GROWTH RATE OF SHRUB-FRUTICOSE CLADONIA LICHENS IN WEST SIBERIA:
CLIMATIC, HABITAT, AND DISTURBANCE FACTORS
Svetlana U. Abdulmanova
Institute of plant and animal ecology Ural Division Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation, 620144
Yekaterinburg, 8 March st, 202
West Siberia territory is notable for different lichen habitat conditions. These conditions (climate,
landscape, soil, vegetation, disturbances) have greatly influence on lichen growth rate.
The goal of our study is represents a unique assessment of shrub-fruticose lichens growth rate and its
relation to environment and succession gradient.
Key plots were located in zonal community of tundra and forest sites in taiga (middle and southern boreal
forests), forest-tundra and tundra (southern subarctic, northern subarctic and arctic tundra subzones) zone.
We sampled a total of ~ 220 plots with a 100-400 m2 size and measured about 10000 lichen thallus.
The main variability trend of lichens growth rate is a zonal (climatic) gradient. Lichen growth rate
significantly decreases from South to North within the limits from 9.8 (southern taiga) to 1.3 (tundra) mm/year.
The main factor which causes this decrease is air temperature during vegetative season (June-October):
significant regression model – β = 0.82; R2adj = 0.72; p < 0.01. Significance of precipitation during active
growth period is lower (regression model – β = 0.74; R2adj = 0.56; p < 0.01).
Taiga zone. Growth rate of Cladonia lichen from various communities’ types has not significant
differences. However in this zone high variation of lichen growth rate was described for uneven-aged post-fire
communities. These differences are related to changes of structure and depth lichen-moss cover during postfire succession. Growth rate of Cladonia lichens from pirogenic communities increase from 1.2 mm/year (5-20
year after fire) to 9.8 mm/year (> 60 year after fire).
Forest-tundra zone. Lichen communities of this zone were described in many various environmental
conditions. Growth rate were estimated for lichens from exposed dwarf shrub tundra phytocenosis, shrub
tundra, and open woodland. These communities are located along hills slope and are characterized by
different wetting conditions. As a result we detected that lichens grow with maximum rate in shrub tundra
phytocenosis on the hills slope (3.4 mm/ year). And minimum growth rate was detected in lichen-moss tundra
phytocenosis at the top of hills (3.2 mm/year). Also we estimated differences of growth rate for Cladonia
lichens from territories near by Ural Mountains and from central part of West Siberia. As a result we indicated
that Cladonia lichens from territories near by Ural Mountains grow considerable slowly.
Tundra zone. Growth rate of shrub-fruticose lichens from communities of this zone is characterized by
minimum values about 2-3 mm/year. The main factor which has an effect on lichen growth rate of Yamal
tundra communities is heavy reindeer grazing. As a result of this disturbance lichen growth rate have no
significant differences for Cladonia lichen from different subzones and vegetative types.
THE LICHENS OF STANOVOYE HIGHLANDS
Sergei V. Chesnokov1, Ludmila A. Konoreva1, 2
1.
2.
Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia
Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden Institute, Kirovsk, Russia
The lichen flora of Stanovoye Highlands is currently poorly studied because the region is inaccessible.
Some contributions were made by V. Burkova, T. Makryi (Makryi, 2002, 2005, 2013), S. Budaeva, N.
Anisimova, A. Lishtva (S. Budaeva, N. Anisimova, 1992; S. Budaeva, 1995, The biota…, 2005).
According to the published data and taking into account the data on Vitimsky Reserve, 422 species of
lichens were known for the eastern part of Stanovoye Highlands before we started our research.
In 2011-2013 we undertook several expeditions to the eastern part of Stanovoye Highlands. During the
expeditions we investigated the following areas: the Kalar Ridge (the Purelagskiye thermal springs), the
Kodar Ridge (the Leprindinskoye plateau, valley of the river Middle Sakukan, Kodar glaciers), the Udokan
ridge (Copper Mountain), the South Muya ridge (valley of the river Koyra), valley of the river Vitim and
Chara Sands.
We added in the existing list of lichens 138 species. Currently, the total species list for Stanovoye
Highlands includes 560 species. We examined all the available cenoses (mountain-tundra zone, the
coastal cliffs and cliffs in the canyons of the rivers, stony placers, the thickets of elfin cedar, land of light
and dark coniferous taiga) and substrates (stones, soil, the bark and branches of trees, rotten wood).
Saxicolous lichens make up a large proportion of the species range. Our study of local floras of mountaintundra zone of the Kodar Ridge and mountain-tundra forest zones of the South Muya ridge, Udokan ridge,
Kalar Ridge gave a number of interesting findings such as a new species for Eurasia – Bacidia reagens
Malme, a new species for Russia – Pilophorus strumaticus Nyl. ex Cromb. (Konoreva, 2013), and 7 rare
species for Russia: Bryonora curvescens (Mudd) Poelt, Gyalideopsis alnicola Noble & Vězda,
Phaeophyscia dissecta G. Urban., I. Urban. & T. Otn., Phaeophyscia endococcinodes (Poelt) Essl.,
Phaeophyscia hirtella Essl., Rhizocarpon cinereonigrum Vain., Squamarina cartilaginea (With.) P. James.
LONG-TERM CHANGES IN EPIPHYTIC LICHEN BIOTA OF NORWAY
SPRUCE IN THE GORCE MTS (POLAND, WESTERN CARPATHIANS)
Paweł Czarnota
Department of Agroecology, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, University of Rzeszów, Ćwiklińskiej 2, 35–
601 Rzeszów and Scientific Laboratory of the Gorce National Park, Poręba Wielka 590, 34–735 Niedźwiedź;
Poland
Results of long-term studies on forest epiphytic lichen diversity are rarely presented
elsewhere, and in the Polish Carpathians have not been published to date. The basic problem is
to repeat observations on the same sample trees due to the natural or antropogenic
disturbances of forest stands, or simply due to the mortality of first investigators. Such possibility
has opened, however, for author in the territory of the Gorce National Park in the Polish Western
Carpathians. 37 permanent sample plots have been chosen from old stands with dominating
Norway spruce Picea abies and percentage cover for epiphytic lichen species inhabiting 10
spruce samples (surface from the ground to 2.5 m height around the trunk) in each sample plot
have been estimated in years 1993/1994. 20 years later, in 2013, the same methodology by the
same author has been applied, however on only 234 sample trees which survived this period of
time. For this number of samples frequency of lichen species and for each sample plot IAP index
was calculated. The type of forest community and the protection regime were used as
environmental factors influencing lichen diversity. Species were determined in the field with a
magnifier x10 and x20 but controversial findings were collected and identified using standard
light microscopes and simple spot test reactions. For estimation of percentage lichen cover
author’s scale has been applied. Statistical analyses have been made using the Statistica 8.0
software.
57 species were found in both inventories including 35 in 1993/1994 and 53 in 2013. In this
period frequency for 20 species decreased (especially for Cetraria chlorophylla (10.68 vs 0.00),
Platismatia glauca (19.66 vs 1.71) and Pseudevernia furfuracea (15.38 vs 2.56), for 6 species
increased [e.g. Chaenotheca ferruginea (19.66 vs 49.57), Dimerella pineti (3.42 vs 30.77) and
Hypocenomyce scalaris (14.10 vs 26.50)] and for 9 species remained unchanged. 18 species
were recorded on sample trees as new in 2013. In the 20-year term, mean values of IAP index
for both control times did not statistically change, as well for all data set as for samples grouped
according to both analyzed environmental factors. Mean cover degree for epiphytic lichens
significantly decreased, however, in the same time. Protection regime appeared to be important
factor for the cover degree of spruce trunk inhabiting lichen species. Forest community was not
important factor for both IAP value and lichen cover degree, however, in sub-alpine spruce forest
they are distinctly higher than in forest communities of lower belt.
LICHENICOLOUS FUNGI LIVING ON PERTUSARIA LACTEA
(LICHENISED ASCOMYCETES) IN HUNGARY
Edit Farkas, Nora Varga
Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences; H-2163 Vácrátót,
Alkotmány u. 2–4, Hungary
Though the knowledge on lichenicolous fungi is increasing in Hungary, the number of known species is
still very low (56) and mostly based on old herbarium records. Therefore any freshly collected specimen
may result in floristical results new to our area. A recent collection of Pertusaria lactea from the Zemplén
Mts directed our attention to lichenicolous fungi of this host species. P. lactea is moderately frequent in the
middle-mountain range of Hungary in rocky habitats of acidic character. All the earlier collected 59
specimens of P. lactea were studied in lichen herbarium BP. About half of the specimens (16) contained
lichenicolous fungi. So far we have detected Stigmidium and Taeniolella species. Further field work is
necessary to improve our knowledge on these taxa and their distribution in Hungary.
Our research was supported by the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA K81232).
PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE SPECIES DIVERSITY OF GEOGLOSSUM
PERS. (GEOGLOSSOMYCETES, ASCOMYCOTA) IN THE NORTHWESTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT OF RUSSIA
Anna G. Fedosova, Eugene S. Popov
Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Prof. Popov st, 197376, St. Petersburg,
Russia
The genus Geoglossum is characterized by small to medium, clavate, black or brown colored
orthotropic epigeous ascomata. It includes a number of species, which are considered as
threatened in many European countries. The published data on the diversity of Geoglossum in
the Northwestern Federal District (NFD) of Russia are scanty and referring only to 4 species
(Weinmann, 1837; Karsten, 1871; Freindling, 1949; Naumov, 1964; Popov, 2005, 2007; Popov
et al., 2013).
In our study we undertook a revision of collections of Geoglossum from NFD kept at LE and
LEP herbaria as well as our own gatherings. As a whole 65 samples belonging to 8 species were
studied. The species are G. cookeanum Nannf., G. fallax E.J. Durand, G. glabrum Pers.,
G.glutinosum Pers., G. peckianum Cooke, G. simile Peck, G. uliginosum Hakelier, G. umbratile
Sacc. The species of Geoglossum were found in Leningrad (6 species / 27 samples), Novgorod
(3/15), Pskov (5/12), Kaliningrad (3/3), Vologda (1/1) Regions, Republic of Karelia (2/2) and
Saint Petersburg (2/5). From Murmansk Region only 1 species is known according to Karsten
(1871). Among the relatively frequent species are the following three: G. umbratile (24 finds), G.
glutinosum (13), and G. cookeanum (12). Also there are presumably rare species, namely G.
simile (2 finds), G. peckianum (2), G. fallax (1), and G. uliginosum (1). Geoglossum uliginosum is
recorded for the first time in Russia. Preferable habitats of the Geoglossa in the area under
consideration
seem
to
be
species-rich
semi-dry
grasslands
dominated
by
Calamagrostisepigeios, Thalictrumsimplex and/or Inulasalicinaon limestones or on sandy
carbonate-rich soils, sphagnum bogs of Scheuchzerio-Cariceteanigrae, rarely they grow in
wetlands dominated by Calamagrostis neglecta, paludal forests of Alneteaglutinosae, and conifer
forests.
The work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (12-04-33018
мол_а_вед).
BOHEMIAN KARST AS A CUMULATIVE HOTSPOT OF BLACK-FRUITING
CALOPLACA LICHEN BIODIVERSITY IN CENTRAL EUROPE
Ivan Frolov1, Jan Vondrák1, 2 & Pavel Říha1
1.
2.
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, CZ370 05, Czech Republic
Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences, Zámek 1, Průhonice, CZ-25243, Czech Republic
The genus Caloplaca s.lat. (family Teloschistaceae) has a worldwide distribution and includes at least
500 species (Kirk et al. 2008), and possibly 1000 or more species (Arup et al. 2013). Lichens of the genus
usually contain yellow/orange/red anthraquinone pigments in their apothecia and/or thalli, but in several
taxa anthraquinones are fully replaced by other pigments, usually grey, brown or green. Caloplaca
specimens without anthraquinones do not form a monophyletic group, but occur in various unrelated
lineages (Vondrák et al. 2012). Nevertheless, the specimens collected from limestone cliffs in the
temperate zone of the northern hemisphere fall into one monophyletic group, which is usually called
“Pyrenodesmia” (e.g. Clauzade & Roux 1985). Arup et al. (2013) regard Pyrenodesmia A. Massal. as a
distinct genus. The group has been studied quite extensively (e.g. Magnusson 1950, Wunder 1974,
Wetmore 1994, Muggia et al. 2008), but our recent study of the group in Europe and western regions of
Asia shows that its diversity is much higher than previously realized (partially shown by Frolov & Vondrák
2012). Here we present the results of our investigation of the group in the Bohemian karst (BK).
BK is the largest limestone area in the Czech Republic and one of the northernmost in Central Europe.
BK is a slightly undulating plateau near Prague at an altitude of about 400 m, furrowed by deep valleys of
the Berounka River and its tributaries. Numerous limestone outcrops are scattered in the valleys. The
climate in BK is characterized by a long warm and dry summer and a short relatively warm and dry winter.
The eastern part of the area is slightly drier and in spring and autumn slightly warmer than western part
(Ložek et al. 2005). In the BK black fruiting Caloplacas are restricted to more or less sunny habitats with
exposed limestone.
Mediterranean regions to the south and arid continental regions to the east from the target area have
the highest biodiversity of the black-fruiting Caloplaca in Europe, with twelve known species. In Central
Europe north of the Alps and west of the Carpathians, only five species were known. So the recording of
eight taxa of the group (three of them are undescribed yet) in BK was really unexpected: Caloplaca
albopruinosa, C. aff. atroalba, C. chalybaea, C. concreticola, C. aff. diphyodes, C. erodens, C. variabilis
and a blastidiate Caloplaca sp. The taxa were recognized by their phenotype and molecular data (ITS and
β-tubulin sequences). Two different distributional biases (Mediterranean vs. Eastern European – Central
Asian) are recognized among the recorded taxa. Mediterranean lichens are more numerous and abundant
in the western part of BK, whereas lichens with the eastern bias occur only in the dryer, eastern part.
Ložek (1974) provides evidences for continual oscillations of climate during the Quaternary period in BK.
We suggest that xerothermic sites on limestone cliffs of the Bohemian Karst form a cumulative biodiversity
hotspot for lichens which successively colonized the territory in different ages with different climate and
survived subsequent unfavourable periods to the present in specific microsites.
TERRICOLOUS LICHEN SPECIES DIVERSITY IN SAND DUNES
INFLUENCED BY DISTURBANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Marja-Liisa Kämärä, Ede Leppik, Inga Jüriado
Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, 51005, Tartu,
Estonia
Sand dunes are habitats characterized by frequent natural disturbances (wind, ice, seawater)
as well as human disturbances (driving, trampling). We were interested in the effect of local site
factors and also the influence of disturbance on terricolous lichen community. Our survey
consisted of 13 study sites in Estonia, covering both inland and costal dunes. In each site we
studied pair of disturbed and undisturbed study plots. We described lichen species composition
and environmental variables in a circular plot of 0.1 ha located in the most homogeneous part of
the habitat. We evaluated the effects of environmental characteristics, disturbance and
geographical location of a study site on composition and diversity of terricolous lichens by
multivariate analyses (DCA, pDCCA) and by general linear models (GLM). Altogether 67 taxa of
lichenized fungi were recorded. We found differences in lichen species composition and diversity
caused by geographical location of study plot. However, species richness and composition were
significantly influenced also by the disturbance of the habitat. Lichen species richness was
higher in undisturbed plots compared to disturbed plots. The composition of terricolous lichens
was also influenced by mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, N) of soil, soil pH, soil organic matter, cover of
plants, bryophytes, litter and bare sand. Cover of plants, bryophytes and litter had overall
negative effect on lichen species richness, whereas cover of bare sand had positive effect on
lichen species richness in undisturbed plots and showed negative effect on disturbed plots.
THE IMPACT OF PINE INTRODUCTION ON LICHEN
SPECIES DIVERSITY IN FORESTS OF POLAND
Dariusz Kubiak
Department of Mycology, Warmia and Mazury University in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, PL-10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Nearly half of the territory of Poland is covered with habitats of mesophilous deciduous forests,
including 41.6% of oak-hornbeam or oak-lime-hornbeam. The current, actual forest cover of Poland
(29.3%) is, however, dominated by coniferous forest stands (69.9%), in particular pine forests. This
disproportion has been caused by the fact that, in the past, fertile deciduous forests were primarily taken
for cultivation and large-scale introduction of economically more efficient species, i.e. pine or spruce
(including habitats of oak-hornbeam forest). Introduction of coniferous species (mainly pine) in fertile
habitats or cutting down of deciduous trees from mixed forests, resulting from planned or wasteful
exploitation of forests, is referred to in Poland as pine introduction. It is one of the main forms of forest
degradation in Poland, which leads to major changes in species composition of vegetation and changes in
habitats, resulting in i.a. soil acidification and depletion. The effects of this process involve all components
of the forest biocoenosis, including lichens.
