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Lichen symbiosis is centered around a relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic microbe, usually a green alga. In addition to their main photosynthetic partner (the photobiont), lichen symbioses can contain additional algae present in low abundance. The biology of these algae and the way they interact with the rest of lichen symbionts remains largely unknown. Here we present the first genome sequence of a non-photobiont lichen-associated alga. Coccomyxa viridis was unexpectedly found in 12% of publicly available lichen metagenomes. With few exceptions, members of the Coccomyxa viridis clade occur in lichens as non-photobionts, potentially growing in thalli endophytically. The 45.7 Mbp genome of C. viridis was assembled into 18 near chromosome-level contigs, making it one of the most contiguous genomic assemblies for any lichen-associated algae. Comparing the C. viridis genome to its close relatives revealed the presence of traits associated with the lichen lifestyle. The genome of C. viridis provides a new resource for exploring the evolution of the lichen symbiosis, and how symbiotic lifestyles shaped evolution in green algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas syringae is a bacterial complex that is widespread through a range of environments, typically associated with plants where it can be pathogenic, but also found in non‐plant environments such as clouds, precipitation, and surface waters. Understanding its distribution within the environment, and the habitats it occupies, is important for examining its evolution and understanding behaviours. After a recent study found P. syringae living among a range of vascular plant species in Iceland, we questioned whether lichens could harbour P. syringae. Sixteen different species of lichens were sampled all over Iceland, but only one lichen genus, Peltigera, was found to consistently harbour P. syringae. Phylogenetic analyses of P. syringae from 10 sampling points where lichen, tracheophyte, and/or moss were simultaneously collected showed significant differences between sampling points, but not between different plants and lichens from the same point. Furthermore, while there were similarities in the P. syringae population in tracheophytes and Peltigera, the densities in Peltigera thalli were lower than in moss and tracheophyte samples. This discovery suggests P. syringae strains can localize and survive in organisms beyond higher plants, and thus reveals opportunities for studying their influence on P. syringae evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After fieldwork in different regions of Pakistan, two lichen species were established as new for the country: Aspicilia persica (Müll. Arg.) Sohrabi and Chlorangium sphaerothallinum (J. Steiner) S.Y. Kondr., Gromakova & Khodos. They were discovered in Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan and Killa Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Balochistan. Each species is briefly described, with phylogenetic analysis, habitat, chemistry and morphology. These collections suggest a high potential for finding more unreported lichen species in Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Phaeorrhiza H. Mayrhofer and Poelt is recorded for the first time from India, which is represented by P. nimbosa (Fr.) H. Mayrhofer and Poelt, and P. sareptana var. sphaerocarpa (Th. Fr.) H. Mayrhofer and Poelt. The taxa are found growing in the alpine region of north-western Himalaya. A detailed description is provided along with figures to facilitate easy identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explorations on the knowledge and biodiversity of Philippine lichen fungi have progressed recently. However, comparatively little attention has been given to the species composition along a lowland secondary forest ecosystem. Thus, the study aimed to provide information on the occurrence of lichen species in relation to various land use types of Mt. Musuan of Mindanao Island, surrounded by forest fragments and cultivated agricultural areas. A series of transect walks and opportunistic sampling revealed a total of 38 lichen species distributed in 26 genera and 14 families. Among the land use types, the mixed species forest harbors the highest recorded species with 22, followed by teak forest and built-up (peak/summit) with 15 and 14 species, respectively. Lichens with the most represented families were revealed to be Graphidaceae with 10 species; Caliciaceae with six species; Physciaceae, Parmeliaceae, and Arthoniaceae with three species each; and Pyrenulaceae, Collemataceae, Letrouitiaceae, and Trypetheliaceae with two species each. Out of these collections, two species - viz. Letrouitia subvulpina (Nyl.) Hafellner and Pyrenula globifera (Eschw.) Aptroot - were new records in the Philippines. The results of this study will provide information to encourage effective management and biodiversity conservation efforts of various land use types, as lichens are sensitive to anthropogenic threats and pressures from environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptic species are common in lichen-forming fungi and have been reported from different genera in the most speciose family, Parmeliaceae. Herein, we address species delimitation in a group of mainly asexually reproducing Parmelina species. The morphologically distinct P. pastillifera was previously found nested within a morphologically circumscribed P. tiliacea based on several loci. However, these studies demonstrated a relatively high genetic diversity within P. tiliacea sensu lato. Here, we revisit the species delimitation in the group by analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through genome-wide assessment using Restriction-Site-Associated sequencing and population genomic methods. Our data support previous studies and provide further insight into the phylogenetic relationships of the four clades found within the complex. Based on the evidence suggesting a lack of gene flow among the clades, we recognize the four clades as distinct species, P. pastillifera and P. tiliacea sensu stricto, and two new species, P. clandestina sp. nov. and P. mediterranea sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the diversity of photobionts associated with the Mediterranean lichen-forming fungus Cladonia subturgida. For this purpose, we sequenced the whole ITS rDNA region by Sanger using a metabarcoding method for ITS2. A total of 41 specimens from Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain were studied. Additionally, two specimens from Spain were used to generate four cultures. Our molecular studies showed that the genus Myrmecia is the main photobiont of C. subturgida throughout its geographic distribution. This result contrasts with previous studies, which indicated that the main photobiont for most Cladonia species is Asterochloris. The identity of Myrmecia was also confirmed by ultrastructural studies of photobionts within the lichen thalli and cultures. Photobiont cells showed a parietal chloroplast lacking a pyrenoid, which characterizes the species in this genus. Phylogenetic analyses indicate hidden diversity within this genus. The results of amplicon sequencing showed the presence of multiple ASVs in 58.3% of the specimens studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides preliminary data about the influence of gray and yellow lichens on the monuments in the Stobi archeological site. The origin of the minerals which adhere to the rhizine/hyphae was also determined. According to the SEM results, small grains of minerals are found in lichens which originated from parent rocks or weathering. In the lichens on marble the presence of the