The findings of this study can be effectively utilized to improve assessments of carbon cycling in pine forests, particularly when integrated with forest inventory data. Keywords: litterfall · stand characteristic · pine forest · growing stock · biomass.
39302	Meethong U., Poengsungnoen V., Polyiam W., Pipatsawasdikul K., Boonpragob K., Lücking R., Lumbsch H.T. & Buaruang K. (2026): New species and new records of foliicolous species in the genus Fellhanera (Ectolechiaceae) from Thailand. - Bryologist, 129(1): 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-129.1.023. Fellhanera pruinosa Meethong, Lücking & Lumbsch is described as new to science from Thailand. The species resembles F. sublecanorina but is distinguished by the presence of white pruina on the apothecia. In addition, F. atrofuscatula is reported for the first time from Asia, and two further species, F. sublecanorina and Fellhanera cf. subtilis, are newly reported from Thailand. Keywords: Distribution, eastern paleotropics, leaves, morphology, taxonomy.
39301	Nirhamo A., Santos P., Günther M., Kouki J. & Aakala T. (2026): Community dynamics of lignicolous lichens on standing deadwood in a 275-year chronosequence. - Oikos, 2026: e11835 [10 p.]. doi: 10.1002/oik.11835. Dead trees provide discrete habitat patches in which patch quality changes gradually due to wood decomposition. Although in most cases these patches persist for not more than a few decades, in some ecosystems deadwood decomposition and the consequent change in habitat patch quality can be a centuries-long process, potentially leading to dynamics of deadwood-associated communities taking place over a similar time scale. We studied the dynamics of lignicolous lichen communities on snags in near-natural European boreal forests. We surveyed lichens on 331 Pinus sylvestris snags and obtained their year of death with dendrochronological methods. The snags comprised a chronosequence of 275 years in time since tree death. Most lichen species (86%) displayed an association with either fresh, intermediate or long-standing snags, with only few species occurring at a similar rate throughout the chronosequence. Thus, the habitat patches provided by snags were indicated to be characterized by a sequence of colonizations by and extinctions of lichen species with differing niches. Accordingly, community composition was closely connected to time since tree death. Associations with long-standing snags were most frequent (46% of species), and consequently, species richness increased with time since tree death – approximately a 2.5-fold increase from 20 to 90 years from death – but increased no further beyond 90 years since death. Several obligate lignicoles occurred only on long-standing snags indicating their dependence on this specific type of deadwood. Our findings show that time since tree death is a primary determinant of the species composition and richness of lignicolous lichens on snags. Thus, lignicolous lichen communities are intrinsically linked with snag dynamics that occur over centennial time scales in boreal forests. Lignicolous lichen diversity is dependent on long-persisting standing deadwood that typically occurs only in natural forests. Keywords: boreal forests, epiphytic lichens, epixylic lichens, kelo trees, snag dynamics, snag longevity, succession.
39300	Filimonov A.S., Zateeva M.V., Mechetin G.V., Luzina O.A., Eurtivong C., Sari S., Endutkin A.V., Reynisson J., Volcho K.P., Salakhutdinov N.F. & Yharkov D.O. (2026): Usnic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Uracil–DNA Glycosylase. - International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(4): 1954 [19 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041954. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health issue exacerbated by spreading drug resistance and lengthy treatment regimens. Targeting bacterial DNA-repair pathways, particularly those counteracting host-generated genotoxic stress, represents a promising strategy to sensitize Mycobacterium tuberculosis to existing antibiotics. Through structure-based virtual screening of a compound library, we identified novel small-molecule inhibitors of M. tuberculosis uracil–DNA glycosylase (MtbUng), an enzyme essential for the repair of DNA damage inflicted by macrophage-produced reactive nitrogen species. Experimental validation revealed that four derivatives of usnic acid, a lichen-derived metabolite, significantly inhibited MtbUng activity, with the most potent compound, OL10-88-1, exhibiting IC50 26 ± 7 µM. Molecular docking suggests that OL10-88-1 inhibits MtbUng by occupying both the active site and the DNA-binding groove, thereby disrupting multiple steps of uracil recognition. The compounds also showed variable inhibitory activity against uracil–DNA glycosylases from Escherichia coli, humans, and vaccinia virus. Our findings establish that the compound could potentially be used in combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of current anti-TB drugs by exploiting the vulnerability of DNA-repair-deficient mycobacteria. Keywords: DNA repair; DNA glycosylases; uracil–DNA glycosylase; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; inhibitors; usnic acid; virtual screening.
39299	Uherčíková E. (2025): Botanické zbierky a databázy v Slovenskom národnom múzeu – Prírodovednom múzeu v Bratislave. - Bulletin Slovenskej botanickej spoločnosti, 47: 123–134. . Botanical collections in Slovak National Museum-Natural History Museum in Bratislava (acronym BRA) comprise cryptogams – i. e. non-vascular plants and fungi (including lichenized fungi), and vascular plants. The collection of cryptogams includes algae, bryophytes, lichens and fungi, fungal models and illustrations by A. Dermek, K. Cigánová, F. Procházka, J. Herink and freeze-dried fungi too. The collection of bryophytes includes specimens of renowned botanists (e.g. E.Bauer, Z. Pilous, V. Nábělek). Due to the long-term absence of a curator – bryologist, this group is currently unattended and not expanding. The lichenological collection, built and gathered by I. Pišút, is one of the largest and most well-known lichen collections in Central Europe in terms of quality and scope. P. Lizoň was dedicated to building an extensive mycological collection. This collection contains specimens of A. Kmeť, K. Kalchbrenner, F. Haszlinsky, J. Ľ. Holuby, V. Vraný, V. Greschik, and contemporary mycologists. The collection of vascular plants includes historical herbaria of Cyprián, A. Tagányi, M. Čulen, A. Kmeť, D. Sloboda, the reedition of Mattioli‘s herbarium, a sample book of grasses by I. Textorisová, botanical illustrations by K. Cigánová, the herbarium of M. Horváthová-Runkovičová and many important botanists and collectors. In addition, there is a collection of fruits and seeds, a large collection of archival materials, manuscripts and correspondence of prominent botanists (V. Greschik, S. Kupčok, G. Grodkovszky, J. Scheffer, E. Schidlay, J. Dvořák and V. Hodoval). The collection funds are expanded and supplemented every year. Key words: cryptogams, Herbarium BRA, Slovakia, Tracheophyta.
39298	Akujärvi A., Nirhamo A., Heikkinen R.K., Pykälä J., Saikkonen O., Green T., Peltoniemi M. & Mäkelä A. (2026): The relationship between tree carbon dynamics and the occurrences of epiphytes of conservation concern in boreal unmanaged forests. - European Journal of Forest Research, 145: 30 [16 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-025-01867-1. The loss of pristine forest landscapes due to intensive management has altered forest carbon dynamics and caused a decline in biodiversity. The carbon balance of unmanaged forests is insufficiently known due to a lack of repeated measurements. Moreover, the links between the conservation of threatened species and forest carbon dynamics are poorly explored. We examined the carbon balance of boreal unmanaged forests based on three repeated tree surveys conducted in 27 unmanaged Finnish coniferous-dominated forest stands in 1990–2019. We also surveyed nationally red-listed epiphytic lichens and explored the linkages between carbon dynamics, forest naturalness, and epiphytic lichen occurrence. On average, net primary production increased by 10.7% during the study period. Still, the volume of living trees remained stable because a large proportion of the biomass growth was allocated to deadwood following tree mortality. The net primary production had a trade-off with the volume of deadwood, but in most stands, mortality was low, maintaining the trees as weak sinks. Red-listed lichen occurrence was not affected by the size of the tree carbon stock, but it was lower in stands acting as larger carbon sinks. In addition, red-listed lichen occurrence increased with estimates of stand age. Our results suggest that the studied forests maintain large carbon stocks while supporting species of conservation concern. However, more research is needed on the stability of carbon stocks in the face of shifting disturbance dynamics due to climate change. Keywords: Unmanaged forest · Carbon stock · Deadwood · Net primary production · Species richness · Epiphytic lichens.
39297	Økland T., Rydgren K., Økland R.H., Storaunet K.O. & Rolstad J. (2003): Variation in environmental conditions, understorey species number, abundance and composition among natural and managed Picea abies forest stands. - Forest Ecology and Management, 177: 17–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1127(02)00331-6. We studied four south-facing and three north-facing boreal spruce forest stands (ca. 0.1 ha each) in SE Norway with the aim of testing the hypothesis that former logging has long-term effects on boreal forest-floor vegetation. The stand series comprised unlogged natural forests and forests that were selectively or clear cut 60–70 years prior to our study. Each stand was described with respect to history of forestry impact and tree-stand structure. Environmental, species number, species abundance and species composition (vegetation gradients obtained as ordination axes) variables obtained for m plots in each stand were tested for among-stand differences. Significant among-stand differences were found, partly related to former forest management and partly due to among-stand differences in topography. Differences among stands related to management were found for tree stand density, highest in managed stands, and for Dryopteris expansa agg. and Luzula pilosa abundances, peaking in formerly clear-cut stands. Species number (at plot or stand scales) was weakly related to former management. On southerly as well as northerly aspects, gradients in species composition were found that separated plots according to former management. Differences among stand conditioned on topography resulted in opposite patterns in the two series of stands because among southerly stands the clear cut was the least while among northerly the clear cut was the most strongly sloping. Low-inclination sites tended more strongly to be paludified and to have high Sphagnum cover, and to have low abundance of specific microsites with small mosses and hepatics. Vegetation gradients related to soil moisture and microtopography were found for both aspects. A strong gradient in species composition related to tree influence at within-stand scales was found, with variation in species number. Existence of such a gradient should provide for significant biotic effects (of short or long duration) of the environmental changes that take place during forest re-growth: (1) the immediate creation of small or large tree-layer gaps by tree felling; and (2) the closing of the tree layer during the regeneration phase. Most notably, the phases at which the tree layer reaches minimum and maximum cover, respectively, may act as ‘bottlenecks’ for survival of forest-floor species. We conclude that forestry impacts understorey vegetation by way of changes in tree-layer structure and, to a lesser extent, substrate availability and the local environment, during forest regrowth. The extent and duration of this impact will depend on a complex set of factors. Our results are consistent with the view that if maintenance of species diversity is aimed at, environmental considerations should be built into forest management practices, preferably by mimicking the natural structural dynamics of the tree layer. Keywords: Environmental factors; Forest management; Old-growth; Ordination; Species abundance; Species composition; Species number; Spruce forest; Tree structure; V.egetation
39296	Thorn S., Bässler C., Bernhardt-Römermann M., Cadotte M., Heibl C., Schäfer H., Seibold S. & Müller J. (2016): Changes in the dominant assembly mechanism drive species loss caused by declining resources. - Ecology Letters, 19: 163–170. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12548. The species–energy hypothesis predicts that more productive areas support higher species richness. Conversely, when resources are reduced, species richness is reduced. Empirical tests of whether extinctions are predominantly caused by environmental constraints or competitive exclusion are lacking. We experimentally reduced dead wood to c. 15% of the initial amount after a major windstorm and examined changes in assembly mechanisms by combining trait-based and evolutionary species dissimilarities of eight taxonomic groups, differing in their dependence on dead wood (saproxylic/non-saproxylic). Species richness and assembly mechanisms of non-saproxylic taxa remained largely unaffected by removal of dead wood. By contrast, extinctions of saproxylic species were caused by reversing the predominant assembly mechanisms (e.g. increasing importance of competitive exclusion for communities assembled through environmental filtering or vice versa). We found no evidence for an intensification of the predominant assembly mechanism (e.g. competitive exclusion becoming stronger in a competitively structured community). Keywords: Dead wood ecology, forest biodiversity, functional traits, phylogenetic diversity, salvage logging, saproxylic.
39295	Miller J.E.D., Villella J., Kofranek D. & Clark J. (2026): Recreational trails reduce lichen and bryophyte diversity and the occurrence of rare species. - Journal of Applied Ecology, 63(2): e70298 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70298. Increasing recreational use of natural areas may pose a threat to biodiversity, particularly in sensitive high-elevation ecosystems. Lichens and bryophytes (collectively termed cryptogams here) contribute substantially to biodiversity in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, but their response to disturbance from recreation has rarely been studied. We inventoried lichen and bryophyte communities and analysed impacts of disturbance and environmental variables at four study areas in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. The study areas ranged from low-elevation, wet temperate forests to alpine environments and adjacent subalpine forests. A total of 77 liverwort taxa, 203 lichen taxa, and 195 moss taxa were found across all study areas, for a total of 475 cryptogam taxa. We found that cryptogam richness increased with increasing distance from trails across all study sites, even as far as 75 m from trails. Negative effects of visitor use on cryptogam communities appeared to be particularly pronounced in alpine areas. Rare cryptogam occurrences were associated with less trampled, wetter, and rockier sites in the alpine zone; we did not identify any drivers of rare cryptogam occurrences in forest areas. Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight that ecological impacts of recreational use may extend great distances from trails and other heavily used areas. Additional efforts by land managers to prevent visitors from walking off-trail in heavily visited areas could help conserve lichen and bryophyte diversity. Kezwords: biodiversity, bryophytes, conservation, cryptogams, disturbance, lichens, recreation, trails.
39294	Donis J., Pentjuša L., Gerra-Inohosa L., Zdors L., Bambe B., Meiere D., Pilate D., Straupe I., Jansons A. & Libiete Z. (2025): Conservation values in set-aside black alder forests adjacent to managed stands: short-term changes. - iForest, 18: 319–326. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor4782-018. Forests dominated by black alder (Alnus glutinosa) potentially support habitats with high biological diversity, including rare and endangered species with specific demands for the habitat. However, the knowledge on the response of set aside black alder forests to adjacent stand management is still insufficient for planning sustainable forest management and requires additional studies on the dynamics of complex organism groups. We conducted repeated inventories of ground vegetation, epiphytic lichens, polypores, and mollusks in the periphery and interior of 10 set-aside black alder-dominated forest stands in Latvia over seven years after adjacent forest management, to determine the response of these organism groups. Our results showed that the diversity of the studied organism groups either remained unchanged or increased from 2004 to 2011. The volume of dead wood increased significantly in all studied plots and correlated positively with polypore abundance and species diversity. We observed an increase in mollusk species number in the stand interior, but not in the periphery plots. No significant spatial differences in forest stand parameters or species diversity were found between stand interior and periphery plots in either the first or the second survey. The obtained results suggested that the 60-meter periphery zone was able to maintain species richness and diversity similar to the interior, highlighting the importance of black alder-dominated forests in supporting species diversity across the studied organism groups. Keywords: Vegetation, Mollusks, Polypores, Species Diversity, Stand Periphery, Stand Interior.
39293	Schall P., Gossner M.M., Heinrichs S., Fischer M., Boch S., Prati D., Jung K., Baumgartner V., Blaser S., Böhm S., Buscot F., Daniel R., Goldmann K., Kaiser K., Kahl T., Lange M., Müller J., Overmann J., Renner S.C., Schulze E.D., Sikorski J., Tschapka M., Türke M., Weisser W.W., Wemheuer B., Wubet T. & Ammer C. (2018): The impact of even-aged and uneven-aged forest management on regional biodiversity of multiple taxa in European beech forests. - Journal of Applied Ecology, 55: 267–278. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12950. For managed temperate forests, conservationists and policymakers favour fine-grained uneven-aged (UEA) management over more traditional coarse-grained even-aged (EA) management, based on the assumption that within-stand habitat heterogeneity enhances biodiversity. There is, however, little empirical evidence to support this assumption. We investigated for the first time how differently grained forest management systems affect the biodiversity of multiple above- and below-ground taxa across spatial scales. We sampled 15 taxa of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria within the largest contiguous beech forest landscape of Germany and classified them into functional groups. Selected forest stands have been managed for more than a century at different spatial grains. The EA (coarse-grained management) and UEA (fine-grained) forests are comparable in spatial arrangement, climate and soil conditions. These were compared to forests of a nearby national park that have been unmanaged for at least 20 years. We used diversity accumulation curves to compare γ-diversity for Hill numbers 0D (species richness), 1D (Shannon diversity) and 2D (Simpson diversity) between the management systems. Beta diversity was quantified as multiple-site dissimilarity. Gamma diversity was higher in EA than in UEA forests for at least one of the three Hill numbers for six taxa (up to 77%), while eight showed no difference. Only bacteria showed the opposite pattern. Higher γ-diversity in EA forests was also found for forest specialists and saproxylic beetles. Between-stand β-diversity was higher in EA than in UEA forests for one-third (all species) and half (forest specialists) of all taxa, driven by environmental heterogeneity between age-classes, while α-diversity showed no directional response across taxa or for forest specialists. Synthesis and applications. Comparing EA and uneven-aged forest management in Central European beech forests, our results show that a mosaic of different age-classes is more important for regional biodiversity than high within-stand heterogeneity. We suggest reconsidering the current trend of replacing even-aged management in temperate forests. Instead, the variability of stages and stand structures should be increased to promote landscape-scale biodiversity.