The research conducted in 2012-2013 aimed at exploring the qualitative and quantitative changes in
the biota of lichens caused by pine introduction. The study area covered the Forest Division of
NoweRamuki located in northern Poland, in the central part of Napiwodzko-Ramucka Forest. Habitats of
mixed lime-oak-hornbeam forests cover nearly 44% of the Forest Division, though pine is the dominant
species in the prevailing part of the area (90% of forest stands). The research was conducted in pine forest
stands of varying age planted in the habitat typical of oak-hornbeam forests. In addition, the reference sites
were selected in natural oak-hornbeam forests protected in the nearby nature reserve “Las Warmiński”.
The research was conducted in 4 types of forest stands:
60-100-year-old pine forest (inconsistent with the habitat, with characteristics typical of commercial
forest, at the age defined in most parts of Poland as pre-felling);
120-160-year-old pine forest (inconsistent with the habitat, at the age defined in most parts of Poland
as post-felling);
>200-year-old pine forest (inconsistent with the habitat and with a large contribution of deciduous
species characteristic of mixed oak-hornbeam forest of self-regeneration origin);
>200-year-old oak-hornbeam forest (consistent with the habitat of natural forest).
Ten study sites with an area of 400 m2 were located in each of the four types of forest stands. A list of
lichen species was compiled at each of them, together with detailed information about microhabitats and
the abundance of species occurrence.
While forests of category 1 and 2 come from cultivation, the origin of mature pine forests and
processes determining their present conditions are not fully explored. It can be assumed, however, that
they are a final succession stage of post-felling forest stands growing on similar habitats as a result of
natural regeneration. The obtained results are therefore a contribution to resolving the question whether it
is possible to reconstruct the lichen biota typical of oak-hornbeam forests as a result of natural
regeneration of pine forest stands growing on fertile habitats and what is the rate of this process.
LICHENS ON ANTHROPOGENIC SUBSTRATA
IN OLD CEMETERIES IN LITHUANIA
Vilma Kuodytė1, Ingrida Prigodina Lukošienė1, Jurga Motiejūnaitė2
1.
2.
Department of Botany and Genetics, Vilnius University, M.K. Čiurlionio Str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius,
Lithuania
Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre, Žaliųjų ežerų Str. 49, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
In the years 2010–2013 three 200-year old cemeteries were studied: Bernardinai cemetery in
Vilnius (3.87 ha), Viekšniai cemetery (2,8 ha) in Mažeikiai district (western Lithuania) and Raižiai
Tatar Cemetery in Alytus district (southern Lithuania) (2,37 ha). In total, 75 lichen taxa were
recorded. The highest diversity of lichens was found in Raižiai Tatar Cemetery (45 taxa), where
most of the gravestones are siliceous rocks. In all cemeteries lichens colonized 7 types of manmade substrata: metal (27 taxa), granite (62 taxa), concrete (28 taxa), stone (18 taxa), stoneconcrete gravestones (13 taxa), wooden crosses (31 taxa), masonry (4 taxa). Many species
showed characteristic distribution patterns with regard to certain ecological indices (light,
moisture, nutrient status of substratum). The majority of samples examined consisted of
photophytic and mesophytic species growing on medium to nutrient rich substrata. Six frequency
groups were defined for the recorded lichens. Nearly half of the taxa were very frequent. No very
rare and rare species were identified in Bernardinai cemetery in Vilnius. The highest number of
very rare species was recorded in Raižiai cemetery. Very rare species identified were Lecanora
semipallida H.Magn., Lecanora sulphurea (Hoffm.) Ach., Xanthoparmelia verruculifera (Nyl.) O.
Blanco, Psilolechia lucida (Ach.) M. Choisy, Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.) DC., and
Rhizocarpon lecanorinum Anders.
LICHEN DISTRIBUTION IN HEATHERS UNDER DIFFERENT
MANAGEMENT METHODS IN ĀDAŽI MILITARY AREA
Anna Mežaka1, Liene Auniņa2, Alfons Piterāns3
1.
2.
3.
Research Institute for Regional Studies, Rezekne Higher Education Institution, Rēzekne, Atbrīvošanas aleja 115,
LV-4601, Latvia
Institute of Biology of University of Latvia, 3 Miera Street, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Department of Botany and Ecology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda Boulevard 4, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
The aim of the present study was to investigate lichen distribution in heathland in Ādaži Military Area
under different heather management methods – cut-and-collect, controlled fire and semi-natural (control)
regime. Data about 92 sample plots were analyzed. In total 31 lichen species were found. The highest
lichen cover as well as richness and diversity was found in cut-and-collect heathland – 25 species.
However, it cannot be associated with the manage-ment method as we do not know the heathland species
composition before the application of management. One species is Red-listed in Latvia – Pycnothellia
papillaria, found only in cut-and-collect heathland. Lichen species presence and dominance in heathland
varied among management methods. The heathland management methods were discussed in relation to
conservation of the largest Latvian heathland area and associated lichen species.
THE LICHENS OF UZON VOLCANO (KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA)
Irina S. Stepanchikova, Dmitry E. Himelbrant
St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb., 7-9, St. Petersburg, 199034 & Komarov Botanical
Institute RAS, Prof. Popov Str., 2, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
Uzon is a caldera of ancient volcano, nowadays covered with a system of thermal fields,
rivers and lakes with different pH (from 2 to 7 approximately). This circus ca. 10 km in diameter
situated in Kronotsky Reserve (Eastern Kamchatka) is one of the largest thermal areas in
Eurasia. The plant communities in Uzon are represented by stone-birch (Betula ermanii) stands,
Pinus pumila and Alnus fruticosa elfwin woodlands and different types of mountain tundra; lakes
are surrounded by grassy swamps and meadows. Around the thermal fields and springs specific
plant associations are formed. The communities on dry thermal fields are generally dominated
by lichens, whereas the wet ones are covered with mosses, algae and cyanobacteria and
surrounded by grasses.
The Uzon volcano had been visited by lichenologists several times in 20th century (Trass,
1963 a, b; Mikulin, 1986, 1987, 1993), but never before the complete list of lichens for this area
had been compiled. We investigated the plant communities of Uzon during several weeks in
frame of the Kamchatian Geobotany Expeditions of Komarov Botanical Institute in 2009–2013.
The main plant communities of the caldera (exluding the boards) were studied on standard
sample plots. Additionally, the thermal fields of different types were specially investigated by
transect method.
The revealed lichen biota of Uzon volcano counts nowadays ca. 100 species. The most
interesting floristic findings are Tuckermannopsis orbata, which appeared to be rather common
in this area, and Chaenothecopsis parasitaster (Stepanchikova, Himelbrant, 2011).
The most specific are the lichens of the thermal fields. Very few species can be found there,
and all of them are resistant to high concentrations of sulphur oxides and low pH. The vegetation
belts closest to the dry thermal fields are dominated by Placynthiella spp., followed by Cladonia
vulcani, sometimes with C. granulans intermixed. In several meters from the thermal field border
some other species occur on ground, e. g. Trapeliopsis granulosa, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia
furcata, Dibaeis baeomyces. Epiphytic lichen communities in the stands surrounding the thermal
fields have very few species, but high specificity: on the stone-birch bark anomalously well
developed Japewia subaurifera and unidentified Lecanora sp. prevail, Cladonia vulcani and C.
granulans are relatively abundant.
In general, the lichen communities in Uzon have rather low species diversity. Within the
tundra plots in the caldera only the most common ground lichen species have been recorded.
The diversity of epiphytic lichens is significantly impoverished in comparison to other territories of
Kamchatka. No any species sensitive to air pollution nor forest continuity were recorded,
calicioid lichens and fungi are extremely few and present only in a distance from the thermal
areas.
LICHENS IN THE RED DATA BOOK OF SAINT PETERSBURG (RUSSIA)
Dmitry E. Himelbrant, Irina S. Stepanchikova,
Ekaterina S. Kuznetsova
St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb., 7-9, St. Petersburg, 199034 &Komarov Botanical Institute RAS,
Prof. Popov Str., 2, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
Saint Petersburg is one of the biggest cities in Russia that includes wide suburbs and represents a
separate administrative unit. Due to the official position and large area it has an own Red Data Book (RDB)
like other regions. During 2011–2013 the second edition of the threatened lichens list for the new RDB of
St. Petersburg was prepared according to IUCN criteria on the base of authors intensive field
investigations, database «The Lichens of the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg», as well as critically
analyzed herbarium and literature data.
Altogether 60 species of lichens have been selected for the RDB list with main categories (and
additionally 24 species with DD category). About 540 species of lichens have been recorded within the city
limits, thus 11% of lichen diversity belong to the categories RE–NT. St. Petersburg is a big industrial city
founded in beginning of the 18th century, therefore the significant part of its lichen flora nowadays have
been regionally disappeared. More then one third (21 species, 35%) of RDB lichens belong to RE category
and have not been observed for 70 years at least. Most of the species – e. g. Bacidia polychroa, Cetrelia
olivetorum, Chaenotheca subroscida, Evernia divaricata, Leptogium saturninum, Lobaria pulmonaria,
Microcalicium disseminatum, Nephroma bellum, N. parile, N. resupinatum, Phlyctis agelaea, Ramalina
thrausta, Schismatomma pericleum – were confined to old-growth spruce forests or old parks with
broadleaved trees. Few others – Flavocetraria nivalis, Peltigera collina, P. leucophlebia – were members
of terricolous communities and disappeared due to the high level of recreation, forestry and industrial
development. Among 39 species of CR–NT categories 20 are corticolous or rarely lignicolous and inhabit
biologically valuable forests and parks – Arthonia byssacea, A. spadicea, Bacidia rubella, Chaenotheca
spp., Cladonia norvegica, Cyphelium inquinans, Leptogium teretiusculum, Melanelixia subargentifera,
Pertusaria coccodes, Sclerophora pallida, S. coniophaea and others. Some protected species – Cetraria
aculeata, Cetrariella delisei, Cladonia bellidiflora, C. squamosa, C. stellaris, Peltigera aphthosa – are
terricolous and seriously decreased under the active recreation and lost of habitats. Few species –
Arctoparmelia centrifuga, Calicium corynellum, Montanelia sorediata and Umbilicaria polyphylla — are
connected with remains of native saxicolous communities.
The significant part of RDB species is represented by calicioid lichens and fungi, of them two belong to
RE category. Group of pollution-sensitive cyanolichens includes 11 species (18.3%) from Leptogium,
Nephroma, Peltigera genera and Lobaria pulmonaria, 7 of them belong to RE category. Additionally, three
species of Arthonia present in RDB with EN–NT categories. Significant amount of cyanolichens, calicioid
and arthonioid protected species existing nowadays – 18.30% – reflex the presence of biologically
valuable habitats in the city limits (old parks, mixed and broadleaved forests, calcareous outcrops etc.). In
the same time the total number of lichens from these groups including RE species exceed 27 (45%), what
show the regional process of missing of vulnerable habitats.
The majority of the lichens from CR-NT categories (28 species, 71.8%) are already protected within the
14 existing protected areas, thus the red-listed lichens in St. Petersburg have a perspective to survive.
EPIPHYTIC LICHENS ON ASPEN IN TWO PROTECTED
AREAS IN NORTH-WESTERN EUROPEAN RUSSIA
Gulnara M. Tagirdzhanova1, Irina S. Stepanchikova1, 2
1.
2.
St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7-9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
Komarov Botanical Institute RAS, Professor Popov St. 2, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
Aspen (Populus tremula L.) in North-Western Europe is one of the most attractive tree
species for epiphytic lichens. According to our database «The lichens of the Leningrad Region
and St. Petersburg», 295 lichen species have been found in our Region on aspen bark. We have
no comparable data on aspen epiphytes for the whole territory of neighboring Novgorod Region,
but their diversity is expected to be not so rich, as far as the Novgorod Region is more disturbed
in general (Stepanchikova et al., 2013).
The composition of epiphytic lichens on aspen bark depends on the community type, age
and disturbance level. Our study is devoted to the diversity of epiphytic lichens of aspen in
relatively well-preserved forests within two protected areas – Vepssky Forest Natural Park
(Leningrad Region) and Valdaysky National Park (Novgorod Region). The material was collected
during 2012–2013 in spruce forests with aspens; within each area 12 standard sample plots
(20×20 m) were investigated. On the sample plot all the aspen epiphytes were recorded on the
lower parts of aspen trunks below 2 m in height.
The investigated areas have different history and age. Vepssky Forest has not been cut
during at least 400 last years, age of spruces on some sample plots exceeded 280 years.
Valdaysky Park is generally much more disturbed, the majority of spruces in forest communities
is not older than 100 years. The epiphytic lichen diversity on aspens within two protected areas
differs significantly: in Vepssky Forest totally 114 lichen species were found, whereas 59 species
only were recorded in Valdaysky. The average amount of lichen species on aspen bark in
Vepssky Forest is 42.5±3.8 (from 22 to 57 species) per sample plot and 13.7±1.2 per tree. The
average number of species per tree is close to the same character for old-growth forests in
Finland (the middle boreal subzone), where it reaches 12.9±6.3 (Kuusinen, 1996). In Valdaysky
Park 15.2±1.5 (9–22) species per sample plot and 6.7±0.4 species per tree only has been
recorded.
The species composition of epiphytic lichen biota reflects the differences in history and
structure of communities. Vepssky Forest is characterized by large amount of the species
sensitive to the forest continuity: 12 habitat specialists and 7 indicator species (Andersson et al.,
2009) were recorded on aspen. Among them, four species of Nephroma present, two (N. bellum,
N. parile) are rather abundant. In old-growth undisturbed forests of Vepssky Forest epiphytic
community Lobarion is well represented on many old aspen trunks. On the other hand, in
Valdaysky Park we found on aspens 4 habitat specialists and 5 indicator species of old-growth
forests only. Nephroma parile was the only recorded species of the genus and it was found only
once. Lobaria pulmonaria was not found at all.
The poverty of Valdaysky Park forest communities in comparison with almost pristine
Vepssky Forest Reservate cannot be a reason to underestimate the significance of the
Valdaysky National Park for the biodiversity conservation. In the southern part of the Novgorod
Region, which is generally much more disturbed then the Leningrad Region, Valdaysky Park is a
unique relatively undisturbed forest area, and it anyway should be carefully protected.
DISTRIBUTION OF HYPOGYMNIAPHYSODES IN PINE FORESTS:
A PRELIMINARY DATA FROM THE SOUTH-EASTERN BELARUS
Andrei Tsurykau, Volha Khramchankova
F. Skorina Gomel State University, Sovetskaya str., 104, Gomel, Belarus
Timber processing is the main goal of forest management. Production of forest products, such as pulp,
paper, construction materials and tall oil requires timber as the only raw material. Unfortunately, such
byproducts as tree bark as well as epiphytes are not used in forest industry in Belarus nowadays. These
significant parts of a tree trunk are either burned or left to decay on clear cut sites.
Epiphytic lichens have many economic uses, for example, as antibiotics, dyes, natural remedies and
stabilizers for perfumes. Therefore, the collection of lichen thalli from felled trees seems to be economically
beneficial. Furthermore, lichen conservation purposes will be not violated.
Scots pine forests cover more than half of the forest area in the country. Hypogymniaphysodes (L.) Nyl.
is the most frequent macrolichenon pines in Belarus. This species contains atranorin, chloroatranorin,
physodalic, physodic, protocetraric, 3-hydroxyphysodic, and 2’-O-methylphysodic acids (Molnár&Farkas
2011) that revealed antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferativeactivities (e.g. Yilmaz et al. 2004,
Ranković et al. 2008, Mitrović et al. 2011).
The main aim of our investigation was to estimate specific weight of Hypogymniaphysodes in various
aged pine forests and to select the forest types that can be chosen for industrial lichen collection.
Altogether92Pinussylvestris sample plots were studied in Gomel region, the south-eastern Belarus. In
every plot we collect Hypogymniaphysodes thalli on ten randomly selected pine trees. Size of collection
area on the trunk was 0.12 m2 (30 × 40 cm). 920 trees were sampled in the study.