following minerals was determined: calcite, dolomite, Fe carbonate, Ca silicate, Ca, Fe, Al silicate and Fe, Al silicate. Carbonate minerals come from marble while silicates are the result of weathering. In lichens on sandstone the following minerals were determined: K, Al silicate, Ca carbonate quartz, Fe, Mg silicate, Fe-oxide, zircon, and Na, Ca, Al silicate. Carbonate minerals are the result of weathering while other determined minerals originate from sandstone. Clay minerals are the result of the decomposition of feldspars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Coleophoma were detected in the lichen genus Stereocaulon paschale (L.) Hoffm. On agarised nutrient medium, strain NM10F28209 formed compact, dense colonies with black ingrowing mycelium and ashy-grey aerial mycelium. Morphological characteristics and analysis of the ITS region of the gene cluster encoding ribosomal RNAs allowed us to assign the new strain to the genus Coleophoma; the closest relative was Coleophoma cylindrospora (Desm.) Höhn. (1919) with 98.28% of similarity. On prolonged incubation for 20 days, the culture formed a brown pigment that diffused into the agar. Extraction using a chloroform:acetone (1 : 1) mixture resulted in a multi-component preparation exhibiting fungicidal activity against yeasts from the Yarrowia and Candida genera. A compound belonging to the group of echinocandins, for which fungicidal activity has previously been demonstrated, was detected in the complex preparation by thin layer chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of the ethanol extracts of lichens (LE), of the cultures of lichenophilic (endobiotic) fungi (LFE), and of ethanol extracts of these cultures was tested using the following test organisms: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus faecium, Paenibacillus sp., and Candida parapsilosis. Selective activity of LE and LFE against yeasts and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was revealed. The extracts from Cladonia rangiferina exhibited no activity against any of the tested cultures. The previously reported locus effect on activity of metabolites of one lichen species was confirmed. Agar block technique was used to detect selective activity of 23 out of 61 analyzed fungal strains against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and of 8 strains, against yeasts. Ethanol extracts of six cultures were shown to suppress the growth of St. aureus, M. luteus, Paenibacillus sp., and E. coli. Strain NM10F28209 from the lichen Stereocaulon paschale, which exhibited inhibitory activity against Ca. parapsilosis was selected for priority development of an antifungal preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holobionts are dynamic ecosystems that may respond to abiotic drivers with compositional changes. Uncovering elevational diversity patterns within these microecosystems can further our understanding of community‐environment interactions. Here, we assess how the major components of lichen holobionts—fungal hosts, green algal symbionts, and the bacterial community—collectively respond to an elevational gradient. We analyse populations of two lichen symbioses, Umbilicaria pustulata and U. hispanica, along an elevational gradient spanning 2100 altitudinal metres and covering three major biomes. Our study shows (i) discontinuous genomic variation in fungal hosts with one abrupt genomic differentiation within each of the two host species, (ii) altitudinally structured bacterial communities with pronounced turnover within and between hosts, and (iii) altitude‐specific presence of algal symbionts. Alpha diversity of bacterial communities decreased with increasing elevation. A marked turnover in holobiont diversity occurred across two altitudinal belts: at 11°C–13°C average annual temperature (here: 800–1200 m a.s.l.), and at 7°C–9°C average annual temperature (here: 1500–1800 m a.s.l.). The two observed zones mark a clustering of distribution limits and community shifts. The three ensuing altitudinal classes, that is, the most frequent combinations of species in holobionts, approximately correspond to the Mediterranean, cool‐temperate, and alpine climate zones. We conclude that multitrophic microecosystems, such as lichen holobionts, respond with concerted compositional changes to climatic factors that also structure communities of macroorganisms, for example, vascular plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens represent a complex life form characterized by a symbiotic partnership between at least two organisms: a fungus and an alga. In this unique relationship, the fungus offers a protective habitat for the alga, which, in turn, harnesses energy from sunshine, water and air to provide sustenance for the fungus. They fulfill ecological roles as a food source for many invertebrates and serve as the basal trophic level for a variety of animals, being considered micro-ecosystems which can host a rich and diverse biota. Nematodes are among the most widespread and abundant of all metazoans, inhabit moist interstitial environments in all habitats and are abundant in marine and freshwater benthic habitats and in the soil. They were also reported from accumulations of detritus in leaf axils, in the angles of tree branches and in mosses and lichens. In this case study, the trophic role and diversity of free-living nematodes associated with lichens were examined in an area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, revealing seven genera of nematodes linked to Heterodermia diademata, representing all trophic levels of free-living nematodes: bacteriophages (Plectus and Acrobeles), fungivores (Aphelenchus), herbivores (Helicotylenchus), omnivores (Eudorylaimus and Mesodorylaimus) and a predator (Prionchulus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was intended for the identification of secondary metabolites in acetone extract of the lichen Hypotrachyna cirrhata using UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS and the detection of bioactive compounds. This study led to the identification of 22 metabolites based on their MS/MS spectra, accurate molecular masses, molecular formula from a comparison of the literature database (DNP), and fragmentation patterns. In addition, potent antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of acetone extract of H. cirrhata motivated us to isolate 10 metabolites, which were characterized as salazinic acid (11), norlobaridone (12), atranorin (13), lecanoric acid (14), lichesterinic acid (15), protolichesterinic acid (16), methyl hematommate (17), iso-rhizonic acid (18), atranol (19), and methylatratate (20) based on their spectral data. All these isolates were assessed for their free radicals scavenging, radical-induced DNA damage, and intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The results indicated that norlobaridone (12), lecanoric acid (14), methyl hematommate (17), and atranol (19) showed potent antioxidant activity, while depsidones (salazinic acid (11), norlobaridone (12)) and a monophenolic compound (iso-rhizonic acid, (18)) displayed significant intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (p < 0.001), which is comparable to standard acarbose. These results were further correlated with molecular docking studies, which indicated that the alkyl chain of norlobaridione (12) is hooked into the finger-like cavity of the allosteric pocket; moreover, it also established Van der Waals interactions with hydrophobic residues of the allosteric pocket. Thus, the potency of norlobaridone to inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme might be associated with its allosteric binding. Also, MM-GBSA (Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area) binding free energies of salazinic acid (11) and norlobaridone (12) were superior to acarbose and may have contributed to their high activity compared to acarbose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globally distributed genus Trichaptum is one of the most species-rich among polypores in terms of hosting other fungi. Among Trichaptum-associates, there is a group of mazaediate lichenized fungi (Coniocybomycetes, Ascomycota) that previously had an uncertain phylogenetic position. DNA sequences - mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), nuclear large subunit rDNA (nuLSU), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) - were obtained from 29 specimens collected from Europe and North America. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of these three gene loci were used to infer phylogenetic position and relationships among lineages. Statistical tests were used to find which phenotypical characteristics distinguish species. The molecular sequence data provide evidence that the fungicolous specimens form a distinct lineage within Coniocybomycetes sister to the combined clade of Chaenotheca s. lat. and Sclerophora. Considering its phylogenetic placement and strict specialization, we describe a new genus - Chaenotricha. This fungicolous lineage contains three species based on molecular characteristics. Morphological characters mostly overlap except for spore size and stalk length of apothecia. We provide a new combination, Chaenotricha obscura, for the only previously described species for which we designate an epitype, and introduce a new species - Chaenotricha cilians. The third lineage remains undescribed because of a small sample size, which did not allow us to clearly delineate species boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acarospora socialis , the bright cobblestone lichen, is commonly found in southwestern North America. This charismatic yellow lichen is a species of key ecological significance as it is often a pioneer species in new environments. Despite their ecological importance virtually no research has been conducted on the genomics of A. socialis. To address this, we used long-read sequencing to generate the first high-quality draft genome of A. socialis. Lichen thallus tissue was collected from Pinkham Canyon in Joshua Tree National Park, California and deposited in the UC Riverside herbarium under accession #295874. The de novo assembly of the mycobiont partner of the lichen was generated from Pacific Biosciences HiFi long reads and Dovetail Omni-C chromatin capture data. After removing algal and bacterial contigs, the fungal genome was approximately 31.2 Mb consisting of 38 scaffolds with contig and scaffold N50 of 2.4 Mb. The BUSCO completeness score of the assembled genome was 97.5% using the Ascomycota gene set. Information on the genome of A. socialis is important for California conservation purposes given that this lichen is threatened in some places locally by wildfires due to climate change. This reference genome will be used for understanding the genetic diversity, population genomics, and comparative genomics of A. socialis species. Genomic resources for this species will support population and landscape genomics investigations, exploring the use of A. socialis as a bioindicator species for climate change, and in studies of adaptation by comparing populations that occur across aridity gradients in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow is the largest component of the cryosphere, with its cover and distribution rapidly decreasing over the last decade due to climate warming. It is imperative to characterize the snow (nival) microbial communities to better understand the role of microorganisms inhabiting these rapidly changing environments. Here, we investigated the core nival microbiome, the cultivable microbial members, and the microbial functional diversity of the remote Uapishka mountain range, a massif of alpine sub-arctic tundra and boreal forest. Snow samples were taken over a two-month interval along an altitude gradient with varying degree of anthropogenic traffic and vegetation cover. The core snow alpine tundra/boreal microbiome, which was present across all samples, constituted of Acetobacterales, Rhizobiales and Acidobacteriales bacterial orders, and of Mycosphaerellales and Lecanorales fungal orders, with the dominant fungal taxa being associated with lichens. The snow samples had low active functional diversity, with Richness values ranging from 0 to 19.5. The culture-based viable microbial enumeration ranged from 0 to 8.05 × 103 CFUs/mL. We isolated and whole-genome sequenced five microorganisms which included three fungi, one alga, and one potentially novel bacterium of the Lichenihabitans genus; all of which appear to be part of lichen-associated taxonomic clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although lichen species are a good source of bioactive compounds having medicinal importance, the biological potential of the Lichens in Kashmir region is still unexplored. The current study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial potential of various solvent extracts of 12 lichen species against pathogenic bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsilla species along with a fungal pathogen Aspergillus. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial potential of bacterial and fungal strains. The result of the present study revealed that the acetone extract of Evernia species showed the highest antibacterial activity, whereas E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were found to be the highly sensitive bacterial strains affected by the lichen species Evernaia mesomorpha, Evernia prunistri and Ramalina fraxinea respectively. The highest zone of inhibition was shown by Parmilia sulcata (28.60 ± 0.33), Evernia mesomorpha (18.33 ± 0.89) and Sticta lambata (18 ± 0.58) followed by Usnea subfloridiana (17 ± 0.58) Collema furfuraceum (16.67 ± 0.33) and Pheophysia (16 ± 0.58) against the fungal strain. FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of natural bioactive compounds including phenols, alkanes, alkynes, alkyl halides, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, aromatics nitro compounds and amines. Results suggest that the investigated lichens species could serve assignificantt antimicrobial agents against multi-drug resistance pathogenic bacteria and fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forestry continuity and the occurrence of red-listed lichens are critical criteria needed for the designation of protected areas. This study highlights the occurrence in time of red-listed lichen species within the Comana Natural Park. 31 lichens were identified within the study area, of which one is designated as national red-listed lichen such as Ramalina obtusata and the other one is designated as global red-listed lichen by IUCN, for instant Flavoparmelia caperata. An important aspect is represented by the occurrence of F. caperata on old oaks both in the Padina Tătarului Peony Reserve and in the Oloaga-Grădinari Butcher's broom Reserve. The forest habitats of the Comana Natural Park are mainly represented by old-growth forests and therefore is important to reduce the anthropogenic impact on these habitats needed for the long-term conservation of lichen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying molecular methods to fungi establishing lichenized associations with green algae or cyanobacteria has repeatedly revealed the existence of numerous phylogenetic taxa overlooked by classical taxonomic approaches. Here, we report taxonomical conclusions based on multiple species delimitation and validation analyses performed on an eight-locus dataset that includes world-wide