39292	Myllys L., Svensson M., Kantvilas G., Sérusiaux E., van den Boom P., Aptroot A., Cezanne R., Eichler M., Pino-Bodas R., Printzen C., Pykälä J., Thor G., Westberg M., Weber L. & Kantelinen A. (2026): The first comprehensive multilocus phylogeny of the lichenized genus Micarea (Ectolechiaceae, Ascomycota). - Taxon, 75(1): e70087 [35 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70087. Micarea is a crustose cosmopolitan lichen genus that belongs to the euascomycete class Lecanoromycetes. Recent molecular phylogenies on the genus based on one to three loci have mostly focused on Micarea s.str., including the type species M. prasina, and suggested that Micarea s.l. is paraphyletic. The remainder of the genus remains more poorly studied, and infrageneric delimitations and the phylogenetic position of many taxa are still insufficiently known. The aim of this study is to generate, for the first time, a multilocus phylogeny for Micarea that includes all the main lineages in order to assess phylogenetic relationships in the genus. We specifically examine whether Micarea is monophyletic and whether a broader sampling and the addition of further gene regions can increase the resolution and support in the backbone, and result in a more resolved and better-supported phylogeny of Micarea as a whole. The phylogeny of Micarea was reconstructed using five loci (mtSSU rDNA, Mcm7, nuITS rDNA, RPB1, RPB2) from a world-wide sample of 314 Micarea specimens representing 102 species. 970 new sequences were produced for this study, including molecular data from 18 previously unsequenced species. In the combined analyses, Micarea s.l. is resolved as a monophyletic group if Fellhaneropsis and Szczawinskia are included, and consists of several strongly supported clades. Furthermore, Micareopsis is included in Micarea based on the separate phylogeny of the Mcm7 dataset. We discuss different alternatives to classify the clades and consider the mesogeneric approach as the currently most reasonable taxonomic solution, i.e., to treat the clade containing M. crassipes and relatives, the sister clade to the rest of Micarea, as a separate genus under the name Helocarpon, and to include the remaining clades in the genus Micarea. We reduce Szczawinskia to synonymy with Micarea but conclude that more data are needed to resolve the status of Fellhaneropsis and Micareopsis. Despite morphological and chemical variation, the infrageneric clades can often be characterized by a combination of several phenotypic characters, including thallus structure, ascospore and conidial morphology, and the occurrence of different pigments and secondary substances. Some of the characters are exclusive (such as the secondary substances methoxymicareic acid, prasinic acid, and micareic acid) or almost so (goniocyst thallus structure) for the core group of the genus, i.e., the M. prasina clade. Our study shows that the genus contains as yet undescribed diversity. Four lineages are described as new species: Micarea arthonioides, M. athromelaena, M. lignosorediata and M. regalis. Keywords: classification; generic delimitation; lichen; new species; synapomorphy; taxonomy.
39291	Wilson P.G., Mosyakin S.L., Blanchon D.J. & de Lange P.J. (2025): (3122) Proposal to conserve the name Caloplaca mooreae (lichenized Ascomycota) against Caloplaca ‘L. B. Moorii’. - Taxon, 74(6): 1576. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70079.
39290	Kaufmann S., Delp M., Heinze D., Kreimeyer L., Rosenbach M. & Hauck M. (2026): Tree species choice by forest management and biodiversity: Replacing Abies alba by Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii drives epiphytes to higher elevations. - Forest Ecology and Management, 605: 123501 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123501. Pseudotsuga menziesii is considered as a replacement tree species for the drought-sensitive Picea abies in Central European forests, which was often cultivated outside its natural elevational distribution range. Hence, the natural tree species composition at lower elevations was replaced mostly by Picea abies, which in turn is partly displaced by Pseudotsuga menziesii. How epiphytic bryophytes and lichens respond to such alterations of the natural tree species composition has been only insufficiently studied so far. Hence, we compared taxonomic and functional diversity patterns of epiphytes between each 48 tree individuals of Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii with native Abies alba along an elevation gradient in temperate mountain forests of southwest Germany. Lichen α- and γ-diversity was significantly higher on Abies alba, whereas no difference was found for bryophytes. Our models indicated that stem diameter and elevation as well as Abies alba, contrary to Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii, favoured lichen richness. Again, no impact on bryophyte richness was detectable. Trait-based analysis revealed that Pseudotsuga menziesii was preferred by acidophytes. Especially lichen species with the secondary metabolite fumarprotocetraric acid were apparently able to colonize the highly acidic bark. Contrary to this, lichens with parietin and usnic acid avoided Douglas fir and were rather associated with Picea abies and Abies alba, which was also strongly preferred by liverworts and obligate epiphytic bryophytes. Threshold indicator taxa analysis identified epiphyte communities already increasing in abundance at ∼750 m a.s.l. on Abies alba, but only at ∼950 m a.s.l. on Picea abies and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Abies alba turned out to be a very valuable tree species for epiphytic bryophytes and lichens compared to non-native Pseudotsuga menziesii and Picea abies, when cultivated outside its natural range. At lower elevations, epiphytes do not seem to have the capability to adapt to Douglas fir and spruce under the present climate, but only at higher elevations under further increased humidity levels. This suggests that the anthropogenic change in tree species composition pushed epiphytes of the natural forest vegetation towards higher elevations. Keywords: Biodiversity; Bryophytes; Functional diversity; Elevational gradient; Forest management; Lichens; Lichen substances.
39289	Santi E., Maccherini S., Rocchini D., Bonini I., Brunialti G., Favilli L., Perini C., Pezzo F., Piazzini S., Rota E., Salerni E. & Chiarucci A. (2010): Simple to sample: Vascular plants as surrogate group in a nature reserve. - Journal for Nature Conservation, 18(1): 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2009.02.003. One of the basic tools to quantify biodiversity is based on the use of surrogate species. Such groups of species are easily assessed and may reflect the diversity of other important and less easily detectable taxa (cross-taxon surrogacy). Among these key groups of species, the vascular plant flora has great potential in determining diversity of other groups, since in terrestrial ecosystems it constitutes the bulk of total biomass and provides the physical structure for other organisms. The cross-taxon congruence of species diversity (species richness and species composition) among vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, oligochaetes, butterflies and birds was investigated with special attention to testing the potential role of vegetation as surrogate for the other studied taxa. The 271ha Nature Reserve “Bosco di S. Agnese” (Tuscany, Italy) characterised by evergreen Mediterranean woodlands, scrublands, garigues, xeric grasslands and cultivations was used as study area. A multi-scale sampling design, based on a restricted random selection of plots, was used to get information about vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, oligochaetes, butterflies and birds. The congruence in species richness and composition among the different taxa was tested by Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Most of the pair-wise comparisons showed weak and statistically not significant correlations for both species richness and compositional data, indicating a limited cross-taxon congruence. Species richness of vascular plants was significantly correlated only to that of birds and butterflies. Compositional patterns were congruent only between vascular plants and butterflies. The results of this study indicated that neither vascular plants nor any other taxonomic group is a valid surrogate in this nature reserve. Keywords: Conservation biology; Cross-taxon congruence; Species composition; Species richness; Surrogate.
39288	Staniaszek-Kik M., Żarnowiec J. & Chmura D. (2016): The vascular plant colonization on decaying Picea abies logs in Karkonosze mountain forest belts: the effects of forest community type, cryptogam cover, log decomposition and forest management. - European Journal of Forest Research, 135: 1145–1157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-016-1001-8. Among the vascular plants there is a lack of the typical epixylous species but they are a constant component on decaying wood. Their distribution patterns on this kind of substrate seem to be the least known among phototrophs. A total of 454 dead logs of Picea abies were analyzed with regard to cover of vascular plants and the independent morphometric features of logs and altitude. Four types of forest were compared, and the frequency and cover of the most frequent species were analyzed across the forest communities along the decomposition stage. Among the logs that were studied, 292 were colonized by vascular plants. The highest number of colonized logs was recorded in Calamagrostio villosae-Piceetum and the lowest in a deciduous beech forest of the Fagetalia order. Detrended correspondence analysis revealed that the dead logs occurring in the four forest communities differed significantly in species composition. Constrained correspondence analysis showed that six variables significantly explained the species variation, i.e., altitude, shade, moisture, decomposition stage, cover of bryophytes and status of forest (protected vs. managed). The results of the indicator value method indicated that of the 34 found species, ten could be treated as indicator species for the forest communities that were analyzed. The statistical analysis did not confirm significant role of coarse woody debris as a secondary habitat for rare and protected vascular plants. Keywords: Spruce ; Central Europe ; Decomposed wood ; Montane forests ; Forest management.
39287	Kärvemo S., Jönsson M., Hekkala A.M., Sjögren J. & Strengbom J. (2021): Multi-taxon conservation in northern forest hot-spots: the role of forest characteristics and spatial scales. - Landscape Ecology, 36: 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-021-01205-x. Context: Biodiversity is highly affected by industrial forestry, which leads to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. To date, most conservation studies have evaluated associations among a single species group, forest type, or spatial scale. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the richness of multiple species groups across various forest types and characteristics at multiple scales. Methods: We used the occurrence data for 277 species of conservation interest from 455 stands of high conservation value, including four species groups and four forest types. Results: Local, landscape, and regional forest characteristics influenced biodiversity in a non-uniform pattern among species groups and forest types. For example, an increased local spruce basal area in spruce forests was associated with higher vascular plant and bryophyte richness values, whereas macrofungi and lichen richness were positively correlated with deadwood availability, but negatively correlated with the spruce volume in the landscape. Furthermore, landscapes with twice as much mature forest as the average, had more than 50% higher richness values for vascular plants, macrofungi, and lichens. Conclusion: Among sessile species groups in northern forests, a uniform conservation strategy across forest types and scales is suboptimal. A multi-faceted strategy that acknowledges differences among species groups and forest types with tailored measures to promote richness is likely to be more successful. Nevertheless, the single most common measure associated with high richness across the species groups and forest types was mature forest in the landscape, which suggests that increasing old forests in the landscape is a beneficial conservation strategy.
39286	Dolnik C. (2024): Die Flechten von Norderoog und Süderoog. - Seevögel, 3/2004: 14–19. .
39285	Vondrák J., Hauser T., Malíček J., Palice Z. & Machač J. (2026): CHKO Soutok – významné útočiště vzácných nížinných lišejníků. - Živa, 1/2026: 38–40. .
39284	Yang Z.-H., Wang J.-X., Li R.-T. & Zhang L.-L. (2026): Oxneriaria jiuquanensis (Megasporaceae, lichenized Ascomycota), a new species from China. - Phytotaxa, 741(1): 98–106. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.9. A new species Oxneriaria jiuquanensis is reported from China based on morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic evidence. It is characterized by verrucose-areolate thallus with peripherally elongated areoles, indistinct prothallus, sessile and lecanorine apothecia, weakly pruinose discs, ascospores 12.5–17.5 × 7.5–10 μm, moniliform paraphyses, and the presence of substictic acid. Detailed descriptions of morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic characteristics, as well as illustrations of the new species, are provided. A world-wide key to the species of genus Oxneriaria is also provided. Key words: crustose lichen, lichenized fungi, Megasporaceae, taxonomy.
39283	Nascimbene J., Fontana V. & Spitale D. (2014): A multi-taxon approach reveals the effect of management intensity on biodiversity in Alpine larch grasslands. - Science of The Total Environment, 487: 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.013. In the Alps, larch grasslands form one of the most pleasing aspects of the landscape. However, their effectiveness in contributing to biodiversity conservation may depend on the intensity of their management. We used a multi-taxon approach to evaluate the effects of the intensification of management practices and those of abandonment on the biodiversity of the main autotrophic organisms hosted in this habitat, including vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. The study was carried out in the eastern part of South Tyrol, in the Italian Alps, where the diversity patterns of these three organismal groups were compared among intensively managed, extensively managed, and abandoned stands. The management intensity was found to strongly influence the biodiversity of the organisms, with a general pattern indicating the best conditions in extensively managed stands. Both abandonment and management intensification were detrimental to biodiversity through different mechanisms that led to species loss or to major shifts in species composition. However, the most negative effects were related to management intensification, mainly due to the high nitrogen supply, providing evidence for the increasing impact of eutrophication on Alpine environments.
39282	Bae S., Heidrich L., Levick S.R., Gossner M.M., Seibold S., Weisser W.W., Magdon P., Serebryanyk A., Bässler C., Schäfer D., Schulze E.-D., Doerfler I., Müller J., Jung K., Heurich M., Fischer M., Roth N., Schall P., Boch S., Wöllauer S., Renner S.C. & Müller J. (2021): Dispersal ability, trophic position and body size mediate species turnover processes: Insights from a multi-taxa and multi-scale approach. - Diversity and Distributions, 27: 439–453. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13204. Aim: Despite increasing interest in β-diversity, that is the spatial and temporal turnover of species, the mechanisms underlying species turnover at different spatial scales are not fully understood, although they likely differ among different functional groups. We investigated the relative importance of dispersal limitations and the environmental filtering caused by vegetation for local, multi-taxa forest communities differing in their dispersal ability, trophic position and body size. Location: Temperate forests in five regions across Germany. Methods: In the inter-region analysis, the independent and shared effects of the regional spatial structure (regional species pool), landscape spatial structure (dispersal limitation) and environmental factors on species turnover were quantified with a 1-ha grain across 11 functional groups in up to 495 plots by variation partitioning. In the intra-region analysis, the relative importance of three environmental factors related to vegetation (herb and tree layer composition and forest physiognomy) and spatial structure for species turnover was determined. Results: In the inter-region analysis, over half of the explained variation in community composition (23% of the total explained 35%) was explained by the shared effects of several factors, indicative of spatially structured environmental filtering. Among the independent effects, environmental factors were the strongest on average over 11 groups, but the importance of landscape spatial structure increased for less dispersive functional groups. In the intra-region analysis, the independent effect of plant species composition had a stronger influence on species turnover than forest physiognomy, but the relative importance of the latter increased with increasing trophic position and body size. Main conclusions: Our study revealed that the mechanisms structuring assemblage composition are associated with the traits of functional groups. Hence, conservation frameworks targeting biodiversity of multiple groups should cover both environmental and biogeographical gradients. Within regions, forest management can enhance β-diversity particularly by diversifying tree species composition and forest physiognomy. Keywords: body size, dispersal ability, environmental filtering, forest physiognomy, neutral processes, plant composition, regional species pool, species turnover, trophic position, β-diversity.
39281	Jaskólska J., Timdal E., Ossowska E.A., Möller E.J., Szczepańska K. & Kukwa M. (2025): Morphological variation of Rehmia furfurosa (Rhizocarpaceae, lichenized Ascomycota), with the first record from Poland and potential species distribution map generated using ecological niche modelling. - Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae, 94: 213792 [14 p.]. DOI: 10.5586/asbp/213792. Rehmia furfurosa (formerly Rhizocarpon furfurosum) was historically classified within the genus Rhizocarpon and placed in the brown subgenus Phaeothallus because of the absence of rhizocarpic acid in the thallus. This rare species is found only in Europe and predominantly grows on metal-rich substrates. This species often occurs in a sterile form, making its identification difficult. Here, we report the first records of R. furfurosa in Poland, accompanied by nuITS rDNA sequences of the species from both Norwegian and Polish specimens. In Polish specimens, we observed greater variation in the septation and size of ascospores compared to the protologue, as we found truly muriform ascospores, which are larger than previously reported. In addition, because of the lack of nomenclatural type of Rhizocarpon obscuratum f. granulosum (a synonym of Rehmia furfurosa), a lectotype is here designed. Additionally, by integrating GBIF records with explanatory raster data on heavy metals in European topsoils, we present a species distribution map generated using maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt). The most significant heavy metal predictors of R. furfurosa were lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, silicon, and aluminum. The final model identified regions with the highest habitat suitability, mainly in mountainous areas, and highlighted potential new locations where the species may occur. Keywords: Rhizocarpales; Phaeothallus; ITS rDNA; spatial analysis; spatial thinning; heavy metals; lectotype.
39280	He L.-Z., Wu W., Bo H.-Y., Chai L.-S., Jayawardena R.S., Liang S., Meng Q.-F. & Fu S.-B. (2026): Two new lichenized species and a new record from Guizhou, China. - MycoKeys, 128: 73–96. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.128.170469. Two new lichenized species, Chicitaea yueliangshanensis and Coniocarpon chishuiense are described through the combination of morphological characteristics, chemical profiling and phylogenetic analyses, along with a new geographical record of Synarthonia inconspicua, collected from Guizhou, China. Chicitaea yueliangshanensis is characterized by prominent lecanorine apothecia with a black, epruinose, ± flat disc and lacking isidia and soredia. This species contains perlatolic acid, 2’-O-methylperlatolic acid and an unidentified lichen substance. It forms a well-supported singleton based on both ML and Bayesian analyses in the phylogenetic tree. Another new species, Coniocarpon chishuiense is distinguished by irregularly rounded to elliptical ascomata with epruinose disc and the presence of psoromic acid along with an unknown compound. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and a compiled species checklist summarizing diagnostic features are provided. Key words: 2 new species, geographical record, lichenized fungi, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy.