It was found that specific weight of Hypogymniaphysodes increases until the forest reaches middle age
and decreases in maturing and mature pine stands. The lowest values of the unit weight were recorded in
the most eutrophicated Pinetum fontinale-herbosum, P. oxalidosum and P. pteridiosum plots.
The specific weight and the projective cover ofHypogymniaphysodes were significantly correlated
(r=0.72; p<0.01; n=920). One per cent lichen coverage corresponds to 0.9 g/m2thalli in young and middleaged pine forests, and to 0.4–0.6 g/m2thalli in mature stands.
NATIONAL RED DATA LISTS OF LICHENISED
FUNGI – A EUROPEAN OVERVIEW
Tiina Randlane, Andres Saag
University of Tartu, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Lai 38–40, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
A strong decrease in the species richness has brought biodiversity on the political agenda,
both on the national and international level, as species extinctions are the most obvious aspect
of biodiversity loss. Red-listing system developed by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) is recognised as the most authoritative approach to document the current status
of biodiversity, relevant to all species and all regions of the world. Since 2001, the improved
system of red list categories and the criteria for evaluation critically endangered, endangered
and vulnerable taxa has become internationally widely recognized; the nature of assessments
has changed dramatically, with the implementation of data-driven and objective criteria for
estimating extinction risk. At the global level, only two lichenised fungus taxa – Cladonia
perforata A. Evans and Erioderma pedicellatum (Hue) P.M. Jørg. – are represented in the IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species, having been evaluated as endangered and critically
endangered, respectively. At the national level, red lists of lichens using generally accepted
IUCN recent system of categories and criteria have been produced in 11European countries –
Czech Republic (2008), Denmark (2010), Estonia (2008), Finland (2010), Germany (2011), Italy
(2013), Netherlands (2011), Norway (2010), Sweden (2010), Switzerland (2002) and the United
Kingdom (2012).The proportion of taxa with adequate data (excluding categories Not Applicable,
Not Evaluated, and Data Deficient) from all lichenised taxa that are nationally recorded, differs
greatly among the countries, from 14% in Italy to 71% in Norway. We analyze the assessments
of extinction threat for selected lichen species on regional scale, in Northern Europe and the
Baltic region. Although the red list assessments from smaller regions, such as countries on a
continent cannot be combined or scaled up in any way to provide Red List Categories for the
entire larger region according to the IUCN Regional Guidelines (2012), we suggest that the red
lists of neighboring countries provide additional information for preparing national red lists. This
information is especially useful in the initial assessment procedure when it is determined which
taxa should be assessed on a national scale.
GENETIC DIVERSITY OF USNEA SUBFLORIDANA
(LICHENIZED ASCOMYCOTA) POPULATIONS
IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERATE DUST POLLUTION
Polina Degtjarenko1, Liis Marmor1, Tiiu Tõrra2,
Tiina Randlane1, Christoph Scheidegger3
1.
2.
3.
University of Tartu, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Lai 38, 51005, Tartu, Estonia
University of Tartu, Estonian Marine Institute, Mäealuse 14, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Lichens, as symbiotic organisms, are sensitive to different disturbances, particularly to air pollution. In
case of alkaline dust pollution, it is known that dust sediments increase the pH of tree bark and, therefore,
influence the abundance of lichens, species richness and the composition of communities. However, there
is no evidence of response in genetic diversity, particularly in allelic richness of a lichen population in case
of alkaline dust pollution. The aim of our research was to find any connections between alkaline dust
pollution and allelic richness of lichen populations using microsatellite markers. The study was carried out
in coniferous forests of southern Estonia, in Vastse-Kuuste Community (58°8’ N 27°2’E) using widely
distributed temperate epiphyte, beard lichen U. subfloridana. We sampled 247 U. subfloridana specimens
from 1) four populations, which were exposed to limestone gravel road, and 2) four unpolluted populations
from the same area as reference data. We collected samples from Norway spruce, and not higher than six
meters from the ground. We used nine mycobiont-specific polymorphic microsatellite loci to quantify the
allelic richness among the populations. We measured the allelic richness using software Microsatellite
Analyzer (MSA); the measures were corrected for variation in sample size using the rarefaction method. In
total, we found 88 alleles at nine microsatellite loci, which provided 220 multilocus genotypes. U.
subfloridana populations had significantly higher mean allelic richness in unpolluted forests stands than in
polluted forests stands. We suggest that gravel road dust pollution changes environmental conditions by
increasing the pH of tree bark and branches, leading so to the decline in suitable for U. subfloridana
habitats. Therefore, restricted dispersal possibilities contribute to the genetic impoverishment. We suppose
that unpolluted forest stands maintain high levels of the genetic diversity within U. subfloridana
populations.
SPECIES DELIMITATION IN LICHENISED GENUS VULPICIDA
(PARMELIACEAE, ASCOMYCOTA) USING GENE CONCATENATION AND
COALESCENT-BASED SPECIES TREE APPROACHES
Kristiina Mark1, 2, Lauri Saag1, 3, Andres Saag1, Tiina Randlane1
1.
2.
3.
University of Tartu, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Lai 38–40, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Estonian Biocentre, Department of Evolutionary Biology,Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
Recognizing species boundaries in many organism groups is still in a state of flux, and
finding the appropriate analytical tools and character sets is among the greatest challenges to
empirical species delimitation. We aimed at delimiting the species using different phy-logenetic
strategies in a lichenised genus Vulpicida (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) where six
morphologically-circumscribed species have been distinguished, however, with phenotypic
characters partly overlapping and intermediate forms occurring between the three taxa (V.
juniperinus, V. tilesii, and V. tubulosus). Five DNA loci – nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed
spacer region (ITS), nuclear ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS), nuclear DNA replication licensing
factor Mcm7 (Mcm7), largest subunit of nuclear RNA polymerase II (RPB1), and small sub-unit
of mitochondrial ribosome (mtSSU) – were sequenced and analyzed. Using maximum likelihood
and Bayesian approach we reconstructed single-locus gene trees and five-locus, concatenated
phylogenies to assess the monophyly of current Vulpicida species. Species boundaries were
also inferred from molecular data using two coalescent-based species delimitation methods
(BP&P and Brownie), and species trees were reconstructed with different algorithms (*BEAST,
BEST, and STEM). The two species restricted to North America (without an overlap in their
ranges), V. canadensis and V. viridis, are clearly distinct in all analyses. The four remaining
traditionally accepted species, V. juniperinus, V. pinastri, V. tilesii, and V. tubulosus, form a
closely related core group of the genus where two unambiguously supported lineages can be
detected by molecular data. Based on these results, we propose four instead of current six
species in the genus: V. canadensis, V. juniperinus, V. pinastri, and V. viridis, while V. tilesii and
V. tubulosus are reduced to synonymy under V. juniperinus. Our study shows that the coalescent
based species tree inference produces more consistent outcome compared to gene
concatenation, especially where complex history of recombination and incomplete lineage
sorting is expected.
FAMILIES GYALECTACEAE AND COENOGONIACEAE
IN EXTRA-TROPICAL EURASIA
Ludmila V. Gagarina
Laboratory of Lichenology and Bryology, Komarov Botanical Institute RAS, Professor Popov St. 2, 197376
St. Petersburg, Russia
The crustose lichen families Gyalectaceae and Coenogoniaceae are currently represented in extratropical Eurasia by 46and 14species respectively. The investigation is based on morphological, anatomical
and chemotaxonomic methods. More than 50 type samples were studied from different herbaria and
materials of author were also used. During the present study full list of species was completed, numerous
species have been recorded as new to the territory of Extra tropical Eurasia and Russia. Species of
Gyalectatitovii, Ramoniahimelbrantii are published as new for science. A species of Coenogoniumtheae is
a new combination. Nomenclature synopsis was created and clarified, including more than 30 lectotypes,
20 isolectotypes and other types. The monograph about lichens from families Gyalectaceae and
Coenogoniaceae was prepared in Russian. Research supported by Russian Foundation for Basic
Research (grants 12-04-31095, 14-04-01411).
PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE GENERA BACIDIA AND BACIDINA
OF RUSSIA AND ADJACENT AREAS
Yulia V. Gerasimova
Komarov Botanical Institute, Prof. Popov Str., 2, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
Until now, both genera Bacidia and Bacidina have been considered within the family
Bacidiaceae. Subsequently, they were assigned to the family Ramalinaceae, based on the
molecular data.
The genera Bacidia and Bacidinaare widely spread around the globe. In the world there are
approximately 100–110 species, in Russia – about 40 species, for Abkhazia four species were
previously reported. Up to now, the systematic study of these genera in Russia has not been
conducted.
The material was collected on the territory of Russiaa nd Abkhaziain 2012–2013. In Russia
the collection was made in the East Siberia (Kadar Ridge), Primorsk and Khabarovsk Region of
the Far East (Sikhote-Alin and Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve, respectively); in Abkhazia –
in three areas: Picunda Myussersky Reserve, Ritsinsky Relict National Park (RRNP) and the
vicinity of the Abkhazian Research Forest Experimental Station (ARFES) near Ochamchira.
As a result of the determination of the material collected, 10 species of epiphytic lichens of
the crustose genera Bacidia and Bacidina have been identified: Bacidia arceutina, B. fraxinea, B.
friesiana, B. reagens, B. rosella, B. rubella, B. subincompta, B. schweinitzii, Bacidina aenea, B.
chloroticula.
Three species from the above mentioned (Bacidia arceutina, B. fraxinea, B. subincompta)
were found both in Far East and in Abkhazia, while B. fraxineais recorded for both territories for
the first time. Moreover, B. schweinitzii and Bacidina chloroticulaare recorded in the Far East, B.
reagens – for the eastern Siberia, and B. friesiana and B. aenea – for Abkhazia.
Before Bacidia schweinitzii was discovered in Japan and China, it was considered the
endemic of the North America, where it is widely distributed over the eastern coast. Since the
species is often found in our collections, we can assume that B. schweinitzii is more widely
spread.
The discovery of B. reagens in Eastern Siberia extends its recognized area, as the
distribution of this species has so far been considered as restricted to subtropical areas north
and south of the neotropics. In Siberia B. reagens was found in humid localities at the altitudes
of 755 and 816 m above sea level, which may bet he evidence that the species is distributed in
mountainous areas.
Bacidina aenea was also considered the North American endemic, as it was recorded in the
northwest of Florida, in the subtropics, as well as in Abkhazia. In this connection, the species
appears to have a subtropical distribution.
The made research has demonstrated that the diversity of the species from the Far East and
Abkhazia are more or less identically and significantly more widespread compared with the
mountains of the southern Siberia. However, the data available are insufficient to make the
conclusion about the comparative diversity of Bacidia and Bacidina in Russia.
THE LICHEN GENUS MICAREA FR. IN RUSSIA
Ludmila A. Konoreva
Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden and Institute, Kirovsk, Russia
Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia
The genus Micarea Fr. was described by Th. Fies in 1825. Currently, about 110 species of the genus
are known around the world and the number is continuously increasing (Coppins & Tønsberg, 2001; van
den Boom & Coppins 2001; Anderson, Ekman, 2004; Czarnota, 2007; 2011 etc.). There are distinguishing
features of the genus: crustose thallus, ‘micareoid’ photobiont, (cells about 5-7 mkm in diameter), usually
immarginate and convex biatorine apothecia with a poorly developed proper exciple, abundantly branched
and anastomosed paraphyses, asci with an apical cushion surrounded by a tube-structure, colourless,
simple to transversely septate ascospores lacking a perispore, immersed, sessile or stalked pycnidia, and
an abundance of conidial types (Coppins, 1983, 1992). Species of Micarea s.str. usually grow on rotting
wood, bark and wood of trees in moderately wet conditions, rarely on soil (e.g. M. assimilata (Nyl.)
Coppins, M. incrassata Hedl.) and dead mosses (e.g. M. leprosula (Th. Fr.) Coppins & A. Fletcher). Some
epilithic species, previously included to the genera, were separated into several independent entities (e.g.
the genus Leimonis Körb. (Harris, 2009). They differ from Micarea s.str. in some important characters:
«micareoid» photobiont is absent and proper exciple is well-developed.
We revised a herbarium material of Micarea collected on the territory of Russia in herbaria LECB, LE
(St.-Petersburg, Russia), KPABG (Apatity, Russia), ALTB (Barnaul, Russia), H, TUR (Finland),
summarized the literature data and our own data obtained during our field trips to different regions of
Russia (Murmansk, Leningrad, Belgorod, Kursk, Ryazan, Vologda, Yaroslavl regions, Zabaykalsky Krai,
Altai Mts) and Svalbard archipelago.
As a result, we have compiled a list of about 30 species of Micarea s.str. in Russia (epilithic species,
which currently belong to newly described genera, have not been included in the list). Micarea prasina s.l.,
M. denigrata (Fr.) Hedl., M. misella (Nyl.) Hedl., M. melaena (Nyl.) Hedl., M. peliocarpa (Anzi) Coppins et
R. Sant are widespread in Russia. Micarea adnata Coppins, M. contexta Hedl., M. eximia Hedl., M.
hedlundii Coppins, M. leprosula (Th. Fr.) Coppins & A. Fletcher, M. melaeniza Hedl., M. nigella Coppins,
M. osloënsis (Th. Fr.) Hedl., M. rhabdogena (Norman) Hedl. are rare species and only few localities of
these species are known in Russia. For some Micarea species we compiled a distribution maps in Russia
and in the world.
We figured out, that the genus mainly has European distribution. In the Asian part of Russia a much
smaller number of species are known. However, poorly investigated Far East can give some interesting
findings. Moreover, some Micarea groups are still poorly understood (for example, M. assimilatа, M.
denigrata and M. peliocarpa groups). Molecular studies of these groups will probably give interesting
results.
CAN RETENTION TREES AND PATCHES LIFEBOAT LICHEN SPECIES
IN MANAGED FORESTS? EXAMPLES FROM NORDIC COUNTRIES
Anna-Liisa Ylisirniö
Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, P.O. Box 122, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland
Intensive forestry has reduced lichen diversity in Fennoscandian boreal forests during the
last 50-100 years. Changed microclimate, increased irradiation and direct physical damage by
wind and snow affect the survival of lichens in clear-cuttings. Lichens are slowly growing
organisms, and for many species it takes 200-300 years to reach high abundance after
disturbance. New forest management methods, which try to mitigate the effects of intensive
forestry, have been implied in Nordic countries about 15-20 years. These include retention trees
and patches, which are supposed to lifeboat species over the forest regeneration period. The
results on the effects of these methods are contradictory. Some studies indicate that species
richness on retained aspens has increased within the time frame of 10-16 years, whereas others
indicate that especially lichens preferring moist, shady environment such as Biatora and
Mycobilimbia species will not thrive on retention trees. Environmental preferences of individual
species affect to their survival, and position of solitary trees and even an exposition of a tree side
may influence the persistence of a species. Size and shape of retention patches affects the
survival of lichens, many of them being sensitive to the edge effect and stochastic extinctions.
Many studies indicate that a minimum size of 0.5-1 ha is required for retention patches and
woodland key habitats to maintain the microclimatic stability of forest interior, which is required
for the persistence of species preferring late-successional stands. The new forest management
methods have been implied for about 20 decades, and it is impossible to say for certainty how
much they improve the survival of slowly growing lichen species. Furthermore, most of studies
have been conducted on aspen and other deciduous trees, and our knowledge on the survival of
conifer-living species is still scarcer. Besides of retaining single trees and forest patches,
landscape-level planning is needed to ensure the connectivity of forest patches, which is crucial
for the dispersal of species. High-quality forest patches of several hectares should be retained at
the landscape level to ensure species distribution pools.
AQUATIC LICHENS AND THEIR LICHENICOLOUS FUNGI IN ESTONIA
Ave Suija, Merje Schmeimann
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai Str. 40, EE51005 Tartu, Estonia
The freshwater provide habitat for rich and highly specialized biota, including for lichens. The
occurrence of aquatic lichens is almost always granted by the presence of any rock surfaces at the water
level, but the inundated tree roots may be substrates for lichens as well. Lichens have a quite an impact on
the bio-geochemical processes and on accumulation of biomass in their freshwater habitats, and the
presence/absence of certain lichens can be seen as the determinant of water quality, surrounding habitat
conditions, fluctuation of the water level, etc.
The material was collected in summer months in 2010 and 2011 from 59 Estonian streams and rivers.