representatives of the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades in section Polydactylon of the genus Peltigera. Following the recommendations resulting from a consensus species delimitation approach and additional species validation analysis (BPP) performed in this study, we present a total of 25 species in the dolichorhizoid clade and nine in the scabrosoid clade, including respectively 18 and six species that are new to science and formally described. Additionally, one combination and three varieties (including two new to science) are proposed in the dolichorhizoid clade. The following 24 new species are described: P. appalachiensis, P. asiatica, P. borealis, P. borinquensis, P. chabanenkoae, P. clathrata, P. elixii, P. esslingeri, P. flabellae, P. gallowayi, P. hawaiiensis, P. holtanhartwigii, P. itatiaiae, P. hokkaidoensis, P. kukwae, P. massonii, P. mikado, P. nigriventris, P. orientalis, P. rangiferina, P. sipmanii, P. stanleyensis, P. vitikainenii and P. willdenowii; the following new varieties are introduced: P. kukwae var. phyllidiata and P. truculenta var. austroscabrosa; and the following new combination is introduced: P. hymenina var. dissecta. Each species from the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades is morphologically and chemically described, illustrated, and characterised with ITS sequences. Identification keys are provided for the main biogeographic regions where species from the two clades occur. Morphological and chemical characters that are commonly used for species identification in the genus Peltigera cannot be applied to unambiguously recognise most molecularly circumscribed species, due to high variation of thalli formed by individuals within a fungal species, including the presence of distinct morphs in some cases, or low interspecific variation in others. The four commonly recognised morphospecies: P. dolichorhiza, P. neopolydactyla, P. pulverulenta and P. scabrosa in the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades represent species complexes spread across multiple and often phylogenetically distantly related lineages. Geographic origin of specimens is often helpful for species recognition; however, ITS sequences are frequently required for a reliable identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biatoropsis hirtae and B. minuta are reported from Colorado, to our knowledge for the first time. These species were found growing on thalli of Usnea hirta and U. perplexans, respectively, during recent specimen collecting by the authors in the Front Range Mountains of north-central Colorado. The occurrences of these species throughout North America are likely more common and geographically broader than presently understood owing to frequent overlooking of populations. We provide discussion of their geographical ranges as presently understood and other notes of interest regarding species of Biatoropsis known from the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background and aims: A study of species of the genera Dirinaria, Hyperphyscia, Phaeophyscia, and Physcia in the Yaboty Biosphere Reserve (Misiones, Argentina) is presented, aiming to contribute to lichens knowledge in the region. M&M: Specimens from CTES herbarium collected in Caá-Yarí, Esmeralda, and Moconá Provincial Parks, from the Yaboty Biosphere Reserve, were studied. Species identification included morphological and chemical analyses with spot tests with potassium hydroxide 10%, UV fluorescence, and TLC with solvent A. In order to determine the type of cortex and study ascospores morphology, sections were mounted in 5% potassium hydroxide and observed under an optical microscope. Results: Thirteen species were identified: Dirinaria aegialita, D. applanata, Hyperphyscia variabilis, Phaeophyscia hispidula, Physcia aipolia, P. alba, P. albata, P. atrostriata, P. erumpens, P. kalbii, P. poncinsii, P. rolfii, and P. sorediosa. Physcia kalbii is mentioned for the first time for Argentina and the genera Hyperphyscia and Phaeophyscia for the first time for Misiones province. A dichotomous key, descriptions of species for which distribution is extended, photographs, updated distributions, and observations are presented. Conclusions: This work provided new data about species of the Yaboty Biosphere Reserve, increasing knowledge about lichens diversity in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance of lignocellulosic waste makes it a potential source for advanced biomaterials through various transformation processes. Lignocellulosic biomass transformation to advanced biomaterials involves enzymes from extracellular metabolites of microorganisms capable of hydrolyzing lignocellulose. This research was to molecularly screen fungi found in symbiotes of lichen endemic to trees growing in North Minahasa (North Sulawesi) with lignocellulolytic transformation enzymes. Molecular screening was conducted from identified fungi isolates based on partial genetical analysis on the locus of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the fungi’s ribosomal DNA. Fungi isolates screening identified Trichoderma koningiopsis (isolate HZA8 and isolate HZA6), Penicillium sumatraense (strain CBS 127365 and strain CBS 130380), Trichoderma hamatum (isolate PAN12-45 and isolate PAN12-05), Aspergillus aculeatus (strain A1.9 18S), Aspergillus aculeatus (isolate XSD-74), Trichoderma reesei (strain S2606 and isolate 5A14). Molecular identification and BLAST homology of potentially lignocellulolytic fungi isolates rDNA indicated that isolate KB2 had close relationship with Trichoderma reesei at 100% degree of closeness and an index of cellulolytic activity of 1.19. While isolate KB3 appeared closely related to Aspergillus aculeatus at 99.83% degree of closeness and an index of cellulolytic activity of 1.57. Therefore, the potential of developing bioprocess industries in general and in particular is most probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Mycosis fungoides is a diagnostic challenge. Herein, we report a case with marked lichenoid features in pathology assessments. After several biopsies and clinicopathologic correlation, the diagnosis of lichenoid mycosis fungoides was made. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a great imitator and mimicks other dermatoses clinically and histopathologically. We report a 61‐year‐old patient with 5‐year history of generalized violaceous patches and plaques. His biopsy revealed a marked lichenoid band‐like infiltrate of inflammatory cells along the basal layer with basal layer vacuolar changes; the diagnosis of lichen planus was first made histopathologically. Several biopsy specimens, clinicopathologic correlation, and immunohistochemistry findings confirmed the diagnosis of lichenoid MF. Awareness of peculiar histopathologic findings of MF is essential to avoid a potential misdiagnosis. When in doubt, multiple biopsies with other diagnostic methods should be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current list of fungi from Colombia updated in the present review contains a total of 7619 species. The Ascomycota appears as the most diverse group, with 4818 species, followed by the Basidiomycota, with 2555 species. Despite this, we presume that the actual fungal diversity in Colombia could amount to between 105,600 and 300,000 species. Fungi represent an underestimated resource, indispensable for human well-being. Even though the current knowledge on potential applications of Colombian fungi is still limited, the number of studies on areas such as natural products discovery, biological control, and food and beverages, among other biotechnological applications, are increasing. With the current review, we aim to present a comprehensive update on the fungal