39279	Dart J., Knudsen K., Kondrysová E., Maliček J. & Kocourková J. (2025): Acarospora carrizoensis: A new lichen species (Acarosporales, Acarosporaceae) from the Carrizo Plain National Monument in central California. - Bulletin of the California Lichen Society, 32/2: 8–12. . We describe Acarospora carrizoensis (Acarosporaceae) as a new species of saxicolous lichen from Carrizo Plain National Monument in central California. The total number of taxa in the family Acarosporaceae documented during preliminary lichen floristic surveys of the Monument is now at 22 species, with at least one more new species to be described. Keywords: Acarosporaceae, Acarospora americana, biodiversity, Southwestern North America.
39278	Malíček J. (2025): Pozoruhodná lokalita lišejníků na železniční trati u Střezimíře ve středních Čechách. - Bryonora, 76: 1–10. . Lichens in railway cuttings have rarely been studied in detail, yet these habitats may host pioneer species of conservation concern. An abandoned railway corridor near Střezimíř (Central Bohemia), disused since 2022 and currently threatened by planned infill, was surveyed. During a half-day field survey conducted in August 2024, 49 lichen species were documented, including nine taxa listed in the Red List of the Czech Republic. The most remarkable record is Stereocaulon tomentosum, previously considered nationally extinct. Other noteworthy finds include Caeruleum heppii, Cladonia conista, C. peziziformis, Lempholemma chalazanum, Scytinium tenuissimum, Stereocaulon dactylophyllum, and Vezdaea leprosa. Particularly diverse assemblages were found on soil crusts of the railway ballast, while saxicolous lichens were found to colonise gravel and paragneiss rocks of the cutting. Iron-enriched rocks supported specialists such as Lecanora epanora and Myriospora tangerina. DNA barcoding further revealed two probably undescribed taxa (Bacidina sp. and Psoroglaena sp.). The site thus represents a valuable refugium for early-successional communities and rare lichens in an otherwise lichen-impoverished agricultural landscape. Without appropriate management, however, progressing vegetation succession is likely to threaten its conservation value.
39277	Malíček J. (2025): Lišejníky NPR Drbákov-Albertovy skály ve středním Povltaví. - Bryonora, 76: 11–43. . Drbákov-Albertovy skály National Nature Reserve (61,03 ha; 270– 474 m a.s.l.) represents one of the most prominent natural sites of the Middle Vltava region, well known for its diverse geology, vegetation and high conservation value. Key habitats include extensive rocks locally enriched with calcium or iron, formerly coppiced scree forests with Taxus baccata, and small heathlands. Despite the absence of historical records, the lichens of the area have been studied relatively intensively during the past two decades, with several important finds published, including taxa new to the Czech Republic and even species described as new to science. In this study, I summarise the results of twelve field excursions carried out between 2020 and 2025, complemented with data from earlier surveys. Altogether, 260 lichen taxa, five lichenicolous fungi and eight non-lichenised fungi traditionally studied by lichenologists have recently been recorded, of which 42 species (~16%) are red-listed in the Czech Republic. Combined with previous data, the total number of lichens known from the reserve reaches 295 taxa. Saxicolous lichens clearly dominate (147 species), followed by epiphytes, terricolous and lignicolous taxa. Peccania corallina, Verrucaria bulgarica, and Xanthoparmelia perrugata are published here as new to the Czech Republic. A few other recorded species (from genera Chaenotheca sp., Sagedia sp., and Verrucaria sp.) are potentially undescribed. Absconditella trivialis, Arthonia atra, A. granitophila, A. thoriana, Catillaria atomarioides, Diploschistes euganeus, Lecidea fuscoatrina, L. sarcogynoides, Pyrenula nitidella, Rhizocarpon oederi, R. simillimum, Rimularia insularis, Rinodina moziana, Rufoplaca griseomarginata, and Sparria endlicheri represent other remarkable records. DNA barcoding (ITS, mtSSU) was applied to verify the identity of 23 specimens. The results underline the exceptional importance of Drbákov-Albertovy skály for lichen diversity in Central Bohemia and contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of several rare and taxonomically critical lichens in the Czech Republic.
39276	Peksa O., Bouda F., Dvořák L., Malíček J., Palice Z., Šoun J. & Uhlík P. (2025): Zajímavé nálezy lišejníků a lichenikolních hub ze západních Čech IV. - Erica, 32: 3–34. . We present here interesting records of 69 lichens (incl. one semilichen) and 13 lichenicolous fungi from Western Bohemia (Pilsen and Karlovy Vary Regions). In total, 42 recorded taxa belong to important categories of the Red list of lichens of the Czech Republic according to DaLiBor for 2023: C1 (critically endangered species – 6 taxa), C2 (strongly endangered species – 8) and C3 (endangered species – 30). Four taxa (Arthonia coronata, Porpidia flavocruenta, Thelenella modesta and Zyzygomyces aipoliae) are new for the Czech Republic. Lecidea albofuscescens, until recently considered extinct in the Czech Republic, was recorded after more than 60 years at its second locality in the country. Keywords: biodiversity, expanding species, first records for country, lichen-forming fungi, rare species.
39275	Kray R., Weckesser M., Dornes A.P. & Greinwald K. (2025): Neue und bemerkenswerte Funde von Flechten und lichenicolen Pilzen im Schwarzwald und angrenzenden Regionen. - Herzogia, 38: 336–355. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.336. Seventy-three taxa are treated, 70 of which are lichens and three are lichenicolous fungi. Verrucaria alutacea and Biatora vacciniicola are new to Germany. The following six taxa are reported as new to Baden-Württemberg: Lepraria humida, Micarea coppinsii, Physcia clementei, Polycoccum microcarpum, Tephromela atra var. torulosa and Vezdaea rheocarpa. Seven species considered extinct in Baden-Württemberg have been rediscovered: Bacidia friesiana, Blastenia ferruginea, Collema glebulentum, Gyalecta derivata, Gyalideopsis piceicola, Mycobilimbia tetramera and Peltula euploca. Current findings are reported for numerous other species that are considered extremely rare or threatened with extinction according to the Red Lists of Germany and Baden-Württemberg. Where considered useful, the ecology, the distribution in the other federal states and characteristics relevant for identification are discussed. Key words: Germany, lichen diversity, lichenized fungi, red list, threatened species, Baden-Württemberg.
39274	Malíček J. & Steinová J. (2025): Contribution to lichen biota of the Krkonoše Mountains, the highest Czech mountain range. - Herzogia, 38: 308–335. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.308. The Krkonoše Mountains (Giant Mountains), straddling the border between the Czech Republic and Poland, represent a unique natural region in Central Europe, featuring Mount Sněžka (1,603 m), the highest peak in the Czech Republic. This area is protected by two national parks and is particularly notable for its rare arctic-alpine tundra habitat, covering approximately 47 square kilometers, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation and harbors numerous glacial relict and endemic species. This study initiated a new survey of the local lichen biota in the Czech part of the Krkonoše Mountains through excursions conducted between 2011 and 2024. Our research prioritized the highest peaks to capture high-mountain species threatened by climate change. We report here 270 lichen taxa and 3 lichenicolous/non-lichenized fungi from 43 localities. Four species are new to the Czech Republic: Lepraria celata, Miriquidica invadens, M. subplumbea, and Rimularia gyrizans. Three species are potentially new to science: Bacidina aff. assulata, Porpidia aff. islandica and Rhizocarpon aff. lavatum. Lecidella patavina, Porpidia pachythallina, and Toniniopsis dissimilis are reported from their second localities in the Czech Republic. Ochrolechia frigida and Porina mammillosa were collected on unusual substrates – as epiphytes. We hypothesize that Lecanora latro and L. leptacina represent ecological forms of a single species. Other remarkable records are represented by Alectoria nigricans, Allantoparmelia alpicola, Arctoparmelia incurva, Bellemerea diamarta, Cladonia crispata, Fuscidea austera, Helocarpon crassipes, Lecanora latro, Lecidea auriculata, Micarea marginata, Miriquidica garovaglii, M. pycnocarpa, Protoparmelia memnonia, P. phaeonesos, Psorinia conglomerata, Umbilicaria crustulosa, U. nylanderiana, and U. proboscidea. Key words: arctic-alpine lichens, arctic-alpine tundra, biodiversity, saxicolous lichens.
39273	Fiorentino J. (2025): An annotated checklist of the lichens of the Maltese Islands (Mediterranean). - Herzogia, 38: 356–389. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.356. An updated, annotated checklist based on the evaluation of herbarium material and twenty-five years of fieldwork on the Maltese Islands is presented. A total of two hundred and thirty-eight species of lichenised fungi are listed, of which, one hundred are new records for the islands. Key words: Biodiversity, lichenised fungi, limestone, southern Europe.
39272	Zhurbenko M.P. (2025): Lichenicolous fungi from the Holarctic. Part VI: Four new taxa, a new combination, and new records. - Herzogia, 38: 464–482. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.464. Three species and one variety of lichenicolous fungi are described as new to science: Dacampia joshii (on Rusavskia elegans), Endococcus leptogiicola (on Scytinium imbricatum), Lichenochora epidesertorum var. taimyrica (on Gyalolechia bracteata), and Niesslia sibirica (on Peltigera leucophlebia). A new combination, Capronia peltigericola, is also proposed. An unusual Karsteniomyces anamorph of a Scutula species growing on Peltigera polydactylon, as well as Geltingia associata s. lat., found on the unusual host lichen genus Lecidea, are both described and illustrated. Lichenochora sedelnikoviorum is newly reported from Svalbard and Europe, occurring on the new host genus Scytinium, while Phacographa protoparmeliae is recorded for the first time in Asia. Key words: India, Russia, Svalbard, USA, lichen-dwelling fungi, taxonomy.
39271	Brackel W. v. & Wirth V. (2025): Flechtenbewohnende Pilze aus der Rhön (Deutschland). - Herzogia, 38: 453–463. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.453. A review of the Rességuier herbarium (Lichens of the Rhön), supplemented by findings from the Rhön by V. Wirth, resulted in a list of 33 taxa of lichenicolous fungi. Among these, Sclerococcum australe is new to Germany; Endococcus rugulosus, Roselliniopsis tartaricola and Stigmidium eucline are new to Hesse and several species are new to the Rhön. Two undescribed species of the genera Crittendenia and Endococcus are sketched. The nomenclatural story of Bryostigma lapidicola and related misunderstandings are discussed. Key words: Germany, Bavaria, Hesse, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota.
39270	Toksun D., Tumur A., Iqbal M.S. & Seaward M.R.D. (2025): Diversity of microlichens in the Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China. - Herzogia, 38: 428–452. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.428. The Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China, is outstanding for its high biodiversity, including lichens. The present study aims to characterize microlichen diversity and compare distribution patterns in relation to elevation. Surveys were conducted during June to August from 2022 to 2024 using floristic sampling methods across a wide range of habitats. Morphological, chemical and molecular studies revealed 71 microlichen species belonging to 27 genera and 13 families, the most dominant one being the Lecanoraceae (20 spp. & 28.2 %), followed by Megasporaceae (14 spp. & 19.7 %) and Acarosporaceae (9 spp. & 12.7 %). Among the different substrata, strictly saxicolous lichens were dominant with 48 species (67.6 %), followed by corticolous lichens with 10 species (14.1 %). The species abundance and diversity were lowest in muscicolous (4 spp. & 5.6 %) and terricolous lichens (2 spp. & 2.8 %). The total species richness of lichens has a unimodal relationship with elevation, with the highest number of 55 species occurring between altitudes 1101–1500 m, and the lowest number of 18 species at 900 –1100 m. The dominant families showed a significantly curvilinear relationship. Lecanoraceae peaked with a maximum species richness of 20 species at 1101–1500 m and a minimum species richness of 9 species at 900 –1100 m. A maximum richness of 11 species for Megasporaceae occurs at 1501–2000 m, and 6 species for Acarosporaceae at 1101–1500 m. Key words: Distribution pattern, altitude, substrate, species abundance, protection.
39269	Dose S., Nimis P.L., Muggia L. & Gasparyan A. (2025): A contribution to the lichenological knowledge of Armenia. - Herzogia, 38: 390–404. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.390. Small, sporadic collections of lichens and lichenicolous fungi in 11 sites of Armenia were carried out in late summer 2024, producing a list of 151 infrageneric taxa, 50 of which proved to be new to Armenia. They are published here as a contribution to a forthcoming new checklist for the country. Furthermore, two new combinations are here proposed: Glaucomaria rupicola subsp. subplanata (Nyl.) Dose & Nimis comb. nov. and Protoparmeliopsis muralis var. subcartilaginea (A.Massal. ex Poelt) Dose & Nimis comb. nov. Key words: Biodiversity, Caucasus, lichens, lichenicolous fungi.
39268	Knudsen K., Kocourková J., Kondrysová E., Jedličková L., Hollinger J., Noell N., Leavitt S., Manzitto-Tripp E. & Watts J.L. (2025): Five new species of Acarosporaceae (Acarosporales, Lecanoromycetes) from southwestern North America. - Herzogia, 38: 405–427. https://doi.org/10.13158/heia.38.2.2025.405. Five new species of Acarosporaceae are described from southwestern North America: Acarospora alboparasitica, A. dividens, Sarcogyne alpina, S. basialba, and S. diffusa from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. We publish new sequences of A. rouxii, A. subcontigua, A. subcontigua var. invadens and Sarcogyne dakotensis from North America and A. marcii, A. saxonica, and S. oceanica from Europe. Neoacrodontiella is rejected as an eighth genus of Acarosporaceae. Key words: Acarospora similis, calciphytes, Colorado, desert species, Joshua Tree National Park, lichenicolous lichens, Mexico, Nevada, Utah, montane species, red pigmented epihymenial accretions.
39267	Sarhan M.S., Abdalrahem A., Maixner F. & Fuchsberger C. (2026): De novo assembly of complete circular mitochondrial genomes from 2,695 fungal species. - Scientific Data, 13: 28 [5 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-06447-x. Fungal mitochondrial genomes are critical for understanding phylogenetics, evolution, and ecology of the Kingdom Fungi, yet they remain underrepresented in public databases. To address this, we developed a workflow to recover mitochondrial genomes from 12,902 fungal short read sequencing data housed in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) records, assembling complete circular genomes from 2,695 species. This effort expanded fungal mitochondrial genome diversity by nearly 2.3X particularly in understudied phyla such as Mucoromycota (11X increase) and Zoopagomycota (8X increase). The new dataset contains novel yet undescribed mitochondrial genomes at numerous taxonomic levels, including 15 classes, 64 orders, 178 families, and 544 genera. Taxonomic analysis revealed broad ecological representation among the top-assembled species, including human pathogens (e.g., Cryptococcus tetragattii), plant pathogens (e.g., Melampsora larici-populina), edible mushrooms (e.g., Suillus luteus), and industrial fungi. By leveraging the not yet fully exploited SRA sequencing data, this study fills critical gaps in fungal mitochondrial genomics, tripling the currently known mitochondrial genome diversity of the Kingdom Fungi, and provides an extensive resource for phylogenetic and evolutionary research.
39266	Le T.T.V., Nguyen T.L., Tram N.K.T., Luong T.T. & Vo T.P.G. (2024): Newly recorded corticolous lichens for Vietnam. - Taiwania, 69: 104–108. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.104. This study contributes to the diversity of Vietnamese lichens with four new records for the country, including Nigrovothelium bullatum and Pyrenula confinis in urban areas and Leptogium phyllocarpum and Gabura fascicularis in central highlands. Amongst these, G. fascicularis is the first record of Arctomiaceae in Vietnam. The morphology, distribution, ecology and illustrations of all four species are provided. Keyword: Arctomiaceae, Collemataceae, Gabura, Ho Chi Minh City, new records, Pyrenulaceae, Trypetheliaceae, urban lichen.
39265	Joshi Y., Bisht S. & Bansal P. (2025): Opegrapha acarosporae, a new lichenicolous fungus from India. - Taiwania, 70: 699–702. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.699. A new species of lichenicolous fungus from India – Opegrapha acarosporae, colonising the thallus of Acarospora fusca is described from the alpine region of Central Himalaya. The taxon is characterized by warty ascomata bearing 4-spored asci having uniseriately arranged 3-septate hyaline ascospores measuring (15–)18–23(–25) × (5–)7–8(–8.5) µm with a brown granular perispore. Keyword: Acarospora fusca, Arthoniales, Himalaya, new taxon, Opegrapha pulvinata, Opegraphaceae.
39264	Joshi Y., Bisht S., Bansal P. & Meena S. (2025): The lichenicolous genus Polycoccum Saut. ex Körb. from India. - Taiwania, 70: 474–479. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.474. Polycoccum rinodinae var. galligenum, the third taxon associated with the lichen genus Rinodina is described as a new variety to science from alpine regions of Uttarakhand, India. The new variety is primarily characterised by small, gall-like deformations on the thallus of its host, 8-spored asci, with 1-septate, hyaline to brown, uniseriately or irregularly arranged verruculose ascospores. Additionally, three other Polycoccum species are reported for the first time in India, expanding their known geographical distributions. These are: Polycoccum nigrosporum colonizing thallus of Buellia aethalea, P. rubellianae colonising thallus of Neobrownliella cinnabarina and P. rinodinae var. rinodinae colonising thallus of saxicolous species of Rinodina. Keyword: galls, Himalaya, new record, perithecioid ascomycetes, Polycoccum rinodinae var. galligenum, Rinodina.