We recorded 51 species on inundated stones, among them three lichenicolous fungi i.e. Lichenopeltella
hydrophila R. Sant., Neocoleroa inundata (Vain.) Diederich and Stigmidium rivulorum (Kernst.) Cl. Roux &
Nav.-Ros. Crustose lichens representing family Verrucariaceae (Hydropunctaria, Thelidum, Verrucaria)
dominated among the material. The number of species varied from two to 18 species per waterbody
(average 5,1 species).
WOOD-INHABITING FUNGI IN SCOTS PINE FOREST
AFFECTED BY GREAT CORMORANT COLONY
Reda Iršėnaitė1, Tatjana Iznova2, Jonas Kasparavičius1,
Ernestas Kutorga2, Svetlana Markovskaja1,
Ričardas Taraškevičius1
1.
2.
Nature Research Centre, Institute of Botany, Žaliųjų Ežerų Str. 49, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius University, Department of Botany and Genetics, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius,
Lithuania
Dead wood and wood-inhabiting fungi have a major importance in forest ecosystems in the
context of nutrient cycling and providing habitat and food source for many organisms. A strong
impact of bird great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbosinensis) colony on a Pinus sylvestris forest
in the Curonian Spit (Lithuania) has increased dead wood availability by killing pines and
subsequently creating a large amount of woody debris. The chemical quality of woody substrate
was also affected by cormorant excrements. The aim of our research was to verify the possible
effect of cormorant colony on wood-inhabiting fungal community, and to determine specific
characteristics of dead wood which could be important for development of wood-inhabiting fungi.
We investigated fungal communities inhabiting fine and coarse Scots pine woody debris in
pine forest colonized by great cormorants. Wood-inhabiting ascomycete and basidiomycete
species richness and composition were investigated at six zones which were differently
influenced by ornithogenic activities: oldest and abandoned cormorant colony part (zones A and
B), active part (C and D), edge of the colony (E), and undamaged forest outside the colony as a
control (G). Amount of woody debris and chemical characteristics (P, N, pH values) of dead
wood were also analysed.
The results demonstrate that wood-inhabiting fungal species richness was significantly lower
in the most active colony part in comparison with other colony parts. Significant difference was
detected for species compositions among all studied zones. The strongest differences among
the structural and chemical characteristics of wood were observed between active part and the
edge of colony. Ordination analysis showed that wood-inhabiting fungal species composition was
clearly different between forest parts strongly affected by bird colony (A, B, C, D) and edge of
colony together with undamaged forest (E, G). P and N content and pH value of dead wood can
explain variation of fungal species compositions. The formation of distinct fungal community
structure in oldest and abandoned colony zones appear to be related to the large amount of
coarse woody debris.
Study results indicate that patterns of wood-inhabiting fungus species composition is affected
by both the structural and chemical wood characteristics, which both were strongly altered by
bird colony impact.
THE EXPERIMENT OF NITROGEN ADDITION
AND ARTIFICIAL DROUGHT IN SCOTS PINE STAND:
AN EFFECT ON FUNGAL COMMUNITIES
Rasa Buožytė1, 3, Gražina Adamonytė1, Reda Iršėnaitė1,
Jonas Kasparavičius1, Elena Klyukina2, Ernestas Kutorga2,
Svetlana Markovskaja1, Jurga Motiejūnaitė1
1.
2.
3.
Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre, Žaliųjų Ežerų str. 49, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vilnius University, M.K.Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Liepų 1 str., Girionys,
LT-53101 Kaunas distr., Lithuania
Global climate change associated with environment eutrophication may have important implications in
conifer forests, which are considered one of the most sensitive ecosystems to different deviations in
climate conditions. In Lithuania, the climate change caused the significant increase in air temperature, as
well as the decrease in seasonal differences of air temperature and precipitation amount, decline of the
snow cover. Likewise, the more frequent extreme meteorological events, especially droughts are very
likely in the future (Bukantis, Rimkus, 2005), and the reduction of conifers, including Scots pine (Pinus
sylvestris), is expected in Lithuanian forests at the end of 21st century (Ozolinčius et al., 2014).
Fungi are important part of forest ecosystem, and sensitively respond to the changes of various biotic
and abiotic factors. The aim of present study was to investigate the lasting effects of nitrogen addition and
of artificial drought on fungal community structure and species composition.
The experiments of artificial drought and nitrogen addition were conducted in a 60-year-old Scots pine
stand in central part of Lithuania from the spring in 2003 till late autumn in 2005 for drought treatment and
till autumn in 2006 for nitrogen addition. The experiment had a randomized block design with three
treatments (artificial drought, nitrogen addition and control) and three replicates. Artificial drought was
achieved by using the roof construction installed below forest canopy, and held permanently for the whole
experimental period. The following total doses of ammonium fertilizers have been applied: 400 kg N/ha in
2003; 500 kg N/ha in 2004 as well as 600 kg N/ha in both for 2005 and 2006. The amount of ammonium
nitrate was 100 kg N/ha per one-time application. The investigations of fungi, lichens and myxomycetes
were provided in 2008-2009, following the termination of experimental treatments.
Canonical correspondence analysis revealed, that both treatments, the nitrogen application and
artificial drought, had significant impact (pseudo-F=1.2, P=0.006) on fungal species composition in Scots
pine stands. Fungal species functional traits (in terms of proportions in trophic and ecological groups) were
not affected by treatments, meanwhile functional diversity of fungi community was significantly higher
(Redundancy analysis, pseudo-F=6.2, P=0.038) in control plots compared both to the artificial drought as
well as to nitrogen treatment plots.
FUNGI UNDER EUTROPHICATION: A CASE OF GREAT
CORMORANT COLONY IN PINE FOREST
Jurga Motiejūnaitė1, Gražina Adamonytė1, Mindaugas Dagys1,
Reda Iršėnaitė1, Tatjana Iznova2, Audrius Kačergius3,
Jonas Kasparavičius1, Ernestas Kutorga2, Svetlana Markovskaja1,
Dalytė Matulevičiūtė1, Dalia Pečiulytė1, Ričardas Taraškevičius1
1.
2.
3.
Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius University, Department of Botany and Genetics, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius,
Lithuania
Vokė Branch of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Žalioji Sq. 2, Trakų Vokė, LT02232 Vilnius, Lithuania
Most of fungi, like many other organisms, are adapted to small or moderate amounts of
nutrients therefore eutrophication disrupt their communities and trophical structure. Colonies of
piscivorous birds, especially these nesting in forests, induce dramatic changes in soils,
vegetation and, subsequently, in fungal communities. Ecosystem changes were investigated in
the oldest and largest colony of great cormorants in Lithuania (Juodkrantė, Curonian Spit),
situated in a Scots pine forest, growing on nutrient-poor sandy dune soils.
All parts of the colony, that were situated on dune terraces, showed dramatic decrease in
fruiting fungi species diversity, when compared to the unaffected forest, though the oldest part of
the colony (now abandoned) situated in more humid dune hollow bore rather high species
diversity for most groups of fungi. Trophic structure of mycobiota in all parts of the colony was
very different from the one characteristic to pristine forests: saprobic species became
overwhelmingly predominant, number and occurrence of pathogens increased, and presence of
coprophilous fungi became very evident, besides, and they inhabited uncharacteristic substrata
(Kutorga et al., 2013). The structure of below-ground fungal communities also showed strong
deviations comparing to unaffected sites: 1) diversity of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and
identified species were highest in unaffected forest and gradually decreased with the length of
ornithogenic influence; 2) quantity of soil micromycetes and actinomycetes also decreased with
the duration of ornithogenic influence. Lichens and myxomycetes also showed significant
reactions. In myxomycetes, like in fungi, presence of coprophilous species was
uncharacteristically high and general diversity of species was lowest in the most active part of
the colony, also, more humid conditions in the colony part situated in dune hollow somewhat
mitigated the effect of ornithogenic influence (Adamonytė et al., 2013). For lichens, the bird
influence was even more pronounced, resulting in total extinction of acidophilous species
characteristic of pine forest and formation of purely nitrophilous assemblages in the older colony
parts (Motiejūnaitė et al., 2014).
The studied cormorant colony was very dynamic; it has changed its borders during the
investigation period (2010-2013) thus allowing to track changes in mycobiota following
expansion of the ornithogenic influence. It was shown that crucial point community of epiphytic
lichens at the colony edge consisted of three acidophytes, of which Coenogonium pineti seemed
to favour short-time increase of nutrients (Motiejūnaitė et al., 2014). Already in two years of
colony expansion there was obvious decrease in diversity of fruiting ectomycorrhizal fungi and
outbreak of various plant pathogens at the edge of the colony. Interestingly though, addition of
nutrients at the areas newly occupied by birds caused increase of quantity of ectomycorrhizal
roots.
HABITATS AND CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED
FUNGUS SARCOSOMA GLOBOSUM IN LITHUANIA
Ernestas Kutorga, Sigitas Juzėnas, Evelina Gorbikova
Vilnius University, Department of Botany and Genetics, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Rare and endangered species Sarcosoma globosum (Ascomycota) is listed in the Red Data Book of
Lithuania, and in 2010 it was categorized as strictly protected species in Lithuania. Three historical (till
1960, without exact geographic location of places) and three modern (2008–2009) localities of this
ascomycete were known in Lithuania till 2010 (Gimbickaitė, Kutorga, 2011). The knowledge about fungus
distribution in the country has increased during four subsequent years (2011–2014) – additional five new
populations were discovered. In total, eight exact localities of viable S. globosum populations are currently
known in North-Eastern and Eastern parts of Lithuania: Antazavė forest (Zarasai district), Ažvinčiai forest
(Ignalina district), Kairėnai and Vyteniškiai forests (Vilnius city surroundings), Labanoras forest
(Švenčionys district), Paliūniškis and Žiliškės forests (Panevėžys district), and Vyžiai forest (Utena district).
In this research, the studies on habitats, territory protection regime and management activities were
undertaken in 14 S. Globosum fructification sites within 8 localities. Characteristics of habitats, such as
age, structure and origin of tree stands, vascular plant richness and communities, moss cover, were
assessed. The yield of S. Globosum ascocarps and size of fructification area have been calculated.
We found that S. globosum inhabits the forest floor of Piceaabies dominated stands ranging in age
from 24 to 123 years. Half of studied stands were younger than 60 years. The results indicate that S.
globosum could establish sexually reproducing populations in rather young and dense 21-30-year-old P.
abies monocultures established on ploughed soils of silvicultural land. Two forest habitat types, namely
natural 9010 Western Taiga and 9050 Fennoscandian herb-rich forests with P. abies (according EU
Habitats Directive), occurs in fungus sites with mature coniferous tree stands. At the most productive
locality in Vyžiai forest (341 ascocarps in ca 850 m2), the ca. 100-year-old stand included P. abies and
Pinus sylvestris. Vascular plant species richness was low in studied habitats. Few species of herbaceous
plants (such as Carex digitata, Hepatica nobilis, Luzula pilosa, Oxalis acetosella, Vaccinium myrtillus) and
mosses (Hylocomium splendens, Plagiomnium affine, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhodobryum roseum)
occurred in nearly all S. globosum sites. Typically, the habitats of this fungus had low cover of herb layer,
however, thick forest litter and moss layer. Three fungal species, Pseudoplectania nigrella, Sarcoscypha
austriaca and Strobilurus esculentus, coexisted and commonly fruited in the vicinity of S. globosum.
Most of sites (86 %) are situated in protected territories, however, their protection regime and status
are different: strict nature reserves (4 sites), nature reserves (3), Natura 2000 network areas that are
protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives (12). These territories for protection have not been
defined on the basis of need to conserve particular fungal species. Nearly all S. globosum sites were
directly influenced by recent or historic anthropogenic disturbances such as tracks, forest operations
(undergrowth removal, thinning) and activities related to hunting. According to our observations the
possible threats for S. globosum and its habitats in Lithuania may be clear-cutting, forest litter and moss
layer disturbance (particularly wild boar rooting), and invasion of alien plant species.
DISTRIBUTION OF PYRENOMYCETES IN LITHUANIA ACCORDING
TO THE DATA OF VILNIUS UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM
Jonė Rukšėnienė, Tatjana Iznova
Vilnius University, Department of Botany and Genetics, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21/27, LT-03101, Lithuania
Vilnius University Herbarium maintains specimens of approximately 200 pyrenomycetes
species, belonging to 11 orders and 27 families. Among these ascomycetes there are the most
common examples such as Annulohypoxylon multiforme, Diatrype stigma, Diatrypella favacea,
Hypoxylon fuscum (Xylariales), registered in more than 16 finding places in Lithuania.
Maintained specimens of these nine pyrenomycetes species as Bertia moriformis
(Coronophorales), Diaporthe decedens (Diaporthales), Dialonectria episphaeria, Nectria
cinnabarina (Hypocreales), Diatrype bullata, Eutypa flavovirens, Eutypella cerviculata,
Hypoxylon howeanum, Nemania serpens (Xylariales), are recorded in 11 up to 14 finding places.
There are known 41 finding places of pyrenomycetes: in Vilnius environs (13) and in the
following districts of eastern Lithuania – Trakai (5), Ukmergė (5), Anykščiai (4), Vilnius (4),
Zarasai (4), Ignalina (2), Švenčionys (2), Utena (2).
Ten finding places of mentioned fungi are registered in the districts of Lazdijai (3), Alytus (3),
Varėna (2) and the municipalities of Marijampolė (1), Druskininkai (1) (southern Lithuania).
Nine finding places of pyrenomycetes are known in Kaunas environs (3) and in the districts
of Kaunas (2), Kaišiadorys (2), Kėdainiai (1), Jonava (1) (middle Lithuania).
20 finding places of these fungi are registered in the districts of Mažeikiai (4), Plungė (4),
Telšiai (2), Šilutė (2), Kretinga (1), Šiauliai (1), Kelmė (1), Jurbarkas (1), Šakiai (1) and the
municipalities of Neringa (1), Pagėgiai (1), Šiauliai (1) (western Lithuania). Two finding places of
pyrenomycetes are recorded in Skuodas district (northwestern Lithuania).
Only two finding places of these fungi are known in northern Lithuania.
MACROSCOPIC FUNGI IN SKEDE BEECH FOREST
Inita Dāniele1, Edgars Vimba2
1.
2.
Latvian Museum of Natural History, K. Barona str. 4, Rīga, LV-1050
University of Latvia, Raiņa bulvāris 19, Rīga, LV-1050
The propagation of introduced tree species in the forests of Skede (Šķēde) forest region began at the
end of the 19th century. At this time, the first beech stands were established.
Specifically, the studies of macrofungi have not been conducted on a regular basis. In seventies of last
century Skede forest was visited by amateur mycologist Vilis Lukins. Only data from literature is known
from that period.
The Herbarium of the macroscopic fungi of the Latvian Museum of Natural History has been developed
since 1987. 67 species has been collected in Skede forest by Inita Daniele during the last 30 years,
including six protected species: Boletus luridiformis, Geastrum rufescens, Otidea onotica, Porphyrellus
porphyrosporus, Hemistropharia albocrenulata and Hymenopellis radicata.
Very common and widespread species were not recorded and collected.
SOIL MICROFUNGI FROM HIGH LATITUDES
Irina Ju. Kirtsideli
Botanical Institute RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia
Studies of various groups of organisms in extreme habitats are one of the most important
problems of contemporary ecology. All biotic phenomena are shown more intensely in high
altitude. Dependence of organisms and their communities on climatic factors is especially
distinctly shown of arctic environmental. One of the directions in development of this problem is
research of microfungi in soils of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Global warming (climatic change) with its consequences for weather and local climate, rising
sea level, retreat of glaciers and of polar ice calottes, and subsequent nature catastrophes,
actually is much disputed in newspapers, journals, and book publications. (Kreisel, 2006)
Soil saprotroph microfungi were isolated from samples taken at different Arctic and Antarctic
ecosystems. The specific nature of indices of population densities and occurrence frequency of
microfungi complexes at different of climatic zones Arctic, was visually demonstrated. Distinction
of soil microfungi complexes from Arctic and Antarctic is shown.
It is demonstrated that severe conditions of Arctic area lead to formation of common
characteristics for all complexes of soil microfungi that distinguishes them from complexes of
middle latitudes. This resulted in the poverty of species, large proportion of non-sporulation
mycelium, dominance of Geomyces pannorum and species of genus Penicillium.
