Accessory fungi in lichenized systems
Z_Myk_2005-01
From 08/2005 to 08/2006Principal Investigator: Gerhard Rambold
Staff: Derek Peršoh
In their research, Derek Peršoh and Gerhard Rambold explored cryptic lichenicolous fungi in the Letharietum vulpinae lichen community, focusing on fungi inhabiting Letharia vulpina and other associated species in both Europe and North America. This community is characterized by Letharia vulpina, the wolf lichen, which thrives on conifer bark and dead wood. The study delves into the fungal diversity within this community, including both visible and cryptic (sterile mycelial) species. The fungal taxa were identified using molecular methods, including SSU and ITS nrDNA sequencing, shedding light on species from various ecological zones. The study also compared the fungal communities of Letharia vulpina with those of other fruticose and foliose lichen species, such as Bryoria, Usnea, and Evernia. The sampling sites spanned across multiple locations, including the European Alps and North America, where fungi were isolated from Usnea cf. subfloridana specimens. A total of 29 fungal strains were isolated, revealing important ecological interactions within these lichen communities. The study highlighted the significant role of cryptic lichenicolous fungi and their distribution patterns across different ecosystems. In a related study, Peršoh and Rambold also investigated Usnea and the fungi associated with it, utilizing a similar molecular approach. The research on Usnea revealed diverse fungal species, some of which were cryptic and not readily visible in the field. This further emphasized the need for molecular tools to explore the hidden diversity of lichenicolous fungi and to classify them into proper taxonomic categories. Together, these studies contribute to a broader understanding of the fungal biodiversity in lichen ecosystems, revealing how lichenicolous fungi contribute to the ecological functioning of lichens and their host environments. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between lichen hosts and their associated microbial communities, particularly in relation to their roles as bioindicators in environmental monitoring.