39263	Ren Q., Yi L.-Q. & Sun Z.-S. (2025): Taxonomic novelties in Lepra (Ascomycota, Pertusariaceae): a new species from China and four new combinations for isidiate species. - Taiwania, 70: 339–342. doi: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.339. Lepra picrolichenica sp. nov., collected from Guangxi and Guangdong Provinces in China, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinguished by the cylindrical fragile isidia with pink or orange-red rounded apices and presence of picrolichenic acid. Four species of the lichen genus Pertusaria s.lat. are transferred to the genus Lepra Scop., and diagnostic characteristics of each species are briefly described. A key to all 14 isidiate species of Lepra lacking xanthones and occurring on bark is also provided. Keyword: Lepra picrolichenica, lichen-forming fungi, Ochrolechiaceae, Pertusaria, Pertusariales.
39262	Miyazawa K. & Ohmura Y. (2026): Noteworthy foliicolous lichens and a lichenicolous fungus collected from Okinawa Island, southern Japan. - Taiwania, 71: 159–184. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.159. Based on field surveys conducted from 2020 to 2024 on Okinawa Island, southern Japan, a total of 26 genera, 51 species, and one subspecies of foliicolous lichens, together with one lichenicolous fungus, were identified. Among them, seven foliicolous lichens are newly recorded from Japan, including Badimia polillensis, Byssoloma brunneodiscum, B. melanodiscocarpum (= B. discordans var. flavescens, syn. nov.), Gyalectidium imperfectum, Porina perminuta, Strigula pseudosubtilissima, and S. smaragdula subsp. multiformis (comb. & stat. nov.). An additional 39 species are newly recorded from Okinawa Island. A lichenicolous fungus, Hemigrapha strigulae, is reported from Asia for the first time. A total of 169 mtSSU sequences representing 48 species and eight nuITS sequences representing three species were newly generated. For 15 species, mtSSU sequences have been deposited in GenBank for the first time. These data provide the first molecular evidence for Microtheliopsis uleana, allowing a preliminary evaluation of its phylogenetic placement within Chaetothyriales. Strigula smaragdula subsp. novae-zelandiae (comb. & stat. nov.) is also proposed. Keyword: Asia, Ascomycota, lichenized fungi, mtSSU, nuITS, phylogeny, subspecies, taxonomy.
39261	Ren Q., Paukov A.G., Davydov E.A., Sohrabi M. & Alverdiyeva S. (2026): A new species of Circinaria (C. yiae) from China revealed by morphological and molecular evidence, with the elevation of C. hispidoides to species rank. - Taiwania, 71: 147–153. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.147. A survey of lichen diversity in the eastern Inner Mongolia (Northeast China) has revealed a new species of the genus Circinaria described herein based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species, Circinaria yiae, is characterized by its saxicolous, crustose, rimose to areolate, greyish olive-brown thallus surrounded by a white-grey prothallus. Peripheral lobes of thalli are enlarged and elongated, giving it a lobate appearance. Central areoles are moderately to strongly convex, producing pseudocyphellae and forming simple or branched suberect to prostrate projections. Thallus lacks secondary lichen metabolites. Phylogenetic analysis including other Circinaria species showed that the new taxon is phylogenetically close to Aspicilia (Circinaria) wyomingensis that differs from the newly described species by growing on soil and plant detritus, forming rhizomorphs, and containing aspicilin. Aspicilia desertorum var. aspera f. hispidoides Mereschk. is moved to Circinaria and raised to the species rank, C. hispidoides. Keyword: Aspicilia, Circinaria aspera, Circinaria tortuosa, Lecanoromycetes, lichens, Pertusariales, taxonomy.
39260	Popova S. & Shivarov V.V. (2026): Revealing the lichenised and lichenicolous diversity of Parangalitsa Reserve, Bulgaria: first records of two noteworthy species for the country. - Historia naturalis bulgarica, 48(2): 39–45. https://doi.org/10.48027/hnb.48.021. The study presents two noteworthy new records for Bulgaria, Gyalecta flotowii and Microcalicium disseminatum. Both species were found in the Parangalitsa Reserve, which is expected to be one of the hotspots for lichen biodiversity in the country but remains understudied. Gyalecta flotowii is a rare crustose lichen occurring on deciduous trees. Microcalicium disseminatum is a lichenicolous fungus that grows on calicioid lichens and represents the first record of this genus from Bulgaria. Both species are indicative of old-growth forests with a humid climate. The new records are presented with detailed taxonomic descriptions, illustrations and ecological notes based on the Bulgarian specimens. Keywords: Bulgarian protected areas, lichenicolous fungi, lichens, old-growth forests.
39259	Ghlimová H. (2026): Lišejníky, přehlížení hrdinové. - Vesmír, 105/1: 2–5. . [in Czech] a popular paper entitled: Lichens, overlooked heroes
39258	Weber L., Niittynen P. & Kantelinen A. (2026): Lichens in times of climate change – impacts and responses especially in boreal and polar ecosystems. - MycoKeys, 128: 29–72. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.128.173708. Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the most pressing issues of our time. Lichens have been shown to be sensitive to climate change, but responses are species-specific and contradictory trends have been reported. This review addresses lichen biology in relation to climate change and we overview the responses of lichens (e.g. biotic interactions, species distribution shifts and lichen acclimatisation, adaptation and extinction) to climate (e.g. temperature, precipitation, CO2-levels, snow). Research shows mainly adverse or alarming effects of climate change on lichens, but there is not yet a generalisable understanding of the topic. We argue that contradictory trends emerge partly because relatively few studies have been conducted and they encompass a variety of locations, taxa, and methods, which makes them difficult to compare. Moreover, many aspects of lichens are still insufficiently understood, including species diversity, distributions, functional traits and biotic interactions with other organisms. We highlight that future studies would benefit from: 1) Developing a set of model species and also embarking full community studies; 2) Better species data, including monitoring programmes and trait data; 3) Improved conservation planning and Red List evaluations and 4) Acknowledging that lichens are small ecosystems and climate change may affect the partners in ways we do not understand yet. Key words: Arctic, biotic interactions, holobiome, snow, soil crusts, species distribution shift.
39257	Takenaka Y., Tanahashi T., Nagakura N. & Hamada N. (2000): Production of xanthones with free radical scavenging properties, emodin and sclerotiorin by the cultured lichen mycobionts of Pyrenula japonica. - Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, 55: 910–914. doi: 10.1515/znc-2000-11-1211. From the cultures of the spore-derived mycobionts of the lichen Pyrenula japonica, two new xanthones, 1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-5-methoxyxanthone and 1,2,8-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methylxanthone, were isolated along with 1,7-dihydroxy-3-methylxanthone, 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methylxanthone, 1,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methylxanthone, emodin and sclerotiorin. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Sclerotiorin was isolated for the first time from lichen mycobionts. Radical scavenging activities of the isolated xanthones were also studied. Kezwords: Pyrenula japonica, Lichen, Isolated Mycobiont.
39256	Muriel S., Hurtado P., Martínez I., Aragón G., Di Nuzzo L., García R. & Prieto M. (2026): Integrating functional, taxonomic, and phylogenetic diversity to explain lichen biocrust responses to edaphic and climatic drivers. - Fungal Ecology, 80: 101495 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2026.101495. Lichens are bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental variables. As key constituents of biological soil crusts in gypsum-rich arid ecosystems, their links to abiotic factors offer insights into ecological processes. We studied lichen community responses to environmental variation in gypsum soils in Spain. Sampling was conducted in 35 plots, estimating lichen cover to quantify taxonomic diversity (TD), calculate functional diversity (FD) assessing and measuring qualitative and quantitative traits, and compute phylogenetic diversity (PD) using a community-level phylogenetic tree. A higher diversity (TD, FD, PD) was found in plots with less extreme temperature conditions. Higher TD, total FD, and FD of quantitative traits were observed in plots with greater precipitation. FD of quantitative traits was positively associated with gypsum content. Functional variability was mostly explained by intraspecific variability except in water-related traits. Our findings reinforce the relevance of trait-based approaches in understanding patterns of lichen biodiversity. Keywords: Biological soil crusts; Gypsum; Specific thallus mass; Water holding capacity; Spain; Traits.
39255	Ramírez-Peña D.A., Pérez-Pérez R.E., Cultid-Medina C.A., Lücking R. & Lira-Noriega A. (2026): The lichen biota of the threatened mexican tropical montane cloud forests: diversity, ecogeography and knowledge shortfalls. - Biodiversity and Conservation, 35: 52 [24 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03201-y. Mexican Tropical Montane Cloud Forests (TMCF) constitute a unique ecosystem at the intersection of Nearctic and Neotropical biotas. Lichens are an important component of this ecosystem, yet studies on lichenized fungi in Mexican TMCF remain scarce. Here, we compiled and analyzed data on lichenized fungi associated with Mexican TMCF, evaluating species richness, beta diversity, functional diversity, and their relationships with habitat suitability, connectivity, environmental distance, and arboreal composition. This approach aimed to assess current knowledge and identify potential mechanisms shaping lichen communities across 13 priority TMCF regions for conservation countrywide. A total of 571 lichen species, spanning all major growth forms (crustose, foliose broad-lobed, foliose narrow-lobed, fruticose, and dimorphic) with sexual and asexual structures, growing on bark, soil, rocks, and leaves. Among 13 priority regions, Central Veracruz showed the highest species richness (257), while the Northern Mountains and Chiapas Highlands recorded the lowest (4), revealing significant sampling bias in existing data. Spatial analyses highlighted high inter-regional species dissimilarity, largely due to uneven sampling. Arboreal composition and environmental variables influenced lichen metacommunities. Despite the ecological importance of lichens, substantial geographic and taxonomic biases persist, underscoring an urgent need for expanded collection efforts to better understand the distribution and ecological roles of lichen biota in Mexican TMCF. Keywords: Cloud forest · Environmental distance · Functional traits · Priority regions for conserving the TMCF · Species replacement · Species richness differences.
39254	Baláž M., Goga M., Hegedüs M., Daneu N., Kováčová M., Tkáčiková Ľ., Balážová Ľ. & Bačkor M. (2020): Biomechanochemical solid-state synthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial activity using lichens. - ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 37: 13945–13955. https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c03211. A completely solid-state mechanochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles overcoming the problem with water insolubility of lichen metabolites hampering their use for the classical green synthesis in water is shown herein. Four lichen species (Xanthoria elegans, Cetraria islandica, Usnea antarctica, and Leptogium puberulum) and AgNO3 were used as reducing agents and Ag(0) precursor, respectively. The reaction progress was rapid in the first two cases, whereas in the case of U. antarctica and L. puberulum, a significant amount of AgNO3 could still be detected after 6 h of milling. The products with a higher content of Ag(0) were shown to undergo a backward transformation documented by increasing content of AgNO3 with storage time; however, the repeated formation of Ag(0) could be observed upon remilling. Transmission electron microscopy analysis has shown bimodal nanocrystallite size distribution in all cases. However, the finer fraction was more abundant in the case of silver nanoparticles prepared using lichens with stronger reducing ability (X. elegans and C. islandica). All the products are excellent antibacterial agents. Whereas the as-received products exhibited higher activity against E. coli, the remilled samples were more active against S. aureus. Keywords: Ag nanoparticles, Lichens, Mechanochemistry, Antibacterial activity, Green synthesis.
39253	Witherspoon C.M. & Lendemer J.C. (2026): Noteworthy records of three Usnea species from the New York Adirondacks. - Evansia, 42(4): 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1639/0747-9859-42.4.69. The fruticose lichen genus Usnea, Old Man's Beard lichens, is well-recognized, charismatic and conspicuous, and readily detected during biodiversity surveys. As a result, the genus is well-represented in herbaria and the geographic ranges of the species are presumed to be thoroughly documented. During ecological fieldwork in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, however, we discovered three unexpected Usnea species. Here we report modern occurrences of two Usnea species previously known only from historical records in New York (U. ceratina and U. subfusca), the latter of which is a species of conservation concern. We also report U. subrubicunda, an eastern North American endemic, for the first time from New York state. Our records show that Usnea is more diverse than previously appreciated in intact and mature forest landscapes in the Adirondack Mountains and suggests that higher species richness may occur in similar habitats in other regions.
39252	Cohen P.A. & Towers G.H.N. (1995): Anthraquinones and phenanthroperylenequinones from Nephroma laevigatum. - Journal of Natural Products, 58(4): 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1021/np50118a006. Four anthraquinones and two phenanthroperylenequinones were isolated from the lichen Nephroma laevigatum. The structures were established from their spectral data as emodin [1], 7-chloroemodin [2], 7-chloro-1-O-methylemodin [3], 7-chloro-1-O-methyl-hydroxyemodin [4], 7,7'-dichlorohypericin [5], and 2,2',7,7 '-tetrachlorohypericin [6]. Compounds 4-6 have not been reported previously. 7,7'-Dichlorohypericin [5] and 2,2',7,7'-tetrachlorohypericin [6l were also synthesized and characterized spectroscopically.
39251	Goel M., Dureja P., Rani A., Uniyal P.L. & Laatsch H. (2011): Isolation, characterization and antifungal activity of major constituents of the Himalayan lichen Parmelia reticulata Tayl.. - Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(6): 2299–2307. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf1049613. Antifungal activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Parmelia reticulata was evaluated against soilborne pathogenic fungi, namely, Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, R. bataticola, Fusarium udum, Pythium aphanidermatum and P. debaryanum by poisoned food technique. Maximum antifungal activity was exhibited by hexane and ethyl acetate extracts against most of the test pathogens. Secondary metabolites, namely, (±)-isousnic acid, (±)-protolichesterinic acid, atranorin, evernyl, ethyl hematommate, ethyl orsellinate, methyl hematommate (3-formyl-2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid methyl ester), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoic acid, 1-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-8-methyl-xanthen-9-one, baeomycesic acid and salazinic acid, were isolated from the above extracts and identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopic methods. When these metabolites were tested for antifungal activity against test pathogens, maximum antifungal activity was exhibited by (±)-protolichesterinic acid against R. solani (ED50 = 23.09 μg mL−1) and P. debaryanum (ED50 = 16.07 μg mL−1) and by atranorin against S. rolfsii (ED50 = 39.70 μg mL−1). The antifungal activity of protolichesterinic acid was found to be comparable to that of hexaconazole, a commercial fungicide.
39250	Wezeman T., Bräse S. & Masters K.-S. (2015): Xanthone dimers: a compound family which is both common and privileged. - Natural Product Reports, 32: 6–28. DOI: 10.1039/c4np00050a. Xanthone dimers are a widespread, structurally-diverse family of natural products frequently found in plants, fungi and lichens. They feature an intriguing variety of linkages between the component xanthones (benzannulated chromanones). These synthetically elusive secondary metabolites are of great interest due to their broad array of bioactivities, which has led to the xanthones being designated as ‘privileged structures’. We seek herein to give an overview of all reliably-described xanthone dimers, their structures, occurrence, and the bioactivities established to date. The possible biosynthetic pathways leading to members of this family are also discussed in light of our current knowledge.
39249	de Abreu J., Barcenas-Peña A., Poengsungnoen V., Wang X., Huang J.-P., Lumbsch H.T. & Grewe F. (2026): High-throughput sequencing supports strong geographical patterns in the Cladia aggregata complex (Ascomycota, Lecanorales) and identifies the Asian clade as an independent species. - Journal of Fungi, 12(2): 90 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12020090. The Cladia aggregata group of lichen-forming fungi comprises multiple species that are difficult to differentiate based on phenotypic characters. It has a wide distribution across several continents, but is most diverse in Australasia. We aimed to delimit the species complex further, investigate the relatedness of the lineages, and examine their distributional ranges and phenotypic traits. We used Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq) to compare thousands of loci across 91 individuals from the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. All Asian samples formed a distinct, monophyletic clade in all phylogenetic trees, while the American samples divided into two clades, one comprising South American samples and another comprising Caribbean samples, with the latter representing C. aggregata sensu stricto, as the type specimen was collected in Jamaica. Further population-genomic analyses support the conclusion that the Asian samples are genetically distinct and are here described as a new species. The new species, Cladia asiatica, accommodates the Asian samples previously included in C. aggregata. Our analysis highlights the potential of next-generation sequencing to reveal hidden diversity and resolve the phylogeny of this species complex and lichen-forming fungi in general. Keywords: next-generation sequencing; systematics; phylogenetics; molecular variation; biogeography.
39248	Uriac P., Ferron S., Jéhan P., Roisnel T. & Tomasi S. (2024): ∆-Keto-acid/hydroxy-lactone isomerization in some lichen depsides, depsidones and diphenyl ethers. - Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 22(11): 2264–2270. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3OB02026F . In some compounds in lichens, the carboxylic acid is ortho-substituted by an 2-oxoalkyl chain. This particular structure induces the existence of δ-keto-acid ka or hydroxy-lactone hl isomers, clearly identified by their NMR data and chemical properties, such as dehydration, methylation and behaviour in thermal conditions. Internal hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid and substituent in the ortho′ position is proposed as an isomerization modulator: an H-bond acceptor (OCH3) leads to ka isomers, whereas hl isomers are obtained with an H-bond donor (OH).