It is as well shown that location at Arctic climatic zones and associated with them plantgeographical zones (polar desert, arctic, typical and south tundra, forest tundra) lead to
appearance (formation) of different characteristics of soil microfungi complexes i.e.: general
number, biomass, species and kinetic structure of communities, morphological, biochemical and
functional features of microfungi, indexes of population densities and abundance of species at
microfungi complexes. Adaptations to the natural conditions of the Arctic appeared at the level of
microfungal complexes, species and isolates.
The general reduced of fungal numbers have often been noted in soil along the steep
gradient directed from south to north.
In the polar desert the species number decreases compared with more southern zones. At
the same time the poorness of species content did not lead to the absence of more large-scale
systematic groups. That is the poorness of systematic content of soil microfungi complexes at
the polar desert shows itself at the genus and species levels rather than at the level of more
large-scale systematic groups. Based on the variability of micro fungi complexes features it is
shown that the total number indices of microfungi is depends on climatic zone general
characteristics. The mycobiota of Arctic soil cenoses is characterized by relatively small diversity
(37-55 species in different Arctic sectors of polar desert, all list consists of 151 species).
Adaptation to Arctic and Antarctic natural conditions take place both at the level of a system,
that is at the level of microfungi complexes, and at the level of species and isolates.
In soil the dynamics and mosaics of fungi distribution depends on diversity of microclimatic
conditions of their existence.
GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY OF SOIL FUNGI AND
THE POTENTIAL EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Leho Tedersoo1, The Fungal Macroecology Consortium2
1.
2.
Natural History Museum, University of Tartu, Estonia
Thirty-five institutions over the world
Fungi play fundamental roles as decomposers, mutualists or pathogens of animals and plants. The
kingdom Fungi comprises some 105 described species (excluding synonyms), but the global richness is
estimated at 1.5 to 5 million species, rendering Fungi the second most diverse eukaryotic group after
insects. Most of the undescribed fungi are thought to be endophytes and soil-inhabiting saprotrophs in
tropical ecosystems.
We collected around 15,000 soil samples from nearly 400 plots in natural vegetation across the world.
By using pyrosequencing data from these soil samples, we demonstrate unprecedented richness of fungi
that greatly expands upon the molecular and taxonomic diversity hitherto recorded. At the global scale,
richness of fungal functional groupsappears to be unrelated to plant diversity, except in ectomycorrhizal
symbionts. The fungus to plant richness ratio grows exponentially towards the poles, highlighting strong
biases fungal diversity estimates performed previously. For most fungal groups, climatic factors and, to a
lesser extent, edaphic variables constitute the strongest predictors of fungal diversity and community
structurein the world. We also demonstrate that Fungi follow general biogeographic patterns previously
outlined for animals and plants, such as the Rapoport’s rule and the latitudinal diversity gradient, with
several marked exceptions in ectomycorrhizal fungi and multiple basidiomycete and ascomycete classes.
These patterns of diversity and the relatively strong effect of climatic predictors especially precipitation
suggest that fungi are vulnerable to climate change either directly or indirectly through altered vegetation.
FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH THE HORSE CHESTNUT
LEAF-MINER (CAMERARIA OHRIDELLA)
Aistė Bagdžiūnaitė, Artūras Gedminas, Jūratė Lynikienė,
Algimantas Žiogas, Adas Marčiulynas, Audrius Menkis
Forest Protection and Game Management Department, Institute of Forestry,
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Liepu 1, Girionys,
Kaunas distr., LT-53101, Lithuania
The horse chestnut leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic) is a pest insect
causing great damage to horse chestnuts in many European countries. The pest was firstly
described as a new species in 1986 in Macedonia. For the first time in Lithuania, the mines of
the pest were discovered in 2002 and since then, it rapidly spread throughout the country. In
Lithuania it mainly occurs in urban areas with abundant horse chestnut plantations. The leaves
of the trees are damaged by larvae, which while feeding during the summer, cause rapid leaf
wilting, browning and finally premature fall. Although these trees are weakened, they usually
survive, but due to the heavily damaged and falling leaves they completely lose their aesthetic
appearance. Conventional insecticides are unsuitable to control this insect, as its larvae live
inside the leaf. The use of systemic insecticides is also inappropriate, due to their negative
impact on other insects (especially on bees). Therefore the biological control would be the best
option, but specialized parasites of the horse chestnut leaf-miner are not yet discovered. Less in
known about the impact of microorganisms on the horse chestnut leaf-miner, and this activity is
therefore intended to investigate fungi associated with the horse chestnut leaf-miner and the
effects of these fungi on this pest insect, what would provide qualitatively new knowledge about
its potential pathogens and would significantly contribute to the development of biological control
strategy both in Lithuania and in Europe. The main tasks of this study are: to investigate the
mycobiota in leaves of horse chestnut as well as in the horse chestnut leaf-miner; and to identify
their impact on larvae and adults of the C. ohridella. In different parts of Lithuania, 10 research
sites with horse chestnut tree were selected for sample collection in June 2013. Within each site
were sampled 100 heavily damaged leaves by C. ohridella and 100 relatively healthy leaves.
Half of all collected material was used for cultivation of fungi, and another half – for detection and
identification of fungi using direct sequencing of ITS rDNA. Within each site 100 larvae were
isolated from the mines and 100 adults of the horse chestnut leaf-miner were prepared for fungal
DNA extraction. DNA extraction was made using standard CTAB protocol. The hibernating
pupae of C. ohridella were eliminated from the horse chestnut leaves and used for mycobiota
cultivation on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) media. DNA was extracted from 300 damaged by C.
ohridella and from 300 relatively healthy horse chestnut leaves. Also DNA was extracted from 77
larvae and 25 adults of horse chestnut leaf-miner. Totally 18 fungal species (34 isolates) were
isolated from hibernating pupae of C. ohridella on MEA.
This research is funded by a grant (No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-001) from the Research
Council of Lithuania and the European Social Fund.
IMPACT OF SPRUCE BUD SCALE (PHYSOKERMES PICEAE SCHRANK.)
AND VECTORED MYCOBIOTA ON HEALTH OF NORWAY SPRUCE
(PICEA ABIES (L.) KARST.) IN LITHUANIA
Adas Marčiulynas, Jūratė Lynikienė, Artūras Gedminas,
Aistė Bagdžiūnaitė and Audrius Menkis
Institute of Forestry LRCAF, Liepu str. 1, Girionys, LT-53101 Kaunas district, Lithuania
In Lithuania, massive outbreaks of spruce bud scale (Physokermes piceae Schrank.) for the first time
occurred in 2010 resulting in ca. 7700 ha of heavily infected Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands. The pest
damages spruce trees of all ages by sucking sap of the needles and young shoots, and not only weakens
the trees by causing premature yellowing and needle cast, dieback of small branches and tops, but also
creates conditions for parasitic fungus (Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii) infections, which through the wounds
infects needles, buds and twigs. In addition, at feeding sites of the insect, the needles are coated with
honeydew, on which the sooty mold (Apiosporium piniphilum) gets established and prevents
photosynthesis and respiration processes, and further weakens already damaged trees.
The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology, biology and phenology of the spruce bud
scale and to assess impact the spruce bud scale and of associated mycobiota on shoot and needle growth
in young spruce stands.
Investigation of the spruce bud scale morphology, biology and phenology was conducted during the
2012–2013 in Kaunas district. Samples of the representative branches were taken every 2 weeks between
April and October and once a month for the rest of the year. The morphological characteristics and
phenology phase of the individuals were examined. In order to determine the growth reduction of shoots
and needles of the spruce trees, permanent research plots were established in 2013 in 20-40 years-old
spruce stands in 9 different regions of Lithuania. Five spruce trees were randomly selected in each plot
and 3 branches ca. 5 years-old (2009-2013) were collected from each spruce. The length of each shoot
and the dry weight of 100 needles were determined.
Results showed that the spruce bud scale produces one generation per year and over-winters as a
second instar larva in Lithuania. The mean of the adult female diameter was 2.9 mm and each female was
able to produce 215±8 eggs. During the massive outbreak in 2010, the length of the shoots and the
biomass of the needles decreased almost twice (p<0.05), comparing with shoots growth and needles
biomass from undamaged trees. The negative impact of spruce bud scale was significantly (t³2.91, p≤0.05)
higher on young spruces growing in Jurbarkas, Kazlų Rūda and Šakiai as compared with infested trees in
Kaišiadorys, Dubrava and Jonava. The sooty mold (Apiosporium piniphilum) was frequently observed on
needles and shoots of damaged spruce trees, indicating both its ultimate association with the spruce bud
scale and also its negative impact on health status of the trees.
SYRICID WOODWASPS AND THEIR SYMBIOSIS
WITH VECTORED TREE PATHOGENIC FUNGI
Jūratė Lynikienė, Artūras Gedminas, Aistė Bagdžiūnaitė,
Adas Marčiulynas, Audrius Menkis
Institute of Forestry LRCAF, Liepu str. 1, Girionys, LT-53101 Kaunas district, Lithuania
Insects and microorganisms are among the most evolutionary successful and diverse
organisms, with a great variety of relationships and unique adaptation capabilities, but despite
huge fundamental (e.g. understanding diversity of life forms and interactions) and practical
significance (e.g. to know insects as vectors of pathogens and diseases, their ecology and
possible ways of management), our understanding of insects – microorganisms interactions is
still relatively limited, often since an interdisciplinary approach is needed to disentangle the
complexity of such systems.
Syricid woodwasps usually attack weakened trees or fresh wood and both the insect and
vectored tree-pathogenic fungi (Amylostereum sp.) cause serious damage to the trees and
wood. Females of syricid woodwasps have a specialized gland, filled with mucus (toxic to trees)
and fungal spores, which are injected under the bark during the lay of eggs. Fungi develop in
oviposition chamber and in larval tunnels, degrade wood tissue, on which together with the
fungal mycelia feed larvae of the insect. Developed adults carry the same parental genotype of
the fungus and infect new trees, resulting in relatively low genetic diversity of the fungus. For
example, in the entire southern hemisphere, where Sirex noctilio is an invasive species causing
the mass death of trees and huge economic losses, this insect carries a single genotype of the
fungus (Slippers et al., 2012). Genus Sirex is known to possess two species: S. cyaneus and S.
noctilio, of which S. noctilio was previously found in Lithuania. However, it is likely that due to the
climate change and human economic activities (e.g. international trade) also other species may
have spread in Lithuania, delivering potentially new Amylostereum genotypes, or even new
fungal species.
During the research individuals of the wood wasps were reared under laboratory conditions
from the infested Norway spruce trunks which were sampled from the Girionys park (Kaunas
distr.). Adults of the Urocerus gigas and Sirex noctilio (=Paururus juvencus) starts to emerge
than reached an effective temperature of 684°C. During the March (2014) emerged 6 males, 9
females of Urocerus gigas and 7 males, 8 females of Paururus juvencus from the spruce wood
in laboratory. Additionally 100 larvae of Tremex fuscicornis (=Sirex fuscicornis) were eliminate
from the birch wood (Jonava forest enterprise). All collected samples of insects were put in
plastic tubes and placed in freezer (at – 20°C). Collected insects was used for the detection and
identification of fungi using direct sequencing of ITS rDNA.
This research is funding by the European Social Fund under the Global grant measure
project (No. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-02-001) from the Research Counsil of Lithuania.
INVESTIGATION OF FUNGUS GNATS (DIPTERA:
MYCETOPHILIDAE, BOLITOPHILIDAE, KEROPLATIDAE)
IN GREAT CORMORANT COLONY IN CURONIAN SPIT
Jolanta Rimšaitė
Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, Vilnius, Lithuania
The Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) started to nest on the Curonian Spit near the Juodkrantė
(Lithuania) in 1989; it is located in old –growth pine forest. The colony expanded into largest breeding
colony in Lithuania now and it occupies, together with a small colony of grey herons (Ardea cinerea), over
3300 nests in an area of coniferous forest more than 700 x 370 m in size (Motiejūnaitė et al., 2014). Trees
in active part of cormorant colony quickly die, being affected by the excrements of cormorants, colony
expands accordingly to occupy new trees increasing the area of the destroyed forest (Žydelis et al., 2002).
The conspicuous habitat changes take place caused by bird colonies transform vegetation within the
colony area.
The fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae, Bolitophilidae, Keroplatidae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae),
which larvae are trophic related with different fungal substrates, make a substantial part of forest habitat
insects. The aim of this work is to estimate how habitat changes in different part of cormorant colony
reflected on fungus gnats distribution.
The fungus gnats investigation was performed in Great cormorant colony at 2012-2013. The fungus
gnats were collected using the sweeping net and Malaise traps, also fungus fruit bodies were collected and
imagoes of insect were rearing in the laboratory conditions. Two sites in colony of Great cormorants with
different degree of forest habitat disturbance have been selected: epicenter of colony, where nesting
activity of cormorant are high and forest habitats was affected most – the grass and moss cover fall away,
the old pine trees dead or drying; old colony part, where pine trees are dead and fall down, grown young
Picea abies and Betula pubescens, Quercus robur of different ages, large part of the areas overgrown with
tall mesophilic and mesotrophic and eutrophic herbs. Additional investigation of fungus gnats takes part in
old mixed dune forest near the cormorants’ colony (about 0,4 km to the North from old part of Great
cormorant colony) and pine forest in the side of colony were new nest were building in the recent years,
grass and moss cover started drying.
The lowest fungus gnats diversity was established in epicenter of cormorant colony, during the
investigation period various of Brachycera prevail among Diptera insects, only at late Autumn of 2013 the
Coelosia fusca Bezz. (Mycetophilidae) was abundant there (represents 88% of all Diptera). Also fungus
gnats of two species – Tarnania fenestralis Mg. (Mycetophilidae) and Bolitophila glabrata Loew
(Bolitophilidae) were reared from fruit bodies of Clitocybe vibecina occurring in this part of colony.
The greatest fungus gnats diversity was established in old mixed forest, the diversity of old colony part
and pine forest in the side of colony was similar, in the old part of colony predominated fungus gnats
species from Keroplatidae family as Orfelia fasciata (Mg.), Keroplatus dispar Duf. also Mycetophilidae
species common in forest habitats rich of deadwood debris as Neoempheria pictipennis (Hal.).
This study was funded by the grant LEK-03/2012 from the Research Council of Lithuania.
EDGE EFFECT OF EXPANDING GREAT CORMORANT
COLONY ON FOREST MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI
Audrius Kačergius1, Jonas Kasparavičius2, Reda Iršėnaitė2,
Gražina Adamonytė2, Jurga Motiejūnaitė2, Ričardas Taraškevičius2
1.
2.
Vokė Branch of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Žalioji Sq. 2, Trakų Vokė, LT02232 Vilnius, Lithuania
Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
Importance of mycorrhizal fungi for plant functioning and ecosystem nutrient cycling is well
documented (Meyer et al., 2012). It has also been demonstrated that added nutrients have
adverse effect on mycorrhizal fungi. It is known, that communities of ectomycorrhizal (ECM)
fungi react to increased amounts of nutrients by decreased quantity and diversity of sporocarp
production as well as obvious shifts in the species composition below-ground. It was shown also
that effect of nutrient addition may vary (Treseder, 2004).
Colonies of piscivorous birds are a source of huge loads of nutrients, much exceeding
atmospheric depositions and including large amounts of both nitrogen and phosphorus, as well
as other elements. While studying ecosystem changes in the oldest and largest colony of great
cormorants in Lithuania (Juodkrantė, Curonian Spit) in a Scots pine forest, special attention was
paid to ectomycorrhizal fungi.
Effect of long-term ornithogenic influence on ECM species was quite predictable: no
mycorrhizal roots were found in the oldest parts of the colony (both in dune hollow and on dune
terraces), though several fruitbodies of mycorrhizal species were collected in the dune hollow. In
the most active parts of the colony the situation was contrary: mycorrhizal fungi did not produce
sporocarps, but several fungi species still formed mycorrhiza, though their numbers were
obviously lower compared to the pristine forest.