diversity in Colombia and its potential applications. Colombia's native fungal biodiversity holds much potential within the country's current social-economical context, and the future must ensure efforts to preserve both the biodiversity and the untapped resources of the fungi in Colombia, which in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) might result in new bioeconomy avenues for the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great extension of forests in the Djebel El Ghorra massif of El Kala National Park (north‐eastern Algeria) allowed us to recognise three distinct forest formations: cork oak stands (Quercus suber), zeen oak stands (Quercus canariensis) and mixed oak (Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis) forest. Their peculiarities showed ideal ecological characteristics for the colonisation of corticolous lichens the two phorophytes. The three forest formations were sampled between 2017 and 2022. The identification of the taxa is based on stereo‐microscopic examinations and usual chemical tests. Systematic surveys were conductedand allowed us to establish a list of 141 lichen taxa divided into 30 families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two resinicolous calicioid fungi, Chaenothecopsis hendersonii and C. minganensis, are described as new to science and three calicioid fungi (Chaenothecopsis formosa, Cryptocalicium blascoi and Microcalicium loraasii) and one calicioid lichen (Calicium episcalaris) are reported as new to North America. In addition, Sphaerophorus tuckermanii is reported as new to eastern North America, Mycocalicium victoriae is reported for the first time in the northwestern United States, and Chaenotheca hygrophila, C. longispora, C. selvae, Chaenothecopsis irregularis, C. perforata, Mycocalicium fuscipes, Phaeocalicium compressulum and Stenocybe major are reported with enhanced North American ranges. Finally, we provide evidence that Microcalicium conversum is a synonym of M. disseminatum and Mycocalicium calicioides is a synonym of M. ravenelii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Information on appointments to the Fungal Nomenclature Bureau is provided. Appointments to two Special‐purpose Committees are reported. The following four generic names are recommended for conservation: Bilimbia with a conserved type; Coccotrema against Lepolichen; Fuscidea against Maronea; and Leptogium (lichenized Ascomycota) with a conserved type. The following two generic names are not recommended for conservation: Marcelaria against Buscalionia; and Variolaria Pers. against Lepra and Variolaria Bull. The following seven species names are recommended for conservation: Lecidea parmeliarum (Abrothallus parmeliarum) against Endocarpon parasiticum; Lichen cervinus (Acarospora cervina) with a conserved type; L. ferrugineus (Blastenia ferruginea) with a conserved type; L. flavus Bellardi (Pleopsidium flavum) against L. flavus Schreb.; Megaspora verrucosa (Ach.) Arcadia & A. Nordin against M. verrucosa Hafellner & V. Wirth.; Umbilicaria spodochroa with a conserved type and with that spelling; and Usnea fulvoreagens with a conserved type. The following three species names are not recommended for conservation: Alectoria fuscescens (Bryoria fuscescens), nom. cons., against the additional names Usnea implexa, A. capillaris, A. cana, A. rubens, A. fuscidula, A. degenii, A. forissii, A. ostrobotniae, A. kuemmerleana, A. haynaldiae, A. achariana, A. lanestris, A. prostratosteola, and A. viridescens; Lichen fuscovirens (Collema fuscovirens) against L. pulcher; and Ochrolechia szatalaensis against Pertusaria poriniza. The following two species names are recommended for rejection under Art. 56: Lecidea cornea and Lichen conspurcatus. The following generic name is recommended for rejection under Art. 56: Huea (and the original proposal to conserve Huea with a conserved type is not recommended). It is recommended that the species name Variolaria torta not be rejected under Art. 56. The proposal to conserve Pertusariaceae against Variolariaceae is considered unnecessary because the latter name is illegitimate. The Nomenclature Committee for Fungi could not arrive at a recommendation on the proposal to conserve Lagerheimia (De Toni) Chodat against Lagerheima Sacc. and nor resolve requests for binding decisions on whether the pair Geisleria Nitschke and Geissleria Lange‐Bert. & Metzeltin and the pair Lagerheima Sacc. and Lagerheimia (De Toni) Chodat are sufficiently alike to be confused – but these three items have now been resolved by the General Committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species described as Bacidia genuensis is transferred here to Bacidina as B. genuensis (Ramalinaceae, Lecanorales, lichenized Ascomycota). An updated morphological description is provided. The species is characterized by mostly blackish apothecia on a thick, microsquamulose thallus, a crystal-inspersed proper exciple that is mostly prosoplechtenchymatous, an ascus with a wide and dome-shaped axial body and an expanded c-layer (resulting in a thin, amyloid d-layer), a blue-green pigment in the epihymenium, proper exciple, and pycnidial wall, and an orange-brown, K+ intensifying pigment in the hypothecium and sometimes proper exciple. This combination of characters sets the species apart from its potentially close relatives Bacidina egenula and B. indigens, as well as the superficially similar, but more distantly related, Toniniopsis bagliettoana. Bacidina genuensis is currently known from a few sites in northern Italy, where it inhabits weathered and apparently shaded mortar of masonry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is based on a comprehensive evaluation of 87 publications concerning reports from Afghanistan and a critical revision of herbarium specimens. Two hundred and thirty eight taxa (230 species with 8 varieties) of lichenized fungi, and 16 species of lichenicolous fungi are listed with their citations or localities in the case of new records for the country or for provinces. New for Afghanistan are Acarospora bicolor, A. interrupta, Caloplaca monacensis, C. stillicidiorum var. muscorum, Collema furfuraceum, Endocarpon pusillum, Gloeoheppia turgida, Gyalolechia bracteata, Heteroplacidium fusculum, Lecanora horiza, Lecidea laboriosa, Melanohalea elegantula, Myriolecis semipallida, Peltula bolanderi, P. obscurans var. obscurans, P. obscurans var. deserticola, P. polyspora, P. radicata, Physconia americana, P. perisidiosa, Phaeophyscia hirsuta, Placidium pilosellum, P. rufescens, Sarcogyne praetermissa, S. pusilla, S. urceolata, Scytinium fragrans, Staurothele areolata, Umbilicaria virginis, Xalocoa ocellata, Xanthoparmelia neodelisei, and the lichenicolous fungus Acarospora subfuscescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type species of the lichen genus Variolaria is V. discoidea. The name is solely based on a Hoffmann (1784) illustration. To stabilize the nomenclature, we have designated a lectotype and an epitype from Germany, for which we generated molecular data. The species was formerly placed in the genus Pertusaria as P. albescens, and is presently correctly named Lepra albescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Coenogonium, the only genus in the family Coenogoniaceae, is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Approximately 100 species of Coenogonium are known worldwide, and about 52 species have been previously recorded from Brazil. Here, we describe four species as new to science from the Atlantic Forest in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Sergipe, and present a few new state records. The new species are C. carassense, C. itabaianense, C. pilosum, and C. subtomentosum. An annotated checklist of the species