39247	Thadhani V.M., Choudhary M.I., Andersen R.J. & Karunaratne V. (2010): Novel entry into 5-decarboxydibenzofurans via Smiles rearrangement of the lichen para-depside, erythrin. - Journal of Chemical Research, 34(3): 154–157. DOI: 10.3184/030823410X12677394014276. Erythrin, isolated in 7.3% yield from the lichen Roccella montagnei, was converted via a Smiles rearrangement to a series of diphenyl ethers. Those with a free carboxylic acid at C-1 underwent a novel decarboxylative oxidative cyclisation in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 to produce 5-decarboxydibenzofurans. All compounds were assayed for their antioxidant and β-glucuronidase enzyme inhibitory activity. Keywords: erythrin, Smiles rearrangement, 5-decarboxydibenzofurans, antioxidant activity, β-glucuronidase activity. Keywords: erythrin, Smiles rearrangement, 5-decarboxydibenzofurans, antioxidant activity, β-glucuronidase activity.
39246	Tamang D., Sarma M., Nayaka S., Upreti D.K., Kumar V. & Adhikari R.S. (2026): First report of lichens from Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary with new records for Assam and India. - Environment and Ecology, 44(1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/GHVD6348. Although lichens significantly contribute to biodiversity and are crucial bioindicators of ecosystem health, their broad diversity is still inadequately studied in several regions. To provide fundamental data for ecological monitoring and planning for conservation, this study assessed lichen diversity, composition, and distribution across the study area. This work was performed in Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary under the Nagaon Wildlife Division of Assam to document the lichen diversity for the first time. Systematic sampling was used in field surveys at specific locations, and lichen specimens were identified using morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics. The study revealed the occurrence of 61 lichen species belonging to 28 genera and 18 families, with crustose types of growth forms being the most dominant, followed by foliose, fruticose and squamulose. Among them, Gyalecta effervescens and Pyrenula expectata are new to India, whereas Herpothallon minutum, Diorygma albocinerascens, Anisomeridium glaucescens, Bactrospora myriadea, Parmotrema stuppeum, Pyxine asiatica, Ramalina capensis, and Ramalina nervulosa are new records to the state of Assam. Microclimatic factors, habitat disturbance, and substrate type were all closely associated with variations in species composition. The findings emphasise the ecological importance of less disturbed habitats in supporting diverse lichen populations and highlight how environmental conditions affect lichen variety. This study illustrates the importance of lichens as indicators for biodiversity assessment and environmental change and contributes to regional lichen surveys with new additions. Keywords: Bio indicators, Lichen diversity, Biodiversity assessment, New additions.
39245	Bargagli R. & Rota E. (2026): Potential role of mosses in evaluating airborne microplastic deposition in terrestrial ecosystems. - Journal of Xenobiotics, 16(1): 21 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010021. The deposition of airborne microplastics (MPs) poses potential risks to human health and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, suitable mitigation efforts are needed, as is knowledge of their deposition patterns in inhabited and remote regions. Currently, there are no standardized protocols for monitoring airborne MPs, and implementing and managing automatic monitoring systems would be costly and feasible only in a few fixed locations. Over the past few decades, several species of cryptogams have proven to be reliable biomonitors of persistent atmospheric contaminants. Due to the lack of standardized methodologies, the results of preliminary biomonitoring surveys for MPs have been inconsistent and difficult to compare. However, they clearly indicate higher MP concentrations in epigeic mosses than in epiphytic lichens (collected at the same site or experimentally exposed in parallel in bags). This review discusses the morphophysiological features that favor the entrapment and retention of intercepted MPs in mosses, as well as the field and laboratory activities necessary to determine whether these organisms progressively accumulate airborne MPs as a function of the exposure time. Steps for future research needed to develop a cost-effective, reliable and easily applicable biomonitoring methodology are suggested. Evaluating the advantages of active moss biomonitoring over sampling atmospheric bulk deposition or exposing suitable commercial materials is recommended. Keywords: airborne microplastics; biomonitoring; bioaccumulation; future research; mosses; MP interception; MP retention.
39244	孙汉董 林中文 沈晓羽 钮芳娣 周灿 [Sun H., Lin Z., Shen X., Niu F. & Zhou C.] (1986): 七种云南地衣植物的化学成分 [Studies on the chemical constituents of seven species of lichen plants in Yunnan]. - 云南植物研究 [Acta Botanica Yunnanica], 8(4): 483–488. https://www.integrativebiology.ac.cn/pd/EN/Y1986/V8/I04/1. [in Chinese with English abstract: ] Yunnan Province is very rich in Lichen plant resources, of which many kinds can be provided for the exploitation and utilization in food, vege- table, perfume, medicine, and dyestuff, etc. In their studies on the exploitation and utilization of Lichen plants, the authors examined the constituents of seven species of Lichen plants. The names of these plants and the isolated chemical constituents are as follows: 1. Alectoria asiatica DR. ...Usnic acid (1 ). 2. Alectoria sulcata Nyl. ...Virensic acid (2 ), Ethyl haematommate (3 ), Rhizonic acid (4 ) and Haematommic acid (5 ). 3. Usnea longissima Ach. ... Usnic acid (1) and Ethyl everninate (6). 4. Usnea comosa (Ach.) Röhl. ... Usnic acid (1) and other two new compounds. Their structures will be published elsewhere. 5. Cladonia arbuscula (Rabh.) . ...Usnic acid (1), Ethyl haematommate (3) and a new depsidone. The structure will be published elsewhere. 6. Oropogon loxensis (Fée) Th. Fr. ... Atranorin (7) and Virensic acid (2). 7. Anaptychia boryi (Fée) Mass. ... Atranorin (7), Ethyl haematommate (3), Rhizonic acid (4) and Zeorin (8). Based on the above analysized data, Alectoria sulcata and Anaptychia boryi may be a good material which can be used for producing Lichen perfume as "tree moss concrete"; Usnea longissima, U. comosa and Cladonia arbuscula can be used for producing Usnic acid; and Oropogon loxensis is very rich in Atranorin and Virensic acid. Key words: Lichen plants, Chemical constituents; Perfume; Mcdicine.
39243	Brandão J.F.G., Santos N.P.S., Pereira E.C.G., da Silva N.H., Matos M.F.C., Bogo D. & Honda N.K. (2017): Effects of fumarprotocetraric acid, a depsidone from the lichen Cladonia verticillaris, on tyrosinase activity. - Orbital: The Electronic Journal of Chemistry, 9(4): 256–260. http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v9i4.999. Lichens are widely distributed around the world. Their phenolic compounds, consisting mainly of depsides and depsidones, have been extensively studied for important biological activities. More recently, these compounds have been evaluated for their inhibitory activity against enzymes such as tyrosinase, a key agent in melanin biosynthesis. In the present investigation, the depsidone fumarprotocetraric acid isolated from the lichen Cladonia verticillaris (Raddi) Fr. was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against this critical enzyme. Kinetic study showed that depsidone at 0.6 mM inhibited tyrosinase activity by 39.8%. Lineweaver–Burk plots revealed that fumarprotocetraric acid can act as an uncompetitive or mixed-type inhibitor, depending on concentration. Keywords: depsidone; phenolic compounds; fumarprotocetraric acid; lichens; tyrosinase.
39242	Prokopiev I., Chesnokov S., Serebryakov E. & Konoreva L. (2022): Chemical variation in the Arctoparmelia separata (Parmeliaceae, Lichenized Ascomycota). - Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 102: 104418 [8 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2022.104418. In the present study, we characterized the chemical variability of Arctoparmelia separata (Th. Fr.) Hale lichens are distributed in the Asian part of Russia and the northern part of North America to detect diversities within the species by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). A new chemotype of A. separata, containing stictic acid and related β-orcinol depsidones was identified. The difference in chemical composition correlated with geographical distribution, but not with morphological differences. The distinct geographical distribution between the A. separata chemotypes probably reflects their adaptation to environmental conditions. The possible functional role of stictic acid is briefly discussed. Keywords: Arctoparmelia separata; Secondary metabolites; HPLC-MS; Chemotypes; Asia; North America.
39241	Lishtva A.V. (2025): Geographical elements and arealogical groups of epiphytic lichens of the Cisbaikal region. - Geography and Natural Resources, 46(Suppl 1): S50–S54. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1875372825700568. On the territory of Cisbaikal region, 433 species of lichens have been identified, including 11 lichenicolous and 14 species of saprophytic fungus. In applying the ecological–zonal principle, four geographical elements were distinguished in the lichen flora: Arctic–alpine, boreal, nemoral, and multizonal, which in turn were subdivided into five distribution groups (arealogical groups): multiregional; Holarctic; Eurasian–North American; Eurasian, and Asian. The epiphytic lichen flora of the Cisbaikal region underwent a long period of formation, closely associated with the stages of formation of the vegetation cover, and is boreal, significantly enriched with representatives of the nemoral element; in addition, the vast areas of mountain structures in the region determine the presence of Arctic–alpine species in the flora. The overwhelming majority of the identified epiphytic lichens have wide ranges, covering the entire Holarctic or extending beyond it, which indicates the predominance of migration processes in the formation of the lichen flora and its weak geographic isolation. Keywords: epiphytic lichens, Cisbaikal region, distribution, geographical elements, arealogical groups.
39240	Singh K., Goswami R.P., Kumar A., Joshi P. & Dhouni M. (2026): Aptness of lichen Hypotrachyna cirrhata biomass in biosorption of Cu(II) from synthetic wastewater. - Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 237: 422 [19 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-026-09090-3. This study evaluates the biosorption potential of Hypotrachyna cirrhata for effective removal of Cu(II) ions from synthetic wastewater, emphasising its functional chemistry and adsorption behaviour. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to quantify Cu(II) before and after biosorption. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed shifts in hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl groups, demonstrating their involvement in surface complexation and metal-binding interactions. Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) showed clear surface modification and supported FTIR findings by confirming the presence of copper on the lichen surface. The biomass exhibited strong affinity towards Cu(II) ions, with adsorption equilibrium data fitting the Langmuir model and revealing monolayer adsorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 6.68 mg g−1. Kinetic evaluation showed that the biosorption follows the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant rate-controlling step. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°,) confirmed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of Cu(II) uptake. These findings highlight the novelty of H. cirrhata as an eco-friendly biosorbent and provide clear insight into its adsorption mechanism, supporting its potential use in wastewater treatment. Keywords: Lichen · Cu(II) · Synthetic wastewater · Adsorption isotherms · Kinetics.
39239	Muchnik E.E. (2025): Lichenological studies in the Serebryanoborsky experimental forestry: History, results, and future prospects. - Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 18: 985–994. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425525700787. Lichenological studies in the Serebrynoborsky experimental forestry of the Institute of Forest Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, located in Moscow and Moscow oblast, were conducted from 2010 to 2023 using the route method. Collection and laboratory processing of materials were carried out using generally accepted lichenological methods. The list of lichen species of the Serebryanoborsky forestry includes 115 species of lichens and closely related fungi, 15 of which are known only from literature data. Fifty-nine species of lichens are identified in the urban part and 98 species in the suburban part. Ecological and substrate analysis of lichens show a significant predominance of groups associated with the tree trunk substrate. The lichen cover of birch and linden has the greatest species richness. The highest diversity is noted in the most predominant forest type in the area: pine forests (including pine forests with small-leaved species), and a smaller number of lichen species are found in mixed and broad-leaved forests. The surveyed territory contains locations of four protected lichen species listed in the Red Books of Moscow and Moscow oblast, as well as ten indicator species of biologically valuable zonal forest landscapes. Keywords: lichens, Moscow region, stationary facility of the Institute of Forest Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, state natural reserve, protected species, indicator species, the Red Book of Endangered Species.
39238	Kosanić M., Stanojković T., Petrović N., Manojlović A. & Manojlović N. (2026): Extraction, characterization and biological activities of selected lichens growing in Serbia. - Journal of Fungi, 12(2): 83 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12020083. This study presents a comparative analysis of secondary metabolites and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities of acetone extracts obtained from the lichens Lepraria incana and Pertusaria amara. HPLC-UV analysis identified divaric acid, divaricatinic acid, norstictic acid, divaricatic acid and usnic acid in L. incana, and conprotocetraric acid, protocetraric acid, picrolichenic acid and atranorin in P. amara. Free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays were employed to assess the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The IC50 values in the free radical scavenging assay were 664.23 μg/mL for L. incana and 750.50 μg/mL for P. amara, while reducing power absorbances varied between 0.0875–0.2562 and 0.0336–0.2011, respectively. Total phenolic contents in L. incana and P. amara extracts were 40.81 and 33.67 μg PE/mg of extract, while total flavonoid contents were 24.74 and 23.61 μg RE/mg of extract, respectively. Antimicrobial activity, determined by the microdilution method, ranged from 156 to 20 × 103 μg/mL for L. incana and from 312 to 20 × 103 μg/mL for P. amara. Cytotoxicity was tested using the MTT method. Among the tested samples, the L. incana extract showed the strongest cytotoxic activity toward A549 cells, with an IC50 value of 47.53 μg/mL. Based on the results, the lichens examined demonstrate promise for future studies and potential development in biopharmaceutical applications. Keywords: Lepraria incana; Pertusaria amara; HPLC-UV; lichen metabolites; bioactivity.
39237	Kai H., Kinoshita K., Harada H., Uesawa Y., Maeda A., Suzuki R., Okada Y., Takahashi K. & Matsuno K. (2017): Establishment of a direct-injection electron ionization-mass spectrometry metabolomics method and its application to lichen profiling. - Analytical Chemistry, 89: 6408−6414. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00077. Direct-injection electron ionization-mass spectrometry (DI-EI-MS) is a multivariate analysis method useful for characterizing biological materials. We demonstrated the use of DI-EI-MS for metabolic profiling using several closely related lichen species: Cladonia krempelhuberi, C. gracilis, C. pseudogymnopoda, and C. ramulosa. The methodology involves conversion of total ion chromatograms to integrated chromatograms and assessment of reproducibility. The qualitative DI-EIMS method was used to profile the major and/or minor constituents in extracts of lichen samples. It was possible to distinguish each lichen sample by altering the electron energy in DI-EI-MS and examining the resulting data using one-way analysis of variance. Previously undetectable peaks, which are easy to fragment could be revealed by varying the electron energy. Our results suggest that metabolic profiling using DI-EI-MS would be useful for discriminating between subgroups within the same species. This is the first study to report the use of DI-EI-MS in a metabolomics application.
39236	Popovici V., Ozon E.A., Arsene A.L. & Schröder V. (2026): Plants, lichens, fungi, and algae extracts and derivatives with antimicrobial properties for nutrition and health. - Antibiotics, 15(1): 111 [4 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15010111. editorial
39235	Solberg Y. (1986): Chemical constituents of the lichen species Cetraria islandica. - Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory, 60: 391–406. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jhbl/60/0/60_391/_pdf. The chemical content of the lichen species Cetraria islandica has been studied. Concentration of a chloroform-methanolic extract led to the isolation of fractions containing hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, keto-acids, dicarboxy lic, acids, sterols, mono-, sesqui-, di- and triterpenoids, and some aromatic compounds. The C17-alkadiene, linoleic- and linolenic acid, ketostearic acid. Protolichesterinic acid and fatty acids similar to protolichesterinic acid were found as the main constituents. of the lichen extract. Most of the detected compounds are new for th is lichen species. Our results also revealed some unknown constituents.
39234	Gehlawat A., Prakash R. & Pandey S.K. (2020): An efficient enantioselective approach to multifunctionalized γ-butyrolactone: concise synthesis of (+)-nephrosteranic acid. - RSC Advances, 10: 19655–19658. DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04267f. A short, efficient and novel approach for multifunctionalized γ-butyrolactone paraconic acids and its application to the total synthesis of (+)-nephrosteranic acid from readily available PMB (R)-glycidyl ether as a starting material are described. Key transformations include asymmetric Michael addition catalyzed by chiral diphenylprolinol silyl ether and stereoselective α-methylation.
39233	Carlson R.M. & Oyler A.R. (1976): Direct methods for α-methylene lactone synthesis using itaconic acid derivatives. - Journal of Organic Chemistry, 41(26): 4065–4069. . Anions of itaconic acid derivatives [R02CCHC(=CH2)C02] are versatile intermediates for the synthesis of α-methylene lactones. The addition of these anionic species to aldehydes or ketones and subsequent lactonization and hydrolysis have been utilized for the synthesis of a variety of compounds including protolichesterinic acid, nephrosterinic acid, and canadensolide.
39232	Halıcı M.G., Yatsyna A., Güllü M. & Yiğit M. (2025): A new lichenized fungal species from East Antarctica: Austroplaca giginyakii. - Mantar Dergisi, 16(2): 125–132. DOI: 10.30708/mantar.1740222. Austroplaca giginyakii sp. nov., a new lichenized fungus species discovered in East Antarctica, is described and its taxonomic status is evaluated using an integrative approach. The species was investigated through morphological, chemical, and molecular (nrITS) analyses. Phylogenetic results based on ITS sequences indicate that A. giginyakii forms a distinct clade within the genus Austroplaca. Although morphologically similar to A. darbishirei, it is distinguished by its deeper red-orange thallus, blastidiate soralia, and blastidia dispersed over the entire thallus surface rather than being confined to squamule margins. ITS sequence comparisons confirm its genetic distinctiveness. The type specimen was found growing on mosses and lacks both apothecia and pycnidia. Combined morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of A. giginyakii as a new species. Keywords: East Antarctica, Vechernyaya Base, Lichenized fungi, Teloschistaceae, Austroplaca.