Expanding bird colony allowed us to study immediate changes in above – and below-ground
ECM communities following gradual increase of nutrients at the edge of the colony. For this
purpose three study zones were designated: D (edge of the colony in the year 2010), E (pristine
forest in the year 2010, first nests appeared in 2012), and G (established in 2012, pristine forest
then) (for details see Kutorga et al., 2012). In D zone, steady increase of both P and N in soil
was noted during whole observation period, meanwhile in zones E and G the situation was
different: in E, increase of nutrients was slow and somewhat fluctuating until autumn of 2013, in
zone G, decrease of N and fluctuation of P was observed until autumn of 2013 when both
elements showed strong increase. Qualitative fructification pattern of mycorrhizal species largely
followed pattern of nutrient loads: no sporocarps in zone D, fluctuation and gradual decrease in
zone E, though no ornithogenic effect was noted in the zone G. Below-ground pattern was,
however, different: total number of ECM roots and number of ECM morphotypes remained
similar in the zone D, in the zone E, however, these indices almost doubled in the year 2012
when colony expanded and in 2013 remained higher than in the stronger affected zone D and
pristine zone G. Number of species obtained by molecular identification of ECM roots, however,
showed similar tendencies to sporocarp production: lowest numbers in the zone D and highest
numbers in the zone G. Notably, in the zone D, no true ECM fungi were isolated from roots –
they belonged either to root endophytes Phialocephala spp. and Meliniomyces spp. or to
ascomycetes of unclear taxonomic position.
SEASONAL ACTIVITY OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA
INTO SOUR CHERRIES (PRUNUS MAHALEB) ROOTS
Ieva Druva-Lūsīte, Dace Feldmane, Valentīna
Pole, Imants Missa, Edgars Rubauskis
Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Dobele, Graudu Street 1, LV-3701, Latvia
Sour cherries are most widely grown stone fruit crop in Latvia. Fruits are used fresh or processed to
make different foodstuff, for example, juice or jam. There is demand for local cherries in market of Latvia.
Mycorrhiza symbiosis is useful tool in organic and integrated farming. The aim of our research is to find out
a most suitable orchard management system (drip irrigation, woodchip mulch and black fallow in row) for
better symbiosis development between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and roots of sour cherry rootstocks
Prunus mahaleb. The objectives are to collect and analyse root samples in the orchard from April till
August in years 2014 and 2015. First root samples are already collected. During this experiment we will be
able to observe arbuscular mycorrhiza dynamic during vegetation season.
This research is supported by Europe Social Fund, project Nr. 2013/0048/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/
APIA/VIAA/008.
MYCORRHIZA ACTIVITY IN LADY-SLIPPER ORCHID
(CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS) ROOTS
Ieva Druva-Lūsīte, Dace Kļaviņa
National Botanic Garden of Latvia, Miera Street 1, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Lady-slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) is temperate and boreal zone terrestrial or-chid.
This plant prefers to grow on lime soil and in moderate light conditions. In Europe species has
high conservation priority, in Latvia – vulnerable species, what is protected by law. Natural
habitats are hazarded due to increasing forestry operations and land amelioration. Orchids are
dependent from mycorrhiza symbiosis. Fungi have a significant role in the life of orchids – from
providing with nutrients the orchids’ minute seeds to adult plant stage (Smith, Read 2008). After
lady-slipper orchid propagation in tissue cultures for conservation of threatened plant species is
very difficult to introduce new seedlings from in vitro cultures to soil due to lack of specific
mycorrhiza. Therefore, it is needed to understand orchid mycorrhiza activity in nature. The aim of
research was to evaluate the mycorrhiza activity in lady-slipper roots. The research was done in
three natural habitats and in sampling plot in National Botanic Garden during vegetation seasons
in 2011 and 2012. We also estimated mycorrhiza activity in dormant bud roots in 2013.
Latvian Environmental Protection Fund supports this research.
EFFECTS OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA ON THE SELECTED
ONION CULTIVARS UNDER ECOGARDENING CONDITIONS
Ligita Liepiņa¹, Ina Alsiņa², Laila Dubova²
1.
2.
University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology
Latvia University of Agriculture
Onion seedlings were inoculated with spores of Glomus fungi and the progression of the mycorrhizal
colonisation followed. The effects of the mycorrhizal association on the plants were determined by
measuring the number of roots produced and height of plant and bulb weight. Plants in which mycorrhiza
became well established showed significantly enhanced growth rates (vitality). We screened 5 cultivars of
Allium cepa for dependency of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation under tree different soil conditions.
Root length was different among cultivars. 90 % of cultivars were well colonised with Glomus mossea,
Glomus sp. and culture combination of G. etunicatum, G, intraradices and G. claroideum. The percentage
mycorrhizal colonisation ranging from 42–88%. There were negative correlation between bulb biomass of
nonmycorrhizal plants and mycorrhizal dependency.
Cultivar Vsetana show higher dependency of growth on mycorrhizal colonisation and this cultivar is
considered to be highly mycotropic.
ECTOMYCORRHIZAL AND OTHER ROOT ASOCIATED FUNGI ON
NORWAY SPRUCE IN DECLINING NORWAY SPRUCE STANDS IN LATVIA
Dārta Kļaviņa1, 2*, Taina Pennanen3, Tālis Gaitnieks1,
Andis Lazdiņš1, Audrius Menkis4
1.
2.
3.
4.
Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, Kronvalda Blvd. 4, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Research Centre, P.O. Box 18, 01301 Vantaa, Finland
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7026, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
In year 2010 dieback of spruces was observed in many forest stands in Latvia with
characteristic invasion of Physokermes piceae in most affected stands however primary cause of
die-back was unknown. In summer 2010, the comprehensive study was started in these stands.
Considering, that foliage damage could be related with root damage, we analysed status of fine
roots in spruce stands with characteristic damage symptoms. In total, 24 spruce stands from
different regions of Latvia were selected. In each stand a paired plots have been established (48
plots in total) with foliage damage intensity ranging from 0 to 100%. Most of surveyed stands
were growing on drained semihydromorphic or hydromorphic soils.
In each sample plot fine root samples were collected in two depths (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm)
in five replicates using soil core. Number of fine roots representing different ectomycorrhizal
(ECM) morphotypes was evaluated and ECM fungal community was analysed using molecular
methods. As selected stands varied in soil properties we analysed also some soil parameters as
bulk soil density, pH, depth of organic layer and underground water level.
In total, 88 fungal species detected from fine root samples. Majority of species were ECM
fungi (most common – Tylospora asterophora 11.6%). Very often endophytes as Oidiodendron
maius (12.7%) and saprotrophic species as Cryptococcus magnus (14.5%) were observed. Only
one weak pathogen species – Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii was found on some analysed samples.
Fungal communities of spruce fine roots were mainly explained by soil factors as soil type and
pH. However, foliage damage also was related to some differences in ECM community.
FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES FROM LEAVES OF THREE
ERICACEOUS PLANTS IN ESTONIA
Triin Varvas1, Kertu Kais2
1.
2.
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014
Tartu, Estonia
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Tartu University, Vanemuise 46, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
The diversity of endophytic fungi in plants has been studied intensely for the last decades. While
endophytes have been identified from most major lineages of land plants (Arnold & Lutzoni 2007), some
have received more attention than others. In case of plants in the Ericaceae family, more information is
available on dark septate root endophytes and less is known about the diversity of endophytes in aboveground plant tissues.
The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of fungal endophytes in the leaves of three
Ericaceae species in Estonia. The plant species studied were: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng, Ledum
palustre L. and Oxycoccus palustris Pers.
Plant material was collected in October-November 2012 in Põlva, Jõgeva and Võru counties. Small leaf
segments of collected plants were surface sterilized and placed on malt extract agar or potato dextrose
agar medium. A total of 117 fungal isolates were obtained using this method. The isolates were initially
grouped into morphotypes and ITS sequences for representative isolates from each group studied.
Altogether 21 species were identified using molecular and morphological analysis. The most frequently
isolated taxa were: Annulohypoxylon, Phoma, Engyodontium, Colletotrichum and Cladosporium. Five taxa
were associated with more than one host species and more than one location. One species (A. multiforme)
was identified from all localities, but only from two host species (L. palustre and O. palustris).
The average isolation rate of endophytes (percentage of plant segments colonized by a fungus in
relation to total number of segments investigated) in A. uva-ursi was 95,8%, in O. palustris 79,2% and in L.
palustre 73,6%. No significant differences were found in isolation rates of endophytes among the collection
sites.
The results indicated that leaves of A. uva-ursi, L. palustre and O. palustris house a diversity of
endophytic fungi, some of which have previously not been identified as endophytes for these host plants.
Acknowledgements. This research was supported by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
(project 8-2/T9040PKMO and SF0170057s09).
TRUFFLE GROWTH AND CULTIVATION: MEDIA OPTIMIZATION AND
INVESTIGATION OF BIOMOLECULES
S. Deshaware1; O. Pastinen2; H. Ojamo2 and Salem Shamekh1, 2
1.
2.
Juva Truffle Center, Finland
Aalto University, Finland
In old days truffles were not a part of the traditional Finnish kitchen or a common topic in the
media. However, recently many white truffle species have been reported to be found growing
naturally in Finland. Truffle cultivation has been established in Finland since 2006. Currently
there are around 31 truffle orchards in Finland. Our research goal is not only to foster the
cultivation and production of truffles in boreal environment but also to investigate the biological
compounds involved in the process. Our focus is on standardization of growth media for the
production of mycelium, by using different minimal media with varying carbohydrate and nitrogen
sources and also to probe the secretory molecules that facilitate the mycelium production.
CULTIVATION OF BLACK TRUFFLES IN SWEDEN – THE
FIRST FRUIT BODY PRODUCTION RESULTS OF TUBER
MELANOSPORUM AND T. AESTIVUM NORTH OF FRANCE
Christina Wedén1, Gérard Chevalier2, Anders Backlund1
1.
2.
Uppsala University, Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, BMC Box 574, S-751 23
Uppsala, Sweden
INRA Clermont-Ferrand, UMR Amélioration et Santé des Plantes, 234 avenue du Brézet, F-631 00 ClermontFerrand, France
The first production of Tuber melanosporum in Sweden in 2011, together with the previously reported
production start of T. aestivum in 2005, has expanded the northern cultivation border of this truffle species.
The possibility of growing the black truffles T. melanosporum and T. aestivum in truffle orchards planted
with inoculated tree seedlings, together with the dramatic decline in natural production during the last
century, has lead to vast establishment of truffle orchards. These antrophogenic activities have widely
expanded the geographical distribution of these species. Today, successful truffle orchards are harvested
in e.g. the USA, New Zealand and Australia. However, with the main harvesting season during late autumn
and winter the Northern European expansion of truffle cultivation has had its climatic limits.
Until recently, the northernmost producing T. melanosporum truffle orchard was situated in France on
the 50th latitude. On the 14th of November 2011 the first truffles were found in a planted T. melanosporum
truffle orchard at the 58th latitude on the Swedish island of Gotland. One of these fruitbodies was close to
full maturation, while the second was immature, still with a whitish interior. Both specimens have been
confirmed as T. melanosporum by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequence, as
well as microscopical examination of the typical spiny spores, macro-morphology, and olfactory testing.
Since then, successful fruit body production has also been reported from Schleswig-Holstein in Germany
(Volbracht C. 2013), further strenghening future prospects of truffle cultivation in Northern Europe.
The producing Swedish T. melanosporum truffle orchard was established with T. melanosporum
inoculated hazel (Corylus avellana) seedlings on Northern Gotland in year 2002. The island of Gotland has
during the last decade nurtured a growing reputation for its naturally occuring Burgundy truffles, T.
aestivum syn. T. uncinatum, which has created a new Nordic market for this delicacy. Gotland is the
northernmost known locality for naturally occuring T. aestivum, with its main fruiting season in October –
November. Collection of naturally occuring T. aestivum has introduced a new and valuable cash-crop on
rural Gotland.
SUCCESSION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND PERSISTENCE
OF TUBER MELANOSPORUM IN INOCULATED QUERCUS ROBUR
SEEDLINGS IN NORTH EUROPE
Eveli Otsing, Leho Tedersoo
Natural History Museum; University of Tartu; 14A Ravila; 50411 Tartu, Estonia
Tuber melanosporum is now widely cultivated outside its natural habitat in various climatic
conditions. This study aims to monitor the persistence of T. melanosporum in infected oak
seedlings and document succession of native ectomycorrhizal fungi in a 5-year old Estonian
plantation. Sampling of ectomycorrhizal fungi was carried out in June-July, 2011–2013 to provide
DNA-based identification of the infected truffle species and other co-occurring ectomycorrhizal
fungi. The mycorrhiza of T. melanosporum proved resistant to cold winters and the fungus
persisted well in the root systems of surviving seedlings albeit slight decline in relative
colonization level over three years. We identified the genera Hymenogaster and Hebeloma to be
the dominant ectomycorrhizal contaminants in root systems. Good vegetative growth of mycelia
and presence of two compatible mating types suggest that cultivation of T. melanosporum is
possible in the Nordic climate in terms of vegetative growth. Evaluation of fruit-body production
will be a critical next step, because fruiting effeiciency allows determine economic feasibility and
ecological sustainability of the Périgord truffle cultivation in the northern climate.
DISTRIBUTION OF HETEROBASIDION SPP. AND ARMILLARIA SPP.
IN YOUNG PINE FOREST STANDS IN LATVIA, ONE-YEAR OBSERVATIONS
Astra Zaļuma, Lauma Brūna, Tālis Gaitnieks
LSFRI Silava, Rīgas iela 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia
Economically important fungal pathogens in temperate forests of the northern hemisphere are
Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.) and Armillaria spp. These species cause decay, growth
reduction and mortality of coniferous and deciduous trees. Heterobasidion spp. attacks many coniferous
tree species, causing important damages to trees of the genera Pinus, Picea, Abies, also Armillaria
ostoyae appears to be better adapted to coniferous hosts. After final felling fungal inoculum of Armillaria
spp. or Heterobasidion spp. in roots and stumps can remain viable for decades and increase risk of
mortality in subsequent rotations. The aim of this work was to estimate butt rot frequency in young (6-16
year old) Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands and to identify wood-decay fungus.
In total, 18 sample plots (0.4-3.6 ha, total – 30.5 ha) were inspected in 2013. Signs (mycelia fans,
fruiting bodies and rhizomorphs) indicating A. ostoyae or H. annosum infections were used. If there were
no visual signs of Heterobasidion spp. or Armillaria spp., a sample (wood disc) of dying or recently dead
pine tree was taken to the laboratory. In total, 1582 of analysed trees were decayed. 128 trees were
infected by Heterobasidion spp. and 964 trees by Armillaria spp. Some planted pine stands tend to be
more susceptible to Armillaria spp. infection than Heterobasidion spp. root rot.
SPECIES RICHNESS OF WOOD-INHABITING FUNGI
ON LOGS AND STUMPS OF NORWAY SPRUCE
INFECTED BY HETEROBASIDION PARVIPORUM
Lauma Brūna, Natālija Arhipova, Tālis Gaitnieks
Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Salaspils, Latvia
Heterobasdion annosum (s.l.) is one of the most common fungus in managed coniferous
forests which causes root and butt rot with great economic losses. One of the ways to limit the
spread of H. annosum s.l. with basidiospores is to remove decayed logs from forest sites. Yet,
coarse woody debris (CWD) is potential substratum for development of other wood inhabiting
fungi. Removing CWD could decrease diversity of fungi in managed forests. The aim of this work
was to evaluate richness and abundance of fungal species on logs and stumps of Norway
spruce infected by Heterobasidion parviporum.
Experiment was established in Forest Research Station “Kalsnava” in August 2009. Forty
decayed spruces in Oxalidosa turf. mel. forest type were felled and divided in logs at different
length: 30 cm, 70 cm and 100 cm. As detected before, all trees used in experiment were infected
by Heterobasidion parviporum. In total, 40 stumps and 238 decayed logs were analyzed. 39 logs
(70 cm and 1 m long) were located in Hylocomiosa forest type but others were left in Oxalidosa
turf. mel. Bark damages were made on 16 logs in Oxalidosa turf. mel. to assess influence of bark
damages on species richness. Abundance of fruit bodies was surveyed in September-October
from 2011 to 2013.
In total, 79 fungal species were found: 75 on logs, 25 on stumps. 53 fungal species were
found only on logs but five – only on stumps. The highest richness of fungi on logs was in 2013–
49 species but on stumps – 13 species in 2011 and 2012. Rare and protected fungal species
were not observed.
Composition of fungal community on stumps was influenced by diameter of stump (p=0.037)
and time after felling (p<0.01). Most common fungi were H. parviporum, Armillaria spp., Mycena
spp. and Ascocoryne cylichnium.
Composition of fungi on logs differed between forest types and time after felling (p=0.001).
Most common fungi in Hylocomiosa forest type were H. parviporum, Phlebiopsis gigantea,
Cylindrobasidium evolvens and Trichaptum abietinum but in Oxalidosa turf. mel. – H.
parviporum, Armillaria spp., Tomentella spp. and Phanerochaete sanguinea.