of Coenogonium from Brazil is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of 44 taxa of lichenized fungi and 5 species of lichenicolous fungi was gathered in 1984 in the summit area of the mountain Glittertinden, the second highest mountain in Scandinavia. The sampled species include several high alpine taxa known as members of well-established alpine lichen communities but only few pioneer species indicating that the investigated rocks had already been ice-free for a long time. The local flora is compared to that reported from Scandinavia’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, by the late Gunnar Degelius in the 1940s. With the continuing melting of the local ice cap on the summit of Glittertinden, biota will face profoundly changed environmental conditions with much additional substrate ready to be colonized in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent lichenological fieldwork in the Czech Republic resulted in the discovery of two previously unrecognized entities in the genus Psilolechia which are described below as new species: the saxicolous P. cretacea and the lignicolous P. torii. Both taxa regularly produce a hyphomycetous anamorph in the form of erect, elongate conidiogenous cells on the thallus surface, and both contain unidentified specific secondary metabolites. The placement of the two new species within the genus is primarily based on morphology and chemistry. In addition, three barcodes were received for P. cretacea (ITS, mtSSU) and P. torii (ITS). A key to the five species of Psilolechia currently known from Europe is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the lichen family Teloschistaceae, a high number of genera are restricted to the extreme southern part of the Southern Hemisphere. The taxonomy and phylogeny of the southern genus Gondwania have been analyzed based upon fieldwork in Antarctica, Patagonia, New Zealand and Tasmania and subsequent studies including molecular methods. Five species are accepted in the genus Gondwanea including G. inclinans and G. joannae that are combined into the genus. Two species are included in the neighboring new genus Transdrakea, T. alacalufes, a saxicolous species from Patagonia, which is described as new to science and T. schofieldii. Based on molecular data, Austroplaca imperialis is described as a new species to accommodate Patagonian specimens previously named G. regalis. Even though morphologically very similar, the two species are distinct based on molecular and chemical characters and distribution. Gondwania and Transdrakea are chemically homogenous with parietin as the very dominant compound; Transdrakea has a very reduced thallus, whereas Gondwania includes species with crustose thalli, as well as species with fruticulose growth habits. G. inclinans and G. cribrosa are only known from Australia/New Zealand. G. regalis, G. joannae and T. schofieldii are only known from Antarctica. G. sublobulata is confirmed from Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, but Antarctic specimens previously named G. sublobulata belong to G. joannae. G. sejongensis is shown to be a synonym to G. joannae. A key to Gondwania and Transdrakea species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe Diploschistes stereocaulorum as a new species of lichenized fungi growing on phyllocladia and stalks of Stereocaulon in the Pacific Northwest of North America. The larger ascospores of this species, the absence of a noticeable thallus, and the ITS barcode locus distinguish it from D. muscorum, which has been reported as growing on Stereocaulon, but has smaller ascospores and a distinct thallus. In phylogenetic reconstruction, the new species is sister to D. diacapsis, albeit without support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new combination Thalloidima squamatum is proposed for a morphologically and phylogenetically distinct species, until now included within the variation of T. sedifolium. Compared to T. sedifolium, the species is characterized by its larger squamules and apothecia, shorter ascospores, the pale color of the excipulum, and its habitat growing on moss cushions over calcareous rock or directly on rock rather than on soil. Most of the material studied originates from Norway and Sweden, but specimens are also reported from Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greenland, Italy, Poland, Russia, Scotland and Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Parvoplaca is extended with four new species: P. candanii from Antarctica, P. lamprocarpa from Alaska, and P. macroborealis and P. tenebrosa from Oregon. Collections identified as P. tiroliensis are shown to form two independent clades when DNA was analyzed, but it is currently not clear which clade represents the species in a strict sense. Parvoplaca athallina has been considered an Antarctic species, but according to our analyses, the species is shown to be bipolar occurring also in northern Europe, Greenland, Alaska and in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on resampling the type locality and surrounding regions, along with phylogenetic analysis of molecular data, we elevate Stereocaulon sasakii var. tomentosoides to the species level, while we treat S. sasakii var. simplex as an environmental modification of S. tomentosoides. We found no phylogenetic evidence that any variety of S. sasakii occurs in North America, so we suggest that the species be removed from the North American list and its North American varieties transferred to S. tomentosoides. Stereocaulon tomentosoides is so far confirmed only from the Pacific Northwest of North America. Furthermore, it is largely allopatric with S. tomentosum, apart from a small region of overlap in northern Idaho and western Montana. While S. tomentosum always contains stictic acid and never lobaric acid as secondary metabolites, S. tomentosoides differs in having a predominant chemotype of lobaric acid as the major substance, with an infrequent chemotype containing both lobaric and stictic acids. While S. tomentosoides usually contains Nostoc in the cephalodia, occasional individuals, especially from old mossy lava flows, contain Stigonema; one specimen was found with both kinds of cephalodia on a single thallus. Phylogenetic analysis of these species and other close relatives revealed an additional species described here, S. cyaneum, so far known only from the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada and separated from S. tomentosum by its bluish coloration, wet or dry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new combination Xenolecia masafuerensis is made for Lecanora masafuerensis, a lichen species known from only two localities on Isla Alejandro Selkirk in the Juan Fernández archipelago, Chile. The species is fully described and illustrated and shown to be morphologically and chemically distinct from the similar X. spadicomma, which is known only from Chile and the Falkland Islands. The typification of X. masafuerensis and its distribution on the islands are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type material of twelve species of Usnea related to Asia and South Africa were studied and one species from North America is newly described. Holotype specimens of eight Chinese taxa described in 1975 were synonymized as follows: U. mengyangensis is lectotypified and synonymized with U. aciculifera. Usnea recurvata and U. subrectangulata are synonymized with U. baileyi. Usnea kirinensis is synonymized with U. barbata s.str. Usnea crassiuscula and U. yunnanensis (= U. australis J.D. Zhao et al., nom. illeg. non Fr.) are synonymized with U. bismolliuscula. Usnea iteratocarpa is synonymized with U. cristatula (new to Asia, China). Usnea decumbens is synonymized with