39231	Nguyen D.D., Duong T.-H., Nguyen T.-P., Nguyen H.T. & Nguyen C.H. (2024): Antibacterial potential of ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate, a derivative of diphenyl ethers from Graphis handelii, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. - ACS Omega, 9(50): 50012–50023. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c09518. Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases, from skin, soft tissue, and lung infections to severe cases such as meningitis, infective endocarditis, and bacteremia. The high level of antibiotic resistance in these pathogens, exemplified by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), necessitates the development of effective antibiotics. Thus, this work introduced the chemical synthesis of ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate, a derivative of ethyl orsellinate from the lichen mycobiont of Graphis handelii, and its effectiveness against MRSA was assessed. Results showed that ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate efficiently inhibited MRSA with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL, and the time-kill analysis showed the bactericidal effect of ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate on MRSA at 8× MIC after 24 h. The compound also exhibited selective activity against MRSA compared with the human cell line, with a selectivity index of 12.5-fold. While ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate exhibited an indifferent effect with ampicillin, this compound demonstrated antagonistic effects with kanamycin in the synergistic assessment. Additionally, ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate demonstrated antibiofilm activity against MRSA starting from 0.25× MIC. The molecular docking investigation illustrated that ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate binds with the penicillin-binding protein 2A of MRSA with a free energy of −42.5 to −45.7 kcal/mol. Given its promising antibacterial activities, ethyl 3,5-dibromoorsellinate warrants further investigation as a potential antibiotic option against MRSA.
39230	Le Pogam P., Schinkovitz A., Legouin B., Le Lamer A.-C., Boustie J. & Richomme P. (2015): Matrix-free UV-laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry as a versatile approach for accelerating dereplication studies on lichens. - Analytical Chemistry, 87: 10421–10428. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02531. The present study examined the suitability of laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) for the rapid chemical fingerprinting of lichen extracts. Lichens are known to produce a wide array of secondary metabolites. Most of these compounds are unique to the symbiotic condition but some can be found in many species. Therefore, dereplication, that is, the rapid identification of known compounds within a complex mixture is crucial in the search for novel natural products. Over the past decade, significant advances were made in analytical techniques and profiling methods specifically adapted to crude lichen extracts, but LDI-MS has never been applied in this context. However, most classes of lichen metabolites have UV chromophores, which are quite similar to commercial matrix molecules used in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). It is consequently postulated that these molecules could be directly detectable by matrix-free LDI-MS. The present study evaluated the versatility of this technique by investigating the LDI properties of a vast array of single lichen metabolites as well as lichen extracts of known chemical composition. Results from the LDI experiments were compared with those obtained by direct ESI-MS detection as well as LC-ESI-MS. It was shown that LDI ionization leads to strong molecular ion formation with little fragmentation, thus, facilitating straightforward spectra interpretation and representing a valuable alternative to time-consuming LC-MS analysis.
39229	Dieu A., Millot M., Champavier Y., Mambu L., Chaleix V., Sol V. & Gloaguen V. (2014): Uncommon chlorinated xanthone and other antibacterial compounds from the lichen Cladonia incrassata. - Planta Medica, 80: 931–935. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0034-1382827. Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of the lichen Cladonia incrassata against Staphylococcus aureus led to a novel compound, 1,5-dihydroxy-2,4,6-trichloro-7-methylxanthone (1), along with six known compounds: (−)-usnic acid (2), didymic acid (3), condidymic acid (4), squamatic acid (5), thamnolic acid (6), and prasinic acid (7). Didymic, condidymic, and prasinic acids were isolated for the first time from C. incrassata. Didymic, condidymic, and (−)-usnic acids were active against S. aureus (a minimum inhibitory concentration of 7.5 μg/mL). Key words: xanthone; Cladonia incrassata; Cladoniaceae; antibacterial; Staphylococcus aureus; structure elucidation.
39228	Tullus E., Randlane T., Saag A., Lutter R., Tullus A., Siller M.-L., Sopp R., Täll K., Vysotska N., Kaivapalu-Kaasik M., Ots K. & Tullus H. (2026): Mature hybrid aspen plantations on former agricultural land can enhance landscape connectivity for forest species. - Trees, Forests and People, 23: 101161 [9 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101161. Fast-growing hybrid aspen has been widely planted on former agricultural lands in Northern and Eastern Europe to produce pulpwood and sequester carbon into woody biomass. The biodiversity of mature hybrid aspen plantations has so far been rarely analysed. Moreover, the potential of hybrid aspen plantations to host flora typical of European aspen stands – recognised as biodiversity hotspots in Eurasian boreal forests – has not been evaluated. This study focused on two organism groups with contrasting habitat preferences – ground-dwelling herbs and epiphytic lichens. We sought to clarify how environmental and landscape factors influenced the diversity of herbs, lichens, and species characteristic of European aspen stands (EA species). Data were collected across 42 study plots within 20 hybrid aspen plantations in Estonia. Altogether, 162 herb species and 65 lichens were recorded, including 92 species also found in European aspen stands. The proportion of EA species was higher among lichens (86.2 %) than among herbs (22.2 %), reflecting a stronger legacy effect of former agricultural land-use on ground-dwelling species than on epiphytes. Responses of herb and lichen diversity to environmental variables differed. Richness of herbs was related to litter and stand characteristics. Compositional analyses also highlighted the role of soil-litter variables and stand structure in herb composition. Lichens responded to landscape-related variables. A greater extent of older forests around the study plots increased the richness of EA species. In conclusion, mature hybrid aspen plantations are relatively species-rich and can enhance landscape connectivity for forest species, particularly epiphytes, in agricultural landscapes. Keywords: Lichens; Herbs; Short-rotation forestry; Biodiversity; Populus.
39227	Chrismas N., Cunliffe M., Adkins P. & Harley J. (2026): The chromosomal genome sequence of the Black Lichen, Lichina pygmaea (Lightf.) C.Agardh (Lichinales: Lichinaceae) and its associated microbial metagenome sequences [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. - Wellcome Open Research, 11: 42 [12 p.]. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.25380.1. We present a haploid genome assembly from an individual Lichina pygmaea (Black Lichen; Ascomycota; Lichinomycetes; Lichinales; Lichinaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 32.42 megabases. The assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 47.95 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 8 665 protein-coding genes. From the metagenome data, we recovered 9 bins, of which 4 were high-quality MAGs. Keywords: Lichina pygmaea; Black Lichen; genome sequence; chromosomal; Lichinales.
39226	Jönsson M., Hekkala A.-M., Clemmensen K., Kyaschenko J., Kärvemo S., Mielke L., Sjögren J. & Strengbom J. (2025): Inter-observer reliability in forest conservation value assessments. - Forest Ecology and Management, 595: 123006 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123006. Identifying and safeguarding forests of high conservation value is central to sustainable forest management. Qualitative and semi-quantitative surveys of forest conservation indicators often form the evidence base for management decisions. However, it remains unclear how consistently different surveyors assess such indicators using these methods. In this study, we evaluated inter-observer reliability (IOR) among triplets of professional biologists conducting independent surveys in 14 boreal, conifer-dominated forest stands in south-central Sweden. Surveyors recorded 50 qualitative indicators (presence-absence) and 20 semi-quantitative indices (counts and ordinal scores). We hypothesized that semi-quantitative assessments would yield higher IOR, as they are based on structured counts and ordinal scales applied within defined plots, which may reduce subjectivity. Contrary to this expectation, several qualitative indicators ─ based on presence-absence observations at stand scale ─ showed equal or even higher IOR. For example, the overall IOR for the qualitative composite score was good (intra-class correlation coefficients; ICC = 0.84), while many semi-quantitative indicators reached only moderate levels (ICC = 0.50–0.70). Indicators related to downed deadwood exhibited moderate to substantial IOR across both methods, while indicators involving standing structures, such as high nature value (HNV) trees and tree microhabitats, showed lower IOR. Our findings highlight that indicator-specific characteristics (e.g., subjectivity, rarity), rather than assessment method alone, influence reliability. Excluding low-reliability structural (e.g., tree microhabitats) indicators from qualitative protocols slightly improved overall agreement. We recommend integrating IOR analyses to refine survey protocols, guide surveyor training, and improve consistency in forest conservation value assessments. Even small-scale IOR evaluations ─ such as those involving three independent surveyors ─ can yield valuable insights into observer bias within relatively homogeneous groups of professional surveyors. Future research should expand such analyses to a wider range of ecosystems, indicator types, and surveyor backgrounds to strengthen the robustness and credibility of qualitative and semi-quantitative forest conservation value assessments. Keywords: Boreal forest; Forest and site indicators; Observer bias; Qualitative method; Sampling errors; Semi-quantitative method.
39225	Howland J.W., Boggess L., Hollinger J.P. & Lendemer J.C. (2026): Karinomyces (Pilocarpaceae), a new genus for the Appalachian endemic Schadonia saulskelleyana. - Bryologist, 129(1): 4–22. https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-129.1.004. Schadonia saulskellyana is an endemic crustose lichen narrowly restricted to the fragmented high elevation spruce-fir forests of the central and Southern Appalachians. These communities are predicted to face rapid changes in temperatures and precipitation which may impact habitat suitability of many species including S. saulskellyana. The placement of S. saulskellyana within the family Pilocarpaceae was investigated through newly generated molecular data and phylogenetic analysis. Both Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches strongly supported S. saulskellyana as monophyletic, separate from S. fecunda and all other sequenced lineages in the Pilocarpaceae. This, combined with previously documented phenotypic differences and unique biogeographic patterns, supports recognition of S. saulskellyana as a distinct genus which is described here as Karinomyces. Given the restricted distribution and potential conservation concern for this unusual taxon, habitat suitability was modeled using Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) and compared under multiple future climatic scenarios. These analyses did not predict a significant future loss in total area, except under the most extreme climate scenario, but did predict significant declines in the areas of highest suitability. Disjunct populations at the range periphery appear especially vulnerable to local extirpation. The predicted loss of highly suitable habitat and potential for extirpation along the peripheral range underscore the urgent need for further study of Karinomyces and high-elevation spruce-fir forest lichen communities generally. Keywords: Appalachian Mountains, Species Distribution Modeling, endemism, lichens, taxonomy.
39224	Kossowska M., Fałtynowicz W., Kowalewska A. & Piedgoń A. (2025): Lichens of the Ujście Warty National Park. - Acta Mycologica, 60: 215424 [11 p.]. https://doi.org/10.5586/am/215424 . The first checklist of lichens occurring in the Ujście Warty National Park and its buffer zone is presented. The list is based primarily on the research conducted in years 2022–2024, but incorporates also the earlier literature data. During the research 138 lichen taxa were recorded, including 122 within the boundaries of the national park and 81 in its buffer zone. They represent various habitat groups: epiphytes (63 species), epixyles (59 species), epigeits (31 species), epiliths (39 species, both calcicolous and silicicolous) and species found on metal (20 species). A characteristic feature of the analysed lichen biota is the dominance of taxa typical of highly eutrophic habitats. Keywords: protected area; biodiversity; species richness; Western Poland; lichenized Ascomycota.
39223	Nguyen T.T.T., Chollet-Krugler M., Lohézic-Le Dévéhat F., Rouaud I. & Boustie J. (2015): Mycosporine-like compounds in chlorolichens: Isolation from Dermatocarpon luridum and Dermatocarpon miniatum, and their photoprotective properties. - Planta Medica Letters, 2(1): e1-e5. DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1396321. Two mycosporines were isolated for the first time in two chlorolichen species, Dermatocarpon luridum and Dermatocarpon miniatum. Mycosporine glutaminol (1) and mycosporine glutamicol (2) were isolated along with the ethyl ester of mycosporine glutamicol (3), which was formed during the purification process. Aqueous extracts and pure mycosporines were then investigated for their antioxidant activities and photoprotective properties along with their photostability and photocytotoxicity. Semi-purified mycosporine fractions were much more antioxidant than lichen aqueous crude extracts. Compound 3 (IC50 = 4.00 µg/mL) was found to be as active as quercetin (IC50 = 6.75 µg/mL), while the two genuine mycosporines 1 and 2 exhibited moderate activity. The three mycosporines were found to be stable until 5J/m2 UVA and UVB radiations whereas Trolox, used as a positive control, was degraded up to 10 % and 19 %, respectively. Moreover, these mycosporines and semi-purified extracts did not induce any phototoxicity on HaCaT cells exposed to UVA radiations. Key words: Dermatocarpon luridum - Dermatocarpon miniatum - Verrucariaceae - lichen - mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) - photoprotection.
39222	Mendonça S.C.S., de Vasconcelos C.M.L., Cruz J.S., Roman-Campos D., Menezes-Filho J.E.R., Anjos-Neto R.A., Martins D.L.C., Araújo A.A.S., da Silva L.C.C., Bezerra M.S., de Albuquerque-Júnior R.L.C. & Conde-Garcia E.A. (2017): (+)-usnic acid isolated from the lichen Cladonia substellata impairs myocardial contractility. - Planta Medica International Open, 4: e59–e65. DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-114423. The scientific interest in (+)-usnic acid has grown because of its antitumor, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities as well as weight loss. However, overuse of usnic acid has been related with severe hepatotoxicity, making its use questionable. In this study, we decided to expand the knowledge of usnic acid biological activities by characterizing its effects on the mammalian myocardium as a potential pharmacological target. Usnic acid was isolated from samples of Cladonia substellata and submitted to chemical characterization. Molecular inclusion complexes of usnic acid with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin were prepared to improve its water solubility. The effects of usnic acid on the atrial contractility and Ca2+ influx were carried out in the left atrium of guinea pigs and the effect of usnic acid on the L-type Ca2+ current was performed in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes enzymatically isolated. To evaluate the membrane integrity of cells subjected to usnic acid, we used histological procedures. Usnic acid reduced atrial contraction with an EC50 of 43.0±1.0 μM. This effect was related to a reduction of Ca2+ entry in myocardial cells. In isolated cardiac myocytes, usnic acid at 100 μM inhibited the L-type Ca2+ current by 73.0%. In addition, usnic acid caused an irreversible myocardial contracture, reflecting a serious disturbance of the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Such an effect could not be ascribed to tissue death because cell membrane integrity was confirmed by histological observation. Taken together, our results show that usnic acid impairs cardiac function. Clearly more studies will be necessary to allow further applications of this natural product. Key words: Cladonia substellata - Cladoniaceae - usnic acid - lichen - heart function - Ca2+ currents.
39221	Ureña-Vacas I., González-Burgos E., Divakar P.K. & Gómez-Serranillos M.P. (2022): Lichen depsidones with biological interest. - Planta Medica, 88: 855–880. DOI: 10.1055/a-1482-6381. Depsidones are some of the most abundant secondary metabolites produced by lichens. These compounds have aroused great pharmacological interest due to their activities as antioxidants, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic agents. Hence, this paper aims to provide up-to-date knowledge including an overview of the potential biological interest of lichen depsidones. So far, the most studied depsidones are fumarprotocetraric acid, lobaric acid, norstictic acid, physodic acid, salazinic acid, and stictic acid. Their pharmacological activities have been mainly investigated in in vitro studies and, to a lesser extent, in in vivo studies. No clinical trials have been performed yet. Depsidones are promising cytotoxic agents that act against different cell lines of animal and human origin. Moreover, these compounds have shown antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, mainly Candida spp. Furthermore, depsidones have antioxidant properties as revealed in oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo models. Future research should be focused on further investigating the mechanism of action of depsidones and in evaluating new potential actions as well as other depsidones that have not been studied yet from a pharmacological perspective. Likewise, more in vivo studies are prerequisite, and clinical trials for the most promising depsidones are encouraged. Key words: secondary metabolites - natural products - pharmacology - antioxidants - antimicrobial - cytotoxic.
39220	Rositzki M.J., Raksat A., Simmons C.J., Smith C., Choi R.D.V., Wongwiwatthananukit S. & Chang L.C. (2026): A new trichlorinated xanthone and compounds isolated from Cladonia skottsbergii with Antimicrobial properties. - Pharmaceuticals, 19(1): 174 [17 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010174. Background/Objectives: The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA), continues to pose a major public health challenge, including in Hawaii. This underscores the need to discover new antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Guided by teachings from a Buddhist master regarding the medicinal value of lichens, we investigated the endemic Hawaiian lichen Cladonia skottsbergii. Methods: Specimens of C. skottsbergii were collected from the Lotus Buddhist Monastery in Mountain View, Hawaii. A methanolic extract was prepared and purified using chromatographic techniques, and compound structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was assessed against Gram-positive strains (MRSA, MSSA) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Cytotoxicity was assessed using A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) and Vero E6 (non-tumorigenic) cell lines. Results: Three compounds were isolated: clarosione (1), a newly identified trichlorinated xanthone, and two known metabolites, (S)-usnic acid (2) and perlatolic acid (3). Compounds 2 and 3 demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against MRSA and MSSA. Their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 2 to 4 µg/mL, compared with vancomycin (0.5–1 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity testing showed higher sensitivity in A549 cells than in Vero E6 cells, resulting in favorable selectivity indices for the active compounds. Conclusions: In the current study, a new compound, clarosione (1) was discovered. This enhances our understanding of the constituents of C. skottsbergii and its potential antibacterial properties. Lichen-derived compounds may serve as lead candidates for further development, and further study is warranted. Keywords: C. skottsbergii; lichen; chlorinated xanthone; MRSA; MSSA; Hawaii; antibacterial activity.