Fungal composition on logs with bark damages was not statistically different from that on
logs without bark damages. Most common fungi on logs with bark damages were H. parviporum,
Armillaria spp., Hypholoma fasciculare and A. cylichnium.
Report was funded by European Regional Development Fund project No. L-KC-11-0004
„Methods and technologies for increasing forest capital value”
SECRETION OF PEROXIDASES AND LACCASE BY
SOME HETEROBASIDION SPP. STRAINS
Anna Żółciak1, Justyna Bohacz2
1.
2.
Forest Research Institute BraciLeśnej 3, 05–090 Raszyn, Poland
University of Life Sciences in Lublin, kr. St. Leszczyńskiego 7, 20–069 Lublin, Poland
Heterobasidion spp. (Fr.) Bref.is a root-infecting fungus causing severe damage in forest trees,
principally in softwood species (conifers). As a white-rot basidiomycetous and wood-decaying fungus,
Heterobasidion spp. is able to degrade lignin with a complex set of extracellular enzymes. The lignin
degradation process by this fungus has not been researched enough.
The aim of this study was to investigate the secretion of peroxidases and laccase by mycelium of some
Heterobasidion spp. strains, growing on Norway spruce wood pieces (sapwood and heartwood), during 50
days of incubation, under laboratory conditions.
The preliminary study indicated that Heterobasidionspp. strains secreted versatile peroxidase – (VP),
lignin peroxidase – (LiP), manganese peroxidase – (MnP) and laccase –enzymes, which play major roles
in lignin degradation. These results were obtained for mycelium growing on both sapwood and heartwood
of Norway spruce wood.
The strains growing on sapwood samples showed the highest lignolytic activity of these enzymes to
lignocellulosic complex of wood. The versatile peroxidase to MnP was produced in higher amount between
20th and 40th day of incubation. The activity of VP to LiP was the highest on 10th day of incubation and
then it was decreasing for strains growing on sapwood samples, in contrast to the case of strains on
heartwood samples, when an increasing trend was noticed (with the highest value on 50th day of
incubation). The activity of VP to MnP and the activity VP to LiP was higher than the activities of MnP and
LiP on sapwood as well as on heartwood samples.
The activity of LiP was the highest between 20th to 30thday of strains incubation on sapwood as well
on heartwood. The activity of MnP was the highest on 20th day of growing. The activity of laccase was the
highest on 20th and 30th day of incubation for sapwood, and on 20th and 40th day – for heartwood
samples.
EFFECTS OF EYESPOT SEVERITY ON THE
PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER WHEAT
Jūratė Ramanauskienė1, Irena Gaurilčikienė1, Rūta Česnulevičienė2
1.
2.
Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Instituto 1, Akademija,
Kėdainiai distr., Lithuania
Perloja Experimental Station, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Sodo 12,
Perloja, Varėna distr., Lithuania
Eyespot is one of the soil fungal diseases, which commonly affect stem base of winter type
cereals in temperate regions of the world with a cool and wet climate. The disease is caused by
the two related species Oculimacula acuformis (Boerema, R. Pieters & Hamers) Crous & W.
Gams and O. yallundae (Wallwork & Spooner) Crous & W. Gams. Cereal yield loss from eyespot
directly depends on the severity of the disease. In 2012, we investigated the effects of eye-spot
severity on the productivity of winter wheat cultivars Ada, Mulan and Tukan. At fully ripe stage
(BBCH 89), 500-stem sheaves from the total area of the crops were removed. Samples of
healthy stems, moderately infected stems (more than half or whole stem circumference infected)
and severely infected stems (whole stem-base infected and softened) were selected from these
sheaves. The ears of the samples of all eyespot infection severity groups (50 stems per group)
were separately threshed with a laboratory thresher “Wintersteiger LD 180” (Austria). The
threshed grains were counted by “Condator” (Germany) seed counter and weighed; grain
number per ear was calculated, as well as grain weight per ear (g) and 1000 grain weight (TGW,
g).
For severely affected Tukan the grain number per ear declined by as little as 5%, while for
Ada and Mulan the reduction amounted to 14 and 15%, respectively; however the grain number
per ear of moderately eyespot-affected stems of Ada did not differ from that of visually healthy
stems. The decline of grain weight per ear of moderately and severely eyespot-affected stems of
these varieties revealed the major varietal differences in tolerance of eyespot severity. In Ada,
the grain weight per ear of moderately affected stems declined by 5.8% and that in severely
affected stems by 12.8%, while for Mulan the grain weight per ear reduction amounted to 40.3
and 35.5% respectively and for Tukan to 59.0 and 63.2%. The TGW reduction of moderately
eyespot-affected stems of Ada was lower (6.5%) compared with that of Mulan (31.3%) and
Tukan (55.8%). A thousand grain weight of severely eyespot-affected stems of cv. Ada, Mulan
and Tukan declined by 22.2, 26.0, and 65.0%, respectively. Averaged data showed that the
number of grains in moderate and severely eyespot-affected winter wheat ears declined by 6.2–
7.7%. The grain weight per ear for moderately affected plants declined by 34.4%, for severely
affected plants it reduced by 44.8%, a TGW reduced by 30.9 and 38.1%, respectively. Eyespot
damage to the plants of different winter wheat varieties with the same eyespot severity level was
different. Screening of healthy plants, moderately and severely affected plants of the winter
wheat varieties Ada, Mulan and Tukan for grain number per ear, grain weight per ear and TGW
revealed that the tested varieties differed in tolerance to eyespot.
OCULIMACULA SPP. – IMPORTANT PATHOGEN
OF WHEAT CROWN ROT
Biruta Bankina1, Gunita Bimšteine1, Antons Ruža1,
Ingrīda Neusa-Luca1, Ance Roga2, Dāvids Fridmanis2
1.
2.
Latvia University of agriculture
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
Wheat crown rot, caused by different pathogens, is important disease of wheat, especially in
continuous wheat sowings. Symptoms of disease mostly are unspecific, special analyses, included
isolation on the artificial mediums and molecular analyses are necessary to identify causal agents.
More than 2600 isolates were obtained from symptomatic wheat straw at the stage of ripening during
2010-2013 years. Pathogen identifications were made by characterization of pure cultures and molecular
analyses – amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic clusterization of internal transcribed spacer (ITS)
within 5.8S rRNA gene.
Fungi from genera Oculimacula were found in 10% cases in average, but fluctuations between years
were large – from 4 till 23%. Pure cultures of Oculimacula spp. differed in colour and texture of colonies
and growing rates. Molecular analyses confirmed occurrence of O. yallundae and O. acuformis.
Acknowledgement
The research was supported by the State Research Programme “Agricultural Resources for
Sustainable Production of Qualitative and Healthy Foods in Latvia”, project “Sustainable use of soil
resources and abatement of fertilisation risks”.
DAVIDIELLA TASSIANA AS A COMPONENT OF LEAF
SPOTTING DISEASE COMPLEX ON DURUM WHEAT
Rossitza Rodeva1, Z. Stoyanova1, S. Nedyalkova2
1.
2.
Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics – BAS, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Field Crop Institute – Chirpan, 6200 Chirpan, Bulgaria
Cladosporium herbarum is the type species of the genus Cladosporium. Generally, this
fungus occurs on senescing and dead plant tissue. It is known to be a secondary invader on
necrotic leaf lesions caused by other fungi and one of the main inciters of black ear under wet
weather during wheat ripening period. Lately, it has been found to cause spotting on green
leaves of durum wheat during the vegetation.
Teleomorph (Davidiella tassiana) was also observed in leaf spots on overwintered wheat
plants early in the spring. Ascospores were isolated and the connection teleomorph – anamorph
was proved. Inoculation studies confirmed pathogenicity of the fungus.
The results of this investigation showed that D. tassiana could be associated with other
necrotrophic pathogens contributing to the foliar disease complex on durum wheat under
favorable weather conditions
CHANGES IN FUSARIUM SPP. SPECIES COMPOSITION
FROM LITHUANIAN WHEAT IN YEAR 2005-2013
Karina Stumbriene, Skaidre Suproniene,
Povilas Svegzda, Simonas Sakalauskas
Laboratory of MicrobiologyOpen Access Joint Research Centre of Agriculture and Forestry, Studentu 15a, Akademija,
Kaunas distr., Lithuania
Fungi of genus Fusarium are the major plant pathogens of wheat and other small grain cereals,
causing Fusarium head blight, root rot and seedling blight. Different Fusarium species vary in their
contribution to yield loss and, especially, to grain contamination with mycotoxins, as particular species is
able to produce mycotoxins of variable plant and animal toxicity levels.
F. avenaceum and to lesser extent F. poae, F. culmorum and F. sporotrichioides were regarded as
dominant Fusarium species in Northern Europe, but the situation is changing with F. graminearum, one of
the most harmful fusaria in regard to mycotoxin production, establishing itself in the area.
In this study data on how Fusarium species composition of isolates from naturally contaminated spring
and winter wheat grain changed from year 2005 to 2013. Spring wheat generally was more heavily
contaminated with fusaria than winter wheat. F. avenaceum and F. sporotrichiodes isolates were dominant
in both crops, with F. poae, F. culmorum, F. tricinctum and F. equiseti isolated at lower levels. The
incidence of F. graminearum is increasing rapidly from negligible in 2005-2010 to those similar of F.
avenaceum and F. sporotrichiodes in last few years, resulting in rise of grain contamination with
deoxynivalenol and zearalenone – some of most toxic Fusarium metabolites.
THE PATHOGENIC MYCOFLORA OF CEREALS IN LATVIA
Olga Treikale, Zane Vigule, Brigita Javoiša, Jeļena Pugačova
Latvian Plant Protection Research Centre, Ltd; Struktoru 14a, Riga, LV-1039, Latvia
The evaluation of cereal diseases was carried out in the field experiments on resistance of
different varieties to diseases by natural infection under meteorological conditions of 2009-2013.
During the trial period the most important disease in winter cereals was snow mould
Microdochium nivale, the infection by Typhula incarnate was small. Seed infection of winter
cereals consisted of 4-6% of Microdochium nivale and 3-8% of Fusarium species, from them F.
culmorum and F. avenaceum prevailed. Key pathogens identified as causing leaf infection in
winter wheat varieties included Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Zymoseptoria tritici, Stagonospora
nodorum, Blumeria graminis, Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici and Puccinia striiformis, from them
Pyrenophora tritici-repentis showed the largest value in the recent years.
In rye varieties Rhynchosporium graminicola was a dominant leaf pathogen; Blumeria
graminis, Puccinia dispersa and Septoria secalis was observed in different severity levels. In
winter triticale the level of infection by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Blumeria graminis and
Septoria tritici was moderate, prevailed Pyrenophora tritici-repentis.
In winter barley the leaf infection by Rhynchosporium graminicola, Pyrenophora teres,
Blumeria graminis and Puccinia hordei was observed yearly, Rhynchosporium graminicola
prevailed. In spring barley the leaf infection by Pyrenophora teres, Blumeria graminis,
Stagonospora nodorum, Helminthosporium sativum and Puccinia hordei was observed,
Pyrenophora teres prevailed. The level of infection by Pyrenophora graminea and Ustilago nuda
in barley varieties was small.
From leaf pathogens in spring wheat Blumeria graminis prevailed in early growth stages of
the crop. Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Stagonospora nodorum and Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici
was observed in later period, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis dominated in spring wheat. In oats the
leaf infection by Pyrenophora avenae, Septoria avenae, Blumeria graminis and Puccinia
coronifera was observed, with P. avenae dominating. The presence of F. culmorum, F, poae, F.
avenaceum, F. graminearum, F. sporotrichioides and F. equiseti was associated with fusarium
head blight of cereals in Latvia. The level of ear infection by Fusarium species in spring wheat
was higher than in winter wheat. Tilletia caries was observed in winter wheat ears, while
Claviceps purpurea was found in rye.
IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN CAUSAL AGENTS OF APPLE
ROT BEFORE HARVEST AND DURING STORAGE
Jūlija Volkova, Lelde Grantiņa-Ieviņa
Latvian Plant Protection Research Centre, Struktoru Str. 14a, LV-1039
Apple rot can be caused by several filamentous fungi. In North Western Europe the most common
storage rot is caused by Neofabraea spp. (Bull’s eye rot), bitter rot by Colletotrichum acutatum or C.
gloeosporioides, brown rot – Monilinia fructigena, and different other causal agents, who’s incidence may
vary depending on variety and climate during growing season. Grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea and
Fusarium rot caused by several Fusariums pecies are found more rarely, while Neofabraea alba and
Neofabraea perennans are more widespread, that was considered before. Blue mold decay caused by
Penicilliumexpansumdamages30–60% of cold stored apples in France and it is important disease also in
other European countries and in USA. The spectrum of pathogens can vary in the field in comparison to
storage.
The main objective of the study was to obtain baseline information about apple rot causing fungi in the
apple orchards and incidence during storage. The information about species spectrum and rot severity is
not studied widely in Latvia. Observations and information was obtained during the 2013 growth season
and the following storage period during the winter. Fungal species were identified according to the
morphological characteristics and sequencing the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region.
In the autumn, before storage, the main apple rot causal agents were Colletotrichum gloeosporioides,
C. acutatum, also Neofabraea alba and M. fructigena,from the rotted core Fusarium avenaceum and other
Fusarium species (F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, F. lateritium, F. sporotrichioides) and also several species
of Penicillium were isolated often. Following apple varieties were monitored: ‘Andris’, ‘Auksis’,
‘BelorusskojeMalinovoje’, ‘Iedzēnu’, ‘Saltanat’, ‘Tellissaare’.
In February, during storage, the total percentage of rotted apples in various varieties was as follows:
‘Ligol’ 4%,‘Tellissaare’ 5%, ‘Antej’ 6%, ‘Sinap Orlovskij’ 9%, ‘Belorusskoje Malinovoje’ 10-13%, ‘Auksis’
13%, ‘Lobo’ 23% and ‘Forele’ 59%. From infected apples Neofabraeaspp. ranged from 0.33 to 51%
depending on the variety, Fusarium spp. – from 0 to 2.22%, Penicillium spp. – from 0.29 to 5.34%,
Colletotrichum spp. – from 0.12 to 3.13%, Botrytis spp. – from 0 to 3.37%, Monilinia spp. – from 0 to
21.08%. Alternaria spp. and Cladosporium spp. were detected on few apples as secondary infection
agents.
THE FUNGAL FLORA ON CULTIVATED HIGHBUSH
BLUEBERRIES IN LATVIA DIFFERS FROM WHAT IS
FOUND ON NATIVE VACCINIUM SPECIES
Jūlija Volkova
Latvian Plant Protection Research centre, Struktoru 14a, Riga LV-1039, Latvia
Highbush blueberries (V. corymbosum L.) and half-high blueberries (V. corymbosum × V.
angustifolium) were introduced to Europe and are now cultivated in almost every country of this
continent. Especially in Northern Europe, there are vast areas of native Vaccinium species such
as European blueberry/bilberry (V. myrtillus L.) and lingonberry (V. viti-idaea L.). The most
important diseases of highbush blueberries are considered antrachnose caused by fungi
belonging to the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex, Godronia canker caused by the
fungus Godronia cassandrae, and blight caused by Diaporthe vaccinii. Thus far, there are no
reports about outbreaks of those diseases in the native stands of Vaccinium in Europe. In 20092013, samples of highbush blueberry, European blueberry, and lingonberry were collected in
different locations in Latvia to study the predominant mycoflora. Cultures obtained by isolation on
PDA from different plant parts were identified both morphologically and by sequencing of the ITS
region of the rDNA. The most common fungi found on highbush blueberries were G. cassandrae,
Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Cytosporea spp., Pestalotia vaccinii, Phomopsis spp., and fungi
belonging to the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex. In European blueberry and
lingonberry, predominant fungi were Botrytis cinerea and species of Trichoderma, Penicillium,
and Phoma. Cross-inoculation tests with the most important fungi are in progress.