U. intumescens (new to Asia, China). Usnea entoviolata and U. roseola are synonymized with U. fragilis (new to Asia, China, India, Japan). The lectotype of Usnea trichoideoides was found to belong to the Usnea pectinata aggr. and consequently U. montis-fuji was resurrected for U. trichodeoides sensu Ohmura. Usnea ceratina and U. trichodeoides are excluded from the Japan lichen flora. Usnea macaronesica a recently described Macaronesian and South American species is synonymized with the Asian taxa U. pycnoclada. Usnea chicitae is described as a new species endemic of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is characterized by stipitate efflorescent soralia, a tenuicorticata-type of CMA and the presence of salazinic and psoromic acid in the medulla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision of neotropical specimens of the genus Carbacanthographis (Graphidaceae, lichenized fungi) revealed the presence of 14 undescribed species: Carbacanthographis bulbosa, C. clandestinospora, C. cristata, C. denudata, C. granulosa, C. inspersomarcescens, C. isidiata, C. latisporoides, C. lucidocleitops, C. minutissima, C. multiseptatoides, C. nigra, C. nitida, and C. protocristata. They are presented below. The genus appears to have a diversity center in semideciduous forests of northern South America, with up to 7 different species on a single tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National parks and other federally designated natural areas play critical roles in preserving unique habitats, communities, and biodiversity. However, in the United States, it is estimated that 80–90% of species diversity in national parks is presently unknown. Therefore, contemporary biodiversity inventories are critical for conservation, management and establishing baselines for future comparisons. Ongoing efforts to characterize lichen diversity highlight diverse and robust communities in a number of national parks in the USA. In arid regions of the western USA facing ecological transformations, lichens can play a pivotal role for monitoring these changes. Lichen diversity in Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA) in southern Utah, USA remains nearly completely uncharacterized, despite nearly 100 years as a federally protected area. Our study aims to provide a critical perspective into the lichen diversity of BRCA. Using a metabarcoding community sampling approach, we documented 215 candidate lichen-forming fungal species distributed across ecologically distinct sites in BRCA. At each sampled site, species richness ranged from 104 to 133 species, with no more than 20% shared species among the three sites. The limited overlap between collection sites suggests that BRCA harbors greater diversity than initially thought. We document a number of sensitive lichens, particularly Usnea spp. and Ramalina sinensis, that should be monitored as air pollution, land use, and impacts of climate change affect biological communities in the park. The inventory also includes unknown species and other species that have not been documented in the western USA. While our DNA-based inventory highlights strikingly rich lichen diversity, future voucher-based collections will be essential for robust taxonomic determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Lichens, as an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem, attract the attention of various research disciplines. To elucidate their ultrastructure, transmission electron microscopy of resin-embedded samples is indispensable. Since most observations of lichen samples are generated via chemical fixation and processing at room temperature, they lack the rapid immobilization of live processes and are prone to preparation artefacts. To improve their preservation, cryoprocessing was tested in the past, but never widely implemented, not least because of an extremely lengthy protocol. (2) Methods: Here, we introduce an accelerated automated freeze substitution protocol with continuous agitation. Using the example of three lichen species, we demonstrate the preservation of the native state of algal photobionts and mycobionts in association with their extracellular matrix. (3) Results: We bring to attention the extent and the structural variability of the hyphae, the extracellular matrix and numerous crystallized metabolites. Our findings will encourage studies on transformation processes related to the compartmentation of lichen thalli. They include cryopreserved aspects of algal photobionts and observations of putative physiological relevance, such as the arrangement of numerous mitochondria within chloroplast pockets. (4) Conclusions: In summary, we present accelerated freeze substitution as a very useful tool for systematic studies of lichen ultrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are poikilohydric organisms and an important part of the ecosystem. They show high desiccation tolerance, but the mechanism of dehydration resistance still needs to be studied. The photosynthesis recovery of the photobiont in rehydrated lichen Cladonia stellaris after 11-year desiccation was investigated by simultaneously monitoring both photosystem I and II (PSI and PSII) activities. The responses of the photochemical efficiency and relative electron transport rate (rETR) of PSI and PSII, and the quantum yield of the cyclic electron flow (CEF) were measured using a Dual-PAM-100 system. PSI recovered rapidly, but PSII hardly recovered in C. stellaris during rehydration. The maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) was generally very low and reached about just 0.4 during the rehydration. These results indicated that PSII had restored little and was largely inactivated during rehydration. The quantum yield of PSI recovered quickly to almost 0.9 within 4 h and remained constant at nearly 1 thereafter. The results showed that the activation of the CEF in the early stages of rehydration helped the rapid recovery of PSI. The quantum yield of the CEF made up a considerable fraction of the quantum yield of PSI during rehydration. A regulated excess energy dissipation mechanism and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) also recovered. However, the small extent of the recovery of the NPQ was not enough to dissipate the excess energy during rehydration, which may be responsible for the weak activity of PSII during rehydration. The results indicated that both CEF and NPQ were essential during the rehydration of the photobiont in C. stellaris. The methods used in the measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence and P700+ absorbance changes in this study provided a speedy and simple way to detect the physiological characteristics of the photobionts of lichen during rehydration. This work improves our understanding of the mechanism behind lichen's desiccation tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the sensory and experimental practice of three recent eco-films, Geographies of Solitude, vulture, and Lichen, all of whose formal strategies are oriented around a desire to recalibrate perception of the natural world and to attune spectators to the diversity and proliferating life of "other-than-human relatives." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the total area of rocky desertification covers 1.01x107 hm², accounting for 22.3% of the karst area. Nowadays, rocky desertification has become one of the three major land degradation problems in our country, which has seriously affected our economic development and environmental governance. Naturally, rock weathering in the karst area is so long that it takes from a few decades to a hundred years to form a centimeter think of red soil. Because the karst area is rich in calcium and barren in soil, ecological restoration of this area is urgent in both rocky desertification control and karst carbon sink. Carbonic Anhydrase (CA), one of the fastest catalyzing enzymes, can promote the weathering of carbonate rocks by accelerating the hydration reaction of CO2, thus providing soil matrices for plant colonization. At the same time, CA can also be used to absorb CO2 in the atmosphere to fix the carbon source, thereby participating in the carbon cycle process of karst dynamic system. The CA-producing microorganisms are considered to have good application prospects in the restoration of degraded karst habitats. However, for the target strains isolated from favorable habitat, their weak adaptability to the extreme environment may constrain them from exerting their expected effects. In order to select the strain with high CA activity in the extremely degraded karst habitat, CA-producing strains were isolated from the samples of severely degraded rocky karst habitats in this study. The study area is located in Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang (23°41'--25°37' N, 106°34'-109°09' E). It has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.9-21.5 °C. The area is typically developed with karst, scattered with thin soil and highly exposed with rocks. From September to October 2021, four different habitat samples were collected, including lichen in the area with extreme rocky desertification weathered materials under moss, soil under moss, and weathered materials under moss in karst native forest. The source of isolation was a mixture of the four different habitat samples, 1g of each. CA-producing strains were isolated and screened from karst rocky habitats by inoculating suspension of isolation source in calcium carbonate medium with a sprayer. The field emission scanning electron microscope was used for morphological identification of the strain. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the strain were confirmed by carbohydrate decomposition test, V-P test, methyl red test, citrate utilization test, nitrate reduction test, starch hydrolysis test and contact enzyme test. Strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The CA activity of single strain and mixed strain was determined by electrode method. The sequence alignment was performed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Database. In MEGA6, Neighbor-Joining method is used to construct the phylogenetic tree. SPSS software was used to analyze whether there were significant differences in CA activity among different strains/microflora. The results show that six CA-producing strains were isolated by calcium carbonate medium, namely, Flavobacterium resistens, Delftia acidovorans, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Agrobacterium cavarae and Bacillus albus. The CA activity of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila was the highest, up to 4.27 U½mL-1½OD600-1, while that of Bacillus albus was only 0.46 U½mL-1½OD600-1, which indicated that although CA commonly existed in prokaryotes, the activity of different species of bacteria varied greatly. Mixed culturing of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila whose CA activity is high with other strains led to a decrease in CA activity, indicating the great potential application of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila in the extremely oligotrophic environment. The results provide a new bacterial source for ecological restoration of extremely degraded karst habitats. However, all the CA activity decreased when the isolated Stenotrophomonas rhizophila strain N6 with high CA activity is mixed with other 5 strains. Because of the complex living environment, the competition of indigenous microbial community will reduce the survival efficiency of the added microorganisms, make it difficult to form a stable community structure, and then reduce the repair effect. In restoration of degraded karst habitat, whether there is a kind of dominant bacteria that is symbiotic with Stenotrophomonas rhizophila N6 to jointly promote carbonate dissolution is a research focus. Therefore, future studies should identify the core species that drive the restoration of degraded habitats, and explore the relationship between the isolated and culturable CA dominant bacteria and the core species. These study focuses will promote the research and development of biological fertilizer for the rapid restoration of degraded karst habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a landscape with patchily distributed forage resources, an animal's distribution may reflect the distribution of the resources if the population is forage-limited in time or space. This may be particularly explicit in climatically extreme and seasonally variable environments, notably alpine and polar environments during winter. Sustainable management considers the amount of available alpine ground lichen in winter as a predictor of carrying capacity for the last remaining populations of wild European Mountain reindeer Rangifer tarandus tarandus in alpine environments in South Norway. Ground lichen growth is constrained to elevated, wind-blown, snow-free ridges. However, wild Mountain reindeer also persist in areas providing little lichen resources. Our alternative functional hypothesis is that the critical resource is the amount of snow-free feeding areas during winter, which provide direct access to forage, likely to be energy-profitable regardless of the type of vegetation. We sampled animal-borne videos from wild Mountain reindeer during maximum accumulation of snow in late winter/spring, in three contrasting areas providing variable amounts of ground lichen and alternative vegetation resources. Direct observations of reindeer foraging via videos document an active selection and strong preference for feeding on snow-free patches, regardless of type of vegetation. Active 'cratering' in snow was not observed. In contrast, walking behaviours occurred much more frequently across snow-covered areas. Remote sensing data and analyses corroborated these observations. In the sustainable management of wild Mountain reindeer amounts of vegetated snow-free areas is an important functional predictor of winter carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clove essential oil with eugenol as the major compound was used to develop a biopesticide formulation for lichens. Due to the suboptimal effectiveness and high volatility, the present research aimed to prepare a stable and effective deliverable nano biopesticide formulation by adding AgNO3 powder to clove essential oil. The analysis was carried out with several variations: Storage time, AgNO3 concentration, and the effect of adding emulsifiers like Tween 80 and PEG 400. Biopesticide formulations were characterized using a ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared, pore size analyzer, and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray. The effectiveness of inhibiting lichen growth was determined through an inhibition test. The results showed that the effective biopesticide formulation with AgNO3 was obtained at 429-475 nm wavelength, with a particle size of 217 nm and a PI value below 0.5. To reduce the particle size further, the addition of Tween 80 and PEG 400 in the process showed that the particle size achieved was 111.8-172.2 nm with round and irregular morphology, close to the nanoparticle size, and a suitable nanoemulsion formulation. Clove essential oil biopesticide modified with AgNO3, Tween 80, and PEG 400 effectively inhibited lichen growth with an average inhibition zone diameter of 33-37 mm compared to 36.4 mm in positive control and no inhibition in negative controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]