39219	Manzitto-Tripp E.A., Watts J.L. & Raynor S.J. (2025): New and noteworthy reports of lichens and allied fungi to Colorado (U.S.A.), including descriptions of two species new to science. - Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 19(4): 389–418. https://doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v19.i4.1438. Colorado’s southern Rocky Mountains and adjacent High Plains are home to some of the most vast, intact, and minimally disturbed natural ecosystems remaining in the western United States. Colorado moreover ranks among the top 10 states in the USA for percentage of land that is in the public domain, and hence a very long history of land conservation, stewardship, and research and interest in natural history. Despite extensive knowledge gained about the biota of Colorado over the prior century, the lichens of Colorado have never been thoroughly nor comprehensively inventoried beyond the geographically and/or temporally limited efforts by a handful of scholars over the years. Two years ago, we launched a large-scale study of the state’s lichen biota, targeting all ecosystems, elevations, geographical regions, and substrates. Our field collections and subsequent identification efforts have revealed the magnitude of the task ahead: a first full and comprehensive lichen inventory. Here, we describe two new species of Caloplaca s.l. to science, Tassiloa friogranitica and Pyrenodesmia praemonatana, provide IUCN conservation assessments for both, and discuss their morphological and molecular affinities to close allies. Finally, we report on 32 species of lichens and allied fungi newly documented in Colorado for the first time to our knowledge, along with an additional 17 species otherwise known only from one or a few pre-existing collections in the state.
39218	Skubała K., Zubek S. & Chowaniec K. (2026): Small-scale spatial heterogeneity of soil chemical and microbiological properties triggered by biocrusts and grasses in sand dunes of temperate climate. - Applied Soil Ecology, 217: 106640 [13 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106640. Soils in drylands form a mosaic of vegetated patches and interspaces, creating spatial heterogeneity in soil properties. While plants often generate ‘fertile islands’, interspaces are frequently colonized by biocrusts that also shape soil characteristics. To examine these processes in early successional stages in a sand dune ecosystem, we analyzed microbial activity, soil chemistry, and root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate fungi (DSF) across five compartments: biocrust, below-crust soil, root system soil, rhizosheath soil, and bare soil. Biocrusts exhibited the highest levels of exopolysaccharides (EPS), organic C, and humus, as well as the highest dehydrogenase activity, which underscore their role in C fixation and soil organic matter accumulation. Rhizosheaths had the highest concentrations of loosely bound EPS fraction and contained the highest total mineral N and N-NH4+ concentrations, exceeding those in remaining substrate compartments. The root system soil, in turn, acted as a broader nutrient mobilization zone, with particularly high available K and P-PO4−. Regarding fungal root colonization degree, higher frequency of occurrences and abundance of AMF than DSF mycelia were observed. The frequent occurrence of AMF and DSF in roots and DSF hyphae in biocrusts indicates a fungal network connecting plants and biocrusts, which is consistent with the fungal loop hypothesis described from arid climates. Biocrusts and vascular plants shape fine-scale soil heterogeneity in the initial successional stage on sand dunes, where microbial activity and nutrient enrichment show uneven distribution. Keywords: Biological soil crust; Inland sand dune; Koeleria glauca; Rhizosheath; Rhizosphere; Soil chemistry.
39217	Rojas-Coll A., Valencia J.-I., Tognarelli J. & Fernández-Bunster G. (2026): Genomic-driven identification of conserved biosynthetic gene clusters in Cladosporium limoniforme: The case of the DHN-melanin pathway. - Metabolites, 16(1): 77 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010077. Background: Endolichenic fungi represent an emerging source of bioactive secondary metabolites; however, the genomic basis of their chemical diversity remains largely poorly characterized. Specifically, the metabolic capabilities of Cladosporium limoniforme have not been explored at the genomic level. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the biosynthetic potential of C. limoniforme by presenting its first whole-genome sequence and conducting a comparative analysis of its biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), with a specific focus on the evolutionary conservation of the DHN-melanin pathway. Methods: Genome mining was performed using antiSMASH and fungiSMASH tools. Comparative genomics involved heatmap-based distribution analysis across the Cladosporium genus, synteny profiling using Clinker to assess gene order conservation, and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the polyketide synthase (T1PKS) domain. Results: We identified 26 putative BGCs, revealing a largely untapped metabolic repertoire. Comparative analysis demonstrated a high degree of conservation for the metachelin C (siderophore) and 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (T4HN) clusters across the genus. Notably, synteny and phylogenetic analyses showed that while C. limoniforme retains a conserved, ancestral T1PKS core essential for stress survival, it exhibits a significant reduction in accessory genes compared to plant-pathogenic congeners. Conclusions: These findings support a “metabolic streamlining” hypothesis driven by the endolichenic lifestyle, where the fungus retains essential protective machinery while shedding costly accessory genes unnecessary in the buffered lichen niche. This study establishes C. limoniforme as a valuable genomic resource for future biotechnological research. Keywords: genome mining; secondary metabolites; gene cluster; endolichenic fungi; Cladosporium limoniforme.
39216	Dutra T.S., Nascimento G.M., Santos J.S., Rocha D.D.S. & Cunha-Dias I.P.R. (2025): Expanding the occurrence of Parmotrema enteroxanthum (Parmeliaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in South America: first record from Brazil, and notes on distribution and conservation assessment. - Plant and Fungal Systematics, 70(2): 85–90. https://doi.org/10.35535/pfsyst-2025-0009. Parmotrema enteroxanthum is a restricted distribution foliose lichen, easily recognized by its yellow medulla and salazinic acid content. Previously known only from Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia, its distribution in South America remains poorly understood. This study documents the first record of the species in Brazil, with notes on ecology and conservation. Field collections were conducted from Cerrado areas in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Morphological and chemical analyses were performed using microscopy, spot tests, and thin-layer chromatography. Distribution data were compiled from GBIF, and conservation status was preliminarily assessed using GeoCat, based on IUCN criteria. Parmotrema enteroxanthum was recorded in cerradão vegetation, extending its range into Brazil and the Cerrado domain (Brazilian Savanna). The species occurs in seasonally dry and rainforest habitats (open/ exposed microhabitats) in South America. Geospatial analysis indicated a wide Extent of Occurrence (~3.6 million km2), but a very restricted Area of Occupancy (16 km2), suggesting a fragmented distribution. According to IUCN criteria, the species may be considered potentially Endangered (EN) due to its low number of localities and ongoing habitat loss. This finding underscores the Cerrado as both a center of lichen diversity and a highly threatened biome. Keywords: Cerrado; conservation; lichens; Maranhão state; Northeast region; salazinic acid.
39215	Dietrich M. & Liersch S. (2024): Die Digitalisierung des Flechtenherbariums im Bündner Naturmuseum. - Jahresbericht der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft Graubünden, 123: 19–30. . The digitization of the lichen herbarium of Natural History Museum of the Grisons revealed various interesting results. The majority of the specimens date from the 19 th century, of which the collections of Gottfried Ludwig Theobald and Eduard Wolfgang Killias are particularly significant. Together with the later finds, including those by Josias Braun-Blanquet, they extensively document the canton of the Grisons. In addition to the species Ochrolechia frigida, which is new to Switzerland, several lichens have been registered as new for the canton. Furthermore, the evidence of numerous Red List species is significant. They provide valuable information for species protection. In addition, the data enable comparisons with the current situation, in particular for the extensively documented Swiss National Park, the region of Chur, and the entire Rhine Valley of Chur including mount Calanda. Keywords: Lichens, Collection, Canton of the Grisons, Natural History Museum of the Grisons, species protection.
39214	Ismed F., Arifa N., Zaini E., Bakhtiar A., Umeda D., Putra O.D. & Yonemochi E. (2018): Ethyl haematommate from Stereocaulon graminosum Schaer.: Isolation and crystal structure. - Natural Product Sciences, 24(12): 115–118. https://doi.org/10.20307/nps.2018.24.2.115. Herein, we reported the phytochemical investigation of whole thallus Sumatran lichen, Stereocaulon graminosum Schaer., and isolated a mono aromatic compound, ethyl haematommate (1). The structure of compound 1 have been established based on spectroscopic data and confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. Keywords − Stereocaulon, Lichen, Mono aromatic, Crystal structure.
39213	Dietrich M. (2015): Gyalecta nidarosiensis auf der Burgruine Nünegg in Lieli (Kanton Luzern) erstmals in der Schweiz nachgewiesen. - Herzogia, 28: 798–801. . Gyalecta nidarosiensis is reported for the first time for Switzerland. The species, originally described from Norway, requires Atlantic climate conditions and only rarely occurs in Central Europe. The species was observed in the framework of the restoration of the ruins of Nünegg Castle. Key words: Lichenized fungi, new record, conservation, restoration.
39212	Fernandez-Murillo M.P., Cifuentes E., Beggs A., Manzano M., Gutiérrez-Cortez I., Vargas C., del Río C. & Alfaro F.D. (2026): Assessing the crucial role of marine fog in early soil development and biocrust dynamics in the Atacama Desert. - Soil Systems, 10(1):12 [26 p.]. https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10010012. Marine fog is a key non-rainfall water source that sustains microbial activity and transports dissolved nutrients inland, influencing early soil development in hyperarid ecosystems. However, the mechanisms through which sustained fog inputs drive soil surface modification and biocrust formation remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of long-term fog augmentation on soil surface development, biocrust dynamics, and associated microbial communities in the Atacama Desert. We implemented a four-year fog addition field experiment with three sampling times (T0, T24, T48) to assess changes in soil physicochemical properties, biocrust composition, and the integrated multi-diversity of archaea, bacteria, fungi and protist. Sustained fog input transformed bare soils into biological soil crusts, particularly lichen- and moss-dominated stages. This transition was accompanied by increases in soil nitrogen, variations in organic matter accumulation, a shift from alkaline to near-neutral pH, and improvements in soil stability and water retention. Multi-diversity increased over time and was positively associated with ecosystem variables linked to water availability, structural stabilization, and decomposition. These functions, integrated into an ecosystem multifunctionality index, also increased under prolonged fog input, revealing a positive relationship between multifunctionality and multi-diversity. Overall, the results demonstrate that sustained fog input strongly enhances early soil surface development and biocrust establishment, highlighting the ecological importance of marine fog in shaping biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in hyperarid landscapes. Keywords: aridity; biocrust; ecosystem functions; multifunctionality.
39211	Haelewaters D., Aghayeva D., de-Miguel S., Degtjarenko P., Dierickx G., Dima B., Dyer P.S., Fachada V., Favero-Longo S.E., Filippova N.V., Ganado M., Gonçalves S.C., Heilmann-Clausen J., Hyland E., Iršėnaitė R., Jorjadze A., Krisai-Greilhuber I., Lazarević J., Marques G., Meiere D., Nascimbene J., Niell M., Nuytinck J., Ottosson E., Papp V., Pärtel K., Prylutskyi O., Ramshaj Q., Rinaldi A., Rusevska K., Ruszkiewicz-Michalska M., Schneider S., Schoutteten N., Schwab N., Siedlecki I., Soares Simão R., Sparrius L.B., Thüs H., Vizzini A., Westberg M., Zambonelli A., Zehnálek P., Zervakis G.I. & Pawłowska J. (2026): Mapping the landscape of mycological organizations in Europe: where citizen science meets professional mycology. - Biodiversity and Conservation, 35: 37 [26 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03219-2. Fungi have been used by humans since prehistoric times. Informal structures or groups for knowledge exchange regarding mushrooms and lichens probably existed for ages. Only recently, mycological activities have been structured in formal organizations. And where until a few centuries ago there were only learned societies and naturalists’ clubs, nowadays also mycological societies and citizen scientists have joined the landscape. However, the history of mycological organizations and activities in Europe is difficult to track. Here, we initiated two surveys to characterize the current landscape of mycological organizations focused on fungal diversity across Europe and to collate citizen science activities mapping fungi. The surveys were shared on social media and sent to mycologists in 49 countries in Europe. Responses of the surveys allowed us to present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of mycological organizations in Europe as well as their types of activities, including the publication of journals and magazines, the organization of meetings and educational initiatives, and citizen science projects. In addition to the surveys, local mycologists presented expert knowledge for a more comprehensive overview. Our data show that the mycological landscape in Europe is diverse and heterogeneous. We discuss ways to overcome economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers towards better integration of mycological communities, activities, and data in Europe. Mycological societies focused on studying fungal diversity can be leveraged towards common goals that include raising public awareness, data integration, uniting academics and non-academics, and developing common standards for research and communication.
39210	Ezhkin A.K. & Yakovchenko L.S. (2025): A revision of the lichen genus Protopannaria (Pannariaceae, Peltigerales, lichenized Ascomycota) in the Russian Far East with a new record to Russia. - Turczaninowia, 28(3): 113–118. https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/18006. During the revision of the lichen genus Protopannaria in the Russian Far East an epiphyte lichen species new to Russia is reported. Protopannaria corticola previously known only from Sichuan Province of China (Himalayas) was found in montane coniferous and riparian deciduous forests on bark of conifer and deciduous trees in the northern and middle Sakhalin and the north-eastern Sikhote-Alin Mountain Range in the Khabarovsk Territory. The record of the species in the Russian Far East shows a rather major disjunction (ca. 4600 km) of the species area. Detailed original descriptions and distinctive features with illustrations for two representatives of the genus – Protopannaria corticola и P. pezizoides – are presented. One specimen of Fuscopannaria poeltii reported for Sakhalin earlier was reidentified as Protopannaria corticola, so the species was excluded from the lichen species list of Sakhalin and Russia. Keywords: biogeography, boreal zone, cool-temperate distribution, corticolous lichens, disjunctions, Far East of Russia, rare species.
39209	Zhurbenko M.P., Chesnokov S.V., Skirina I.F. & Skirin F.V. (2025): Lichenicolous fungi growing on Myelochroa in the Far East of Russia. - Turczaninowia, 28(3): 132–139. https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/18010. An augmented species concept is proposed for Arthonia pepei s. l. based on its finding on the new host genus Myelochroa. A brief description of Burgoa cf. angulosa, first found on Myelochroa and characterized by erumpent and mainly orange grey instead of superficial and whitish bulbils, is given. Plectocarpon diedertzianum, previously known only from India, is recorded from Russia. Lichenostigma alpinum s. l. is first recorded on Myelochroa. To date, 11 species of lichenicolous fungi are known to grow on Myelochroa, one of which was documented only on this host genus. Lichenicolous fungi were detected on 1 % of herbarium specimens of Myelochroa from the south of the Russian Far East. Keywords: Arthonia, biogeography, Burgoa, lichen-dwelling fungi, Plectocarpon, taxonomy.
39208	Chesnokov S.V. & Konoreva L.A. (2025): Addition to the lichen flora of Kunashir Island (Sakhalin Region, Kuril Islands). - Turczaninowia, 28(4): 36–51. https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/18513.. This study documents 36 new lichen species for Kunashir Island, thereby bringing the total number of known lichens and lichenicolous fungi on the island to 430. The species Agonimia pacifica and Parmelia marmorophylla are reported for Russia for the first time. Cliostomum leprosum, Pseudosagedia borreri, Thelocarpon superellum, and Trapelia corticola are new to the Russian Far East. Julella sericea, Micarea botryoides, and Muellerella lichenicola are new to the Sakhalin Region. Six species are reported for the Kuril Islands for the first time. For each species, the nearest known locality is provided. For rare lichens, differences from closely related species are discussed. As a result of the revision, Agonimia tristicula and Micarea xanthonica were redefined and excluded from the Sakhalin Region checklist. Keywords: Agonimia pacifica, Asia, distribution, new records, Parmelia marmorophylla, rare species, Russian Far East.
39207	Hofbauer W.K. (2025): Early colonisation of modern building surfaces. - Plant Ecology and Diversity, 18: 237–247. https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2025.2549584. Background: A large increase in surface growth on building façades has stimulated ongoing research on identifying colonising organisms and their impact on colonised surfaces. Aims: This paper focuses on the characterisation of initial ecological succession on building surfaces. Methods: Diverse investigations were used in an interdisciplinary approach to study early colonisation on modern building surfaces. Results: More than 200 different taxa have been identified as part of the early succession so far. Most of the diversity is contributed by algae and cyanoprokaryota, followed by fungi. Remarkably, bryophytes and lichens also make up an important part of the rich biodiversity on building surfaces. Along with the identification of the microorganisms their ecological thresholds become apparent. Façade algae may be active in a range of relative humidities from 68% to 100% and fungi from ca. 73.3% upwards. The upper temperature limits lie at 57°C for active and may surpass 100°C for the dormant stage. The lowest temperature for physiological activity of façade organisms is ca. −15°C. Surface growth on masonry develops in seasonal cycles. Conclusions: This overview covers succession, management of growth on buildings and deliberate greening of vertical building surfaces. New approaches for surface greening technologies with algae and bryophytes are on the way. The current discussions relate to whether microbial surface colonisation on buildings should be controlled or enhanced as a functional part of man-made ecosystems. Keywords: Aerophytic algae; biodiversity; initial colonisation; masonry; mould fungi.