DIVERSITY OF DIAPORTHALEAN FUNGI ON
RUBUS AND FRAGARIA HOSTS
Inga Moročko-Bičevska, Jamshid Fatehi, Olga Sokolova
Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Graudu str. 1, Dobele, LV-3701, Latvia
The order Diaporthales includes a number of plant pathogenic fungi mostly considered as facultative
pathogens and also several systemic pathogens causing cankers and diebacks. Several groups of the
diaporthalean fungi have been the subjects of detailed morphological, molecular and host association
studies, resulting in nomenclatural changes as well as discovery of new taxa over the last decade. Recent
phylogenetics of Diaporthales inferred from rDNA sequences showed that several pathogens on Rubus
and Fragaria hosts belong to Sydowiellaceae, a family, which harbors fungal genera with diverse
morphology, host range and habitat. In this study, the diversity and taxonomy of strawberry pathogen
Gnomonia fragariae and other diaporthalean species occurring on Rubus and Fragaria hosts are
presented and discussed. Extensive sampling and isolations of diaporthalean fungi was done from Rubus
and Fragaria plants in Latvia and neighboring countries. Multiple gene analyses of nucleotide sequences
of rDNA and tef-1a gene from living cultures together with extensive morphological examination of
authentic specimens of the taxa have been carried out to resolve the taxonomic position and nomenclature
of species within Sydowiellaceae. Pathogenic ability of some of the studied fungi is also demonstrated
during this study.
DIVERSITY OF PEAR PATHOGEN VENTURIA PYRINA
Olga Sokolova, Inga Moročko-Bičevska, Jamshid Fatehi
Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Graudu str. 1, Dobele, LV-3701, Latvia
Pear scab is a common and economically important disease in commercial, especially
organic, orchards in most of the pear growing areas worldwide causing severe crop losses. The
research on diversity of pear scab pathogen Venturia pyrina in general and among different
geographical regions are still limited and at an early stage. Races or biotypes of V. pyrina
adapted to the specific pear cultivars have been described in few studies. The aim of this
research is to study the genetic diversity of V. pyrina in Latvia. A collection consisting of more
than 110 monoconidial V.pyrina isolates originated from 10 Pyrus genotypes from different
locations in Latvia was established. Nucleotide sequences of a portion of the 18S ribosomal
DNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 from 30isolates were obtained, and they were compared with sequences
of the homologous regions available in the GenBank. In addition, in vitro inoculation experiments
were performed in order to determine the virulence of the isolates on different pear genotypes.
The pathogen diversity in relation to the geographic origin, host genotype and virulence is
discussed.
CONTROL OF LOPHODERMIUM SEDITIOSUM ON PINUS
SYLVESTRIS SEEDLINGS IN LATVIAN FOREST NURSERY
Jeļena Pugačova, Brigita Javoiša, Olga Treikale
Latvian Plant Protection Research Centre, Ltd; Struktoru 14a, Riga, LV-1039, Latvia
Lophodermium Needle Cast in Pinus sylvestris L. caused by Lophodermium seditiosum Minter, Staley
& Millar is the most harmful disease for pine seedlings in forest nurseries. Application of fungicides results
in decrease of the infection pressure on pine seedlings during the vegetation period and protects healthy
plants from the infection during overwintering.
Field trials were carried out in the Latvian State Forest Nursery „Smiltene” on 2-years old seedlings of
Pinus sylvestris. In 2011 the experiment with 4 different fungicides was designed in randomized blocks in 8
replicates; in 2012 the trial with 6 treatments was established using 4 replicates. Fungicide application was
performed eight times with 14 days interval from the beginning of the disease infestation. Disease infection
on pine seedlings was assessed on all needles of 10 plants randomly collected in each plot after
overwintering in spring of 2012 and 2013.
The best control of Lophodermium seditiosum was achieved by the application of fungicides Amistar
250 SC (azoxystrobin 250 g L-1) in a dosage 1 L ha-1 and Dithane NT (mancozeb 800 g Kg-1) in a dosage
2.0 kg ha-1 by their rotation in 4 times. The application of the fungicides positively affected seedling height.
A good effect was observed for control other pathogens in pine seedlings: root rot caused by Fusarium
lateritium, F.sporotrichioides, F. oxysporum, F. avenaceum and Alternaria spp., Botrytis cinerea,
Aspergillus ssp., Penicillium ssp., as well as Mucor ssp. that were identified in places damaged by insects.
No phytotoxicity symptoms on pine seedlings after the application of fungicides were observed.
GAMMA IRRADIATION PRESERVES THE NUTRITIONAL
PROFILE OF WILD BOLETUS EDULIS BULL.: FR.
Ângela Fernandes1, 2, Amilcar L. Antonio1, 3, 4, João C.M. Barreira1, 2, M. Beatriz
P.P. Oliveira2, Anabela Martins1, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira1
1.
2.
3.
4.
Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), ESA, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Portugal.
REQUIMTE/ Depto. de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
IST/ITN, Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear, Sacavém, Portugal.
Departamento de Física Fundamental, Universidade de Salamanca, Spain
Mushrooms contain about 90% water, which leads to a faster deterioration due to
senescence, browning, water loss and microbial attack. Wild species are characterized for their
seasonality, demanding the application of suitable preservation technologies. Irradiation is
recognized as a safe and effective method for conservation, being used worldwide to extend the
shelf-life of raw foods]. The present work reports the effects of gamma irradiation on the
chemical composition of Boletus edulis Bull.:Fr. Wild samples. The fruiting bodies were collected
in Trás-os-Montes (Northeast of Portugal) in November 2012. The irradiation was performed in
experimental equipment with four 60Co sources, at 1 and 2 kGy. Proximate composition was
evaluated by official procedures, fatty acids were analyzed by gas-chromatography coupled to
flame ionization detection (GC-FID), while sugars and tocopherols were determined by high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to refraction index (RI) and fluorescence
detectors, respectively.
The nutritional profiles (proximate composition) were not affected in high extension. Fatty
acids and sugars were slightly affected, decreasing with increasing doses. On the other hand,
there has been a preservation of tocopherols content with 1 kGy dose. Nevertheless, despite
these detected differences, the results of nutritional parameters (the most relevant in terms of
mushroom acceptability by consumers) were less affected. Gamma irradiation, up to the doses
used in this work, might represent a useful technology for mushrooms conservation.
FCT and COMPETE/QREN/UE – strategic projects PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011 (CIMO) and
PEst-C/EQB/LA0006/2011 (REQUIMTE); grants
SFRH/BD/76019/2011 and SFRH/
BPD/72802/2010 to A. Fernandes and J.C.M. Barreira, respectively.
COPRINOPSIS ATRAMENTARIA EXTRACT, ORGANIC
ACIDS AND SYNTHESIZED METHYLATED DERIVATIVES
AS ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS
Sandrina A. Heleno1, 2, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira1, Ana Ćirić3, Jasmina Glamočlija3, Anabela
Martins1, Maria João R.P. Queiroz2, Marina Soković3
1.
2.
3.
Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), ESA, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal
Centre of Chemistry, Universityof Minho, Braga, Portugal
University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, Department of Plant Physiology,
Belgrade, Serbia
Mushrooms have been studied for their antimicrobial activity and revealed promising results against
pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Coprinopsis atramentaria (Bull.: Fr.) Redhead, Vilgalys&Moncalvo, is a wild
edible mushroom previously characterized by us for its nutritional composition, and the methanolic extract
showed antioxidant and antitumor activities p-Hydroxybenzoic(HA) (4.71 mg/100 g dry weight), p-coumaric
(CoA) (0.82 mg/100 g) and cinnamic (CA) (1.70 mg/100 g) acids were identified in the mentioned extract.
Methylated derivatives of these identified organic acids were synthesized in order to obtain a complete
series of methylated derivatives of each organic acid. The antimicrobial and demelanizing activities of C.
atramentaria extract, identified organic acids and synthesized methylated derivatives were evaluated and
compared. The antifungal activity was stronger than the antibacterial effects. The individual compounds
(mostly organic acids) gave higher activity than the extract and even higher than the standards used in the
assays. Methylated derivatives presented the highest demelanizing activity towards Aspergillus niger, A.
fumigatus and Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium. The inclusion of methyl groups in the parental
compound CoA strongly increased its antibacterial and antifungal activities, while in the case of HA and
CAthe inclusion of methyl groups increased the demelanizing activity, but decreased the antimicrobial
properties. The present work contributes to the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the antimicrobial
properties of organic acids usually present in mushrooms and that suffer metabolism, namely methylation
reactions. Organic acids and methylated derivatives could be used as antimicrobial agents.
FCT(Portugal) for financial support to the Portuguese NMR network, strategic projects (PEstC/QUI/UI0686/2011 and PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011) and S.A. Heleno grant (BD/70304/2010). The
authors also thank to Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological development (grant
number 173032) for financial support.
FUNGI, YEASTS AND BACTERIA IN PLATE-TYPE AIR TREATMENT
BIOFILTER DURING FILTRATION OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS
Jūratė Repečkienė1, Jurgita Švedienė1, Algimantas Paškevičius1,
Rūta Tekorienė1, Vita Raudonienė1, Eglė Gudeliūnaitė1,
Pranas Baltrėnas2, Alvydas Zagorskis2, Antonas Misevičius2
1.
2.
Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research, Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius LT08406, Lithuania
Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas
Technical University, Vilnius LT-10223, Lithuania
Volatile compounds such as acetone, xylene and ammonia are among the main air pollutants
emitted by industry. In recent years new types of biofilters and new packing materials have been
created for air pollution control. The aim of investigation was to estimate the number and species
diversity of indigenous fungi, yeasts and bacteria in plate-type biofilter with original packing
material during sequenced filtration of acetone, xylene and ammonia, and to evaluate the
dependence of biofiltration effectiveness on the amount of microorganisms.
The main component of the biofilter is a cassette loaded with a packing material – birch fiber
and needle-punched nonwoven fabric, consisting of porous plates, which ends are submerged in
a mineral medium. The indigenous microorganisms get on the packing material from the
surrounding environment. The biofiltration experiment lasted for 47 days (sequenced 27 days
with acetone and 10 days with xylene and ammonia each). Serial dilution technique was used for
counting of the cultivable microorganisms and their abundance expressed in colony forming units
per gram of dry weight (cfu g-1 d. w.) of porous plates. The succession of microorganisms was
monitored in different parts of biofilter plates.
After the adaptation period the most resistant microbial consortium formed naturally. The
obtained results show that fungi, yeasts and bacteria are able to adapt to a studied packing
material in a newly-developed plate-type biofilter and take part in the degradation of acetone,
xylene and ammonia during their sequenced filtration. Acetone was available for all tested
groups of microorganisms, xylene – for fungi and moreover for bacteria, while inlet concentration
of ammonia showed weak correlation with the number of fungi and negative – with yeasts. The
most favorable conditions for the fungi and yeasts growth were on the top and middle, whereas
for bacteria – on the bottom and middle of porous plates. The number of microorganisms
depended on the origin of pollutant, pH and temperature inside biofilter and the moisture of
porous plates.
Indigenous microorganisms Paecilomyces variotii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Bacillus
subtilis dominated in plate-type biofilter during the whole time of experiment independently on
inlet pollutant. Nevertheless, some differences of microbial communities in different parts of
biofilter plates and filtrated volatile compounds were obtained. Original packing material was
suitable for the development of Myrothecium sp., Sporobolomyces sp. and some other species,
which were not referred in previous researches. The formed microorganism communities in
biofilter remained stable under rather long filtration conditions and effectively eliminated organic
and non-organic volatiles. The obtained results provide useful information for optimizing the
biological processes in biofilters and for their application in industry for the removal of certain
type of volatile compounds from the environment.
THE CHANGE OF MICROORGANISMS QUANTITY
IN BIOFILTER WITH PINE BIOCARBON
Jurgita Švedienė1, Vita Raudonienė1, Jūratė Repečkienė1, Algimantas Paškevičius1, Rūta
Tekorienė1, Eglė Gudeliūnaitė1, Edita Baltrėnaitė2
1.
Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research, Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
2.
Department of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical
University, Lithuania
Biofiltration is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly biological technology for air pollution control.
This technology removes toxic compounds (organic and inorganic), odors, and volatile organic compounds
(VOC) from contaminated air.
In this research we investigated the change of microorganisms amount in biofilters, which composed
with pine biocarbon and wood fiber as charges, during filtration of acetone, xylene and ammonia in course.
For the experimental investigation biofilter-adsorber was used. This biofilter is biological air treatment
equipment which plates composed of perforated pipes with biocarbon charges inside. The indigenous
microorganisms get on the packing material from the surrounding environment. In order to increase the
number of microorganisms, the packing material was activated for 20 days with acetone (concentration
increased from 56.0 to 265.7 mg m-3 in this case). The whole biofiltration experiment lasted for 60 days
(35 days with acetone and 15 days with xylene and ammonia each). The rate of volatile inlet was 0.47–
0.61 m s-1. Temperature in biofilters varied between 19.3 and 21.2°C following the ambient temperature.
Total 12 samples of biofilter material were taken for microbiological analysis.
Biofiltration of different pollutants (acetone, xylene and ammonia) was carried out over a period of 60
days at various operating conditions. The first 25 days of the experiment were intended for the acclimation
period of indigenous microorganisms getting from surrounding air with acetone. It showed that in all period
of the acclimation packing material was dry enough. However, this condition was less favourable for fungi.
After 25 days of biofiltration humidity of packing material was increased and it was determined the higher
number of microorganisms. At the end of the acclimation period (25 days), the amounts of bacteria was
9.2×107 cfu g-1 d. w., yeasts – 1.9×108 cfu g-1 d. w., fungi – 10.0×106 cfu g-1 d. w. After the acclimation
period the most resistant microbial consortium is naturally selected.
The inlet concentration of acetone sharply increased (from 1.4 to 2.5 times) and the amounts of
microorganisms were changed slightly in comparison with the acclimation period end.
At the beginning of the filtration of xylene the number of bacteria and fungi were decreased, while
yeasts increased.
During the period of the filtration of ammonia the number of bacteria was the highest (1.2×109 cfu g-1
d. w.) in comparison with other investigated pollutants. Ammonia had negative influence on the number of
yeasts where its amount was the lowest (1.4×104 cfu g-1 d. w.) during all period of the experiment.
Biofilters, which composed with pine biocarbon and wood fiber as charges, are favourable environment
of microorganisms and create good conditions for efficiency destruction of pollutants.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF WATER MOLDS TO HIGH
INTENSITY MAGNETIC FIELD TREATMENT
Svetlana Markovskaja1, Vitalij Novickij2, Audrius Grainys2, Jurij Novickij2
1.
2.
Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre,Žaliųjų Ežerų str. 49, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Naugarduko 41, LT-03227,
Lithuania
The aim of the presented work was to investigate the susceptibility of different saprolegniaceous water molds to high pulsed magnetic fields (HPMF) treatment, test them as model
organisms for visualization of HPMF effects on cellular membrane and to determine the factors
influencing the variance of the treatment efficiency.
Four species belonging to Achlya, Brevilegnia and Saprolegnia genera were used in the
study. The samples of reproductive spores suspension were subjected to different intensity
repetitive (1–50 Hz) microsecond pulsed magnetic field in the range of 0.1–6 T. Our experiments
demonstrated that representatives of Saprolegnia (S. parasitica and S. furcata) were more
sensitive to HPMF in comparison to Brevilegnia and Achlya. The first visible effects on
Saprolegnia species (deformation of normally spherical oogonia and oospores without strong
wall damages or splits) appeared after 20 pulses with repetition frequency of 20 Hz (3 μs positive
half sine wave 6 T magnetic field), meantime in Achlya orion and Brevilegnia globosa case the
same treatment intensity did not result in any visible effects. After 20 pulses with repetition
frequency of 35 Hz about 30% of S. parasitica and S. furcata cells were damaged by observable
cell wall splits. The damage of more than 80% of the treated cells was observed when high
intensity treatment (100–200 pulses with repetition frequency of 35 Hz) was applied.
Respectively, the HPMF treatment had a significant negative effect (p<0.005) on the colony
growth rate. After 150–200 pulses the growth rate of Saprolegnia and Brevilegnia species was
inhibited almost completely, meantime the colonies of Achlya were still partially viable. Our
results demonstrated that HPMF has effect on the viability and germination of sexual spores and
also on radial growth of all tested species especially in the initial phase of development. Based
on the experimental results we can suggest that HPMF treatment efficiency with different water
molds depends both on the magnetic field intensity and the structure of the cell (cell wall
thickness, size, etc.). It was confirmed that the species featuring bigger size are more
susceptible to the treatment. The thinner cell wall also influences faster laceration of the cell.
It was concluded that HPMF could be applied as a contactless tool for treatment of various
types of cells. Also the saprolegniaceous fungi can be successfully used in future
bioelectomagnetics studies as the model organisms for visualization of the effects of high pulsed
magnetic and electric fields on eukaryotic cells.