39206	Zhu J.-N., Liu M.-L., He Q.-H. & Ding H.-Y. (2025): Endophytic microorganisms in lichen: rising stars in the biomedicine field deserving broader recognition. - Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 27(10): 1389–1407. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020.2025.2501030. Lichens are renowned for their ability to thrive in extreme environments and for producing unique metabolites with considerable bioactive potential. However, their medicinal value remains largely underexplored, primarily due to slow growth rates and habitat specificity. Notably, endolichenic microorganisms, particularly fungi, are the predominant producers of these bioactive compounds, which exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Investigating these microorganisms and their metabolites presents promising biomedical opportunities, underscoring the importance of sustainably utilizing lichen resources and discovering novel compounds. This paper reviews the diversity and bioactive potential of endophytic microorganisms in lichens, providing valuable insights for the exploration of natural resources. Keywords: Lichen; endophytes; secondary metabolites; biological activity; pharmaceutical potential.
39205	Millot M., Dieu A. & Tomasi S. (2016): Dibenzofurans and derivatives from lichens and ascomycetes. - Natural Product Reports, 33: 801–811. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00134J . When looking for dibenzofuran in the biochemical databases, most papers and reviews deal with pollutants and polychlorinated dibenzofurans like dioxins. But dibenzofurans are also biosynthetized by a wide diversity of organisms in nature. Even if dibenzofurans from natural sources represent a small class of secondary metabolites, compared to flavonoids, xanthones or terpenoids, they are often endowed with interesting biological properties which have been recently described. This review provides an update on papers describing dibenzofurans from lichens, ascomycetes and cultured mycobionts. Other sources, such as basidiomycetes, myxomycetes or plants produce sporadically interesting dibenzofurans in terms of structures and activities.
39204	Torres-Benítez A., Ortega-Valencia J.E., Hillmann-Eggers M., Sanchez M., Pereira I., Gómez-Serranillos M.P. & Simirgiotis M.J. (2025): Chemical composition and antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytoprotective activity of two Antarctic lichens of the genus Psoroma (Pannariaceae). - Natural Product Research, 39(18): 5165–5178. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2360150. Lichens contain different types of chemical compounds with multiple biological activities that demonstrate their potential pharmacological use. This research aims to report the metabolomic identification of the ethanolic extracts of P. antarcticum and P. hypnorum, their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and their cytoprotection activity. Sixteen metabolites were identified in P. antarcticum and twelve in P. hypnorum; the extracts reported variable antioxidant activity with IC50 >350 µg/mL in DPPH·, values >18 µmol Trolox/g in ORAC and >40 µmol Trolox/g in FRAP and a phenolic compound content >10 mg GAE/g, as well as significant results in cholinesterases, α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activities with IC50 ranging from 18 to 510 µg/mL, and which were complemented by molecular docking experiments. Both extracts showed improved cytoprotection at the concentrations of 0.5 to 1.0 μg/mL. This study contributes to the knowledge of the chemical diversity of Antarctic lichen extracts and their effectiveness in the evaluation of biological activities related to neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndrome. Keywords: Psoroma; bioactive compounds; antioxidant; enzyme inhibition; cytoprotective; Antarctic lichens.
39203	Shukla V., Asati A., Patel D.K., Semwal M., Kumar N. & Upreti D.K. (2017): Metabolic profiling and its plausible environmental significance in a common Himalayan lichen. - In: Shukla V., Kumar S. & Kumar N. (eds), Plant adaptation strategies in changing environment, p. 235–251, Springer, Singapore . https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6744-0_9. Metabolomics is an important technique that detects change in the quantitative profile of the organism to observe its response towards diverse genetic alterations and environmental conditions. In the present study, metabolite profiling of Heterodermia diademata, a common foliose lichen in Garhwal Himalayas, has been carried out in different environmental niches within an altitudinal gradients of 700–1850 m a.s.l. especially for its metabolites to decode any environmental significance. Metabolites, namely, fatty acid (FA), amino acid (AA) and sugar, were quantified using LC-MS/MS technique. Fatty acid content showed maximum variation with abundance of unsaturated fatty acid, while amino acid profile is dominated by glutamic acid, proline and serine. Sugar content has maximum variation of lactose. Most of the common primary metabolites have physiological roles as osmoregulators and thermotolerants as well as deterrents quite evident by having high erucic acid content. In the changing temperature gradient, fatty acid profile appears to be a valuable biomarker as it attributes towards thermotolerance of the species. Depending on the environmental condition, H. diademata species displays variation in FA profile, which seems to primarily relate to adaptation. The ability to readily alter the metabolite profile especially fatty acid concentrations appears to be an important contributing factor determining the ubiquity of the species at different altitudes of Garhwal Himalayas. Keywords: LC-MS/MS techniques · Primary metabolite · Stress · Temperature · Biomarkers · Osmoregulator.
39202	Dembitsky V.M. (2017): The multiple properties of some of the lichenized ascomycetes: Biological activity and active metabolites. - In: Shukla V., Kumar S. & Kumar N. (eds), Plant adaptation strategies in changing environment, p. 201–234, Springer, Singapore . https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6744-0_8. The main objective of this chapter was to describe the physicochemical and biological characteristics of selected lichenized ascomycetes and the influence of their physiologically active compounds on human health, through scientifically proven information. The chapter presents the biologically active metabolites derived from lichen species (polyphenols, volatile compounds, lipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, and organic acids). Lichens and their metabolites have been demonstrated to possess numerous biological activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, and enzyme inhibitory activity. The influence of environmental factors on the lipid and fatty acid composition of some lichen species has also been reported. Lichens are easily exposed to halogens, which are present in polluted air. We present chlorinated metabolites, which are isolated from various species of lichens. Chlorine is one of the main pollutants in nature. The structures of about 50 chlorinated metabolites of phenolic nature generated by lichenized ascomycetes are considered. Some active lichen substances are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Keywords: Lichens · Lichenized ascomycetes · Lipids · Fatty acids · Glycosides · Polar lipids · Activity · Chlorinated metabolites · Depsides · Depsidones.
39201	Armstrong R.A. (2017): Adaptation of lichens to extreme conditions. - In: Shukla V., Kumar S. & Kumar N. (eds), Plant adaptation strategies in changing environment, p. 1–27, Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6744-0_1. Lichens exhibit the classic features of stress-tolerant organisms, viz. slow growth rates, considerable longevity, low demand for nutrients, and the presence of specific adaptations to survive in the most inhospitable environments on Earth. The ability of lichens to tolerate the extremes posed by deserts, polar regions, and chemically rich environments involves both morphological and physiological adaptation and changes in ecological behaviour so that species adapt to relatively protected niches within an extreme environment. This chapter discusses those aspects of the lichen symbiosis relevant to survival in extreme conditions and then describes the adaptation of lichens to (1) wet forests, (2) deserts, (3) the Arctic, (4) alpine regions, (5) Antarctica, (6) chemically rich environments, and (7) extraterrestrial environments such as outer space and Mars. It is evident that the lichen symbiosis is more tolerant to hostile conditions than its symbionts, morphological and physiological adaptations are intimately associated, and convergent evolution has resulted in similar changes in different environments. Keywords: Lichen · Extreme environments · Adaptation · Arctic/alpine regions · Antarctica · Deserts · Chemically rich environments · Extraterrestrial environment.
39200	Killmann D., Leh B., Herzog J. & Fischer E. (2025): Aktuelle Bestandssituation der Echten Lungenflechte (Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.) im nördlichen Rheinland-Pfalz [Current status of the Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.) in northern Rhineland-Palatinate]. - Decheniana (Bonn), 178: 35–40. . [in German with English abstract: ] The current inventory situation of the tree lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), which is threatened with extinction in Germany, is documented in northern Rhineland-Palatinate. The formerly quite large population near Virneburg (Eifel) is in extreme decline and highly threatened by extinction. A new discovery near Bad Bertrich is reported. Key words: lichens; Lobaria pulmonaria; biodiversity; nature conservation; red list.
39199	de Carolis R., Stoppiello G., Turchetti B., Bartolomeo G., Coleine C., Tetriach M. [recte Tretiach M.], Selbmann L. & Muggia L. (2025): Cryptic associated fungi and algae isolated from Antarctic epilithic lichens of the Victoria Land and the description of five new fungal species. - Persoonia, 55: 439–476. https://doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.11. Lichen thalli are niches for microorganisms, including microfungi, microalgae and non-photosynthetic bacteria, which form communities of variable composition, often shaped by the environmental conditions under which the lichen thalli develop. In Antarctica lichens represent an important group of organisms characterized by a high percentage of endemism, which have specialized to grow on rocks, as the predominant substrate for colonization. potential role as fungal species hotspots. The culturable fraction of the Antarctic lichen-associated fungi and algae environments. Over 300 fungal and algal inocula grew in culture, among which we recognized species previously Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, namely: Petrophila complexa sp. nov., Dactylospora endolichenica sp. nov., Pseudeurotium lichenicum sp. nov., and Kurtzmanomyces lichenum sp. nov. These species seem to select lichens as their preferred niche, both in Antarctica toward a particular lichen host species, rather toward the lichen thallus in general, as a structure in which spores, yeast cells and mycelia fragments thrive or rest. Particularly in Antarctica, where conditions on rock surfaces are far more selective than elsewhere, lichen thali would be even more explotied as suitable niches by other fungi for their evolution and diversification. Key words: Basidiomycota; diversity; Dothideomycetes; endolichenic; Eurotiomycetes; new taxa; photobiont; phylogeny.
39198	Jiang B., Mei S.X., Han Q.B., Xiang W. & Sun H.D. (2001): A new phenolic compound from Thamnolia vermicularis. - Chinese Chemical Letters, 12(1): 47–48. . A new phenolic compound, thamnolin (1), was isolated from the extract of Thamnolia vermicularis. Its structure was determined as 6-tricosyl-2,4-dimethoxy-phenol by spectral methods. Keywords: Thamnolia vermicularis, phenolic compound, thamnolin.
39197	Johnston P.R. & Park D. (2025): An updated multigene phylogeny of Leotiomycetes. - Persoonia, 55: 527–566. https://doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.13. A paper by Johnston and others published in 2019 provided three Leotiomycetes-wide phylogenies, one based on genomes, one a multigene phylogeny with up to 15 genes, and one based on ITS sequences. The genomic and multigene phylogenies provided a backbone phylogeny for the class that has proven to be robust, providing a phylogenetically stable concept for the large order Helotiales. However, a lack of genomic data for the clades outside of Helotiales, towards the root of the tree, meant that relationships in this part of the tree remained somewhat poorly resolved. The ITS phylogeny, although phylogenetically much less informative, provided a wider taxon coverage, focussing on the type species of genera not otherwise treated for which ITS data was available. This paper treats genera listed as Leotiomycetes in the Outline of Fungi 2024. It incorporates newly available DNA sequence data and taxonomic changes, especially for genera, families, and orders published since 2019, into the 2019 multigene and ITS analyses. The genomic phylogeny is not updated. Key words: classification, genome; multi-locus phylogeny; systematics.
39196	Guo J., Li Z.-L., Wang A.-L., Liu X.-Q., Wang J., Guo X., Jing Y.-K. & Hua H.-M. (2011): Three new phenolic compounds from the lichen Thamnolia vermicularis and their antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells. - Planta Medica, 77(18): 2042–2046. DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280096. Three new phenolic compounds, thamnoliadepsides A (1), B (2), and thamnolic acid A (3), and seven known compounds, everninic acid (4), baeomycesic acid (5), β-orcinol (6), β-resorcylic acid (7), ethyl orsellinate (8), squamatic acid (9), and vermicularin (10), were isolated from the lichen Thamnolia vermicularis (Sw.) Ach. ex Schaerer. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic analysis, including 2D-NMR experiments and HR-MS techniques. Compound 1 inhibited growth of prostate cancer cells and bonded to G-quadruplex DNA based on NMR determination. Key words: Thamnolia vermicularis - Thamnoliaceae - depside - antiproliferative - G-quadruplex.
39195	Huynh B.L.C., Duong T.H., Do T.M.L., Pinnock T.G., Pratt L.M., Yamamoto S., Watarai H., Tanahashi T. & Nguyen K.P.P. (2016): New γ-lactone carboxylic acids from the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale, Parmeliaceae. - Records of Natural Products, 10: 332–340. . From the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale, Parmeliaceae, collected in Vietnam, five new (1, 2, 3, 5, 6) and one known (4) γ -lactonic acids were isolated. The structures of the new compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as high resolution-electrospray ionization (HR-ESI)-MS analysis. The absolute configuration of new compounds was determined by ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy. Compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HeLa (human epithelial carcinoma), NCI-H460 (human lung cancer) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cell lines at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Among six compounds, 1 possessed medium activity against MCF-7 cell line with the inhibition of 52.5%. Meanwhile, the rest showed no cytotoxic activity against three surveyed cancer cell lines. Keywords: Aliphatic acids; Lichen; Parmeliaceae; Parmotrema praesorediosum.
39194	Vondrák J., Svoboda S., Říha P., Hauser T., Kantnerová V., Škaloud P. & Kubásek J. (2026): Semilichen, an unjustly neglected symbiotic system between green biofilms and true lichens. - Scientific Reports, 16: 927 [14 p.]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-30542-z. Symbiotic systems of photosynthetic microorganisms and fungi are widespread in terrestrial biomes and lichens are probably the most advanced and complex. Conversely, the least complex systems are “green biofilms” with a completely unexplored mycobiome. We describe here a new system intermediate between green biofilms and lichens—semilichens. Light and fluorescence microscopy, eDNA sequencing, molecular phylogeny, Chlorophyll a fluorescence and 13C labelling/metabolomics were used to study algal and fungal identity, morphology and physiology of the symbiosis. Tight contact between algae and a single predominant fungus (mycobiont) is revealed in semilichens. The algae are from the symbiotic lineages of Trebouxiophyceae and Ulvophyceae, the fungi belong to Arthoniomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Lecanoromycetes and Lichinomycetes. Algae are alive and perform substantial photosynthetic activity. 13C labelled photosynthates are partially converted into specific fungal polyols (arabitol, mannitol) demonstrating the C-flow from algae to fungi. The new symbiotic system was defined and compared with other terrestrial algal-fungal symbioses. It is characterized by minimalist environmental requirements and extremely low production of biomass. As a result, it also inhabits environments unfavourable for lichens. Our research supports the hypothesis that the long-term existence of algae and fungi in terrestrial conditions affected by frequent and repeated drying is likely dependent on their mutual coexistence.
39193	Borovyk D., Dembicz I., Dengler J., Guarino R., Kuzemko A., Lavrinenko K., Moysiyenko I., Skobel N., Bednarska I., Babytskiy A., Bezsmertna O., Borovyk L., Buzhdygan O., Chusova O., Iemelianova S., Kalashnik K., Khodosovtsev O., Kolomiiets G., Kolomiychuk V., Kucher O., Shapova V., Zagorodniuk N., Zakharova M. & Vynokurov D. (2024): Plant species richness records in Ukrainian steppes. - Tuexenia, 44: 225–239. doi: 10.14471/2024.44.002. We compiled a list of the known maxima of vascular plant species richness in the steppe zone of Ukraine at different sampling scales (0.0001–100 m²) and compared them with the world records. Detailed information on each of the identified species-rich grassland plots is provided, including site descriptions, plot characteristics, coordinates, and species lists. Most of the small-scale records (up to 0.1 m²) were found in mesic grasslands in southern Ukraine (Kherson region) with a high abundance of annual grasses and forbs: 9 and 11 vascular plant species in 0.0001 m² and 0.001 m², respectively, in the steppe depression Chorna Dolyna, and 26 species in 0.1 m² in a mesic psammophytic grassland in the Dzharylhach National Nature Park. Most of the records at larger scales were made in the northern part of the steppe zone, in forb-rich and forb-grass steppes: 15, 39, 73, and 107 species in 0.01, 1, 10, and 100 m², respectively. All richness records were characterised by neutral to slightly alkaline substrates (soil pH 7.0–7.7) and low-intensity management. These characteristics are consistent with the known patterns from world records of species richness. Our inventory provides baseline knowledge for studies on the high species richness in the steppe zone and can stimulate the further investigation of identified species-rich grasslands, as well as the search for new ones. Since we did not specifically search for species-rich sites, and our dataset includes only a relatively small number of plots compared to similar studies in other regions, we expect that more species-rich vegetation will be found with further research. This study highlights the importance of steppe grasslands as global biodiversity hotspots and draws attention to their protection in the context of land-use changes and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. Keywords: alpha diversity, biodiversity, grassland, maximum, spatial scale, species richness, steppe, Ukraine, vascular plant, vegetation plot.

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