Rhizobiales (Alphaproteobacteria) are well-known beneficial partners in plant-microbe interactions. Less is known about the occurrence and function of Rhizobiales in the lichen symbiosis, although it has previously been shown that Alphaproteobacteria are the dominating group in growing lichen thalli. We have analyzed the taxonomic structure and assigned functions to Rhizobiales within a metagenomic dataset of the lung lichen Lobaria pulmonaria L. One third (32.2%) of the overall bacteria belong to the Rhizobiales, in particular to the families Methylobacteriaceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, and Rhizobiaceae. About 20% of our metagenomic assignments could not be placed in any of the Rhizobiales lineages, which indicates a yet undescribed bacterial diversity. SEED-based functional analysis focused on Rhizobiales and revealed functions supporting the symbiosis, including auxin and vitamin production, nitrogen fixation and stress protection. We also have used a specifically developed probe to localize Rhizobiales by confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH-CLSM). Bacteria preferentially colonized fungal surfaces, but there is clear evidence that members of the Rhizobiales are able to intrude at varying depths into the interhyphal gelatinous matrix of the upper lichen cortical layer and that at least occasionally some bacteria also are capable to colonize the interior of the fungal hyphae. Interestingly, the gradual development of an endosymbiotic bacterial life was found for lichen- as well as for fungal- and plant-associated bacteria. The new tools to study Rhizobiales, FISH microscopy and comparative metagenomics, suggest a similar beneficial role for lichens than for plants and will help to better understand the Rhizobiales-host interaction and their biotechnological potential.

/pdf/rhizobiales-as-functional-and-endosymbiontic-members-in-the-1zr55ggyj2.pdf

Rhizobiales as functional and endosymbiontic members in the lichen symbiosis of Lobaria pulmonaria L.

Conservation strategies for lichens: insights from population biology

By surveying and re-surveying 12 forest sites in southern Sweden for the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria with a 9-year interval, and measuring tree-related habitat quality variables, we have investigated whether the local distribution of the lichen is limited by poor dispersal capacity or by habitat quality. Dispersal distances were measured indirectly as the distances between colonised trees and the nearest trees occupied by L. pulmonaria in both 1992 and 2001. To compare habitat quality between trees occupied by L. pulmonaria and neighbouring control trees, we recorded tree species and measured age and growth rate of trees, light conditions, bark structure and bryophyte cover. The estimated mean dispersal distance was 35 m, with a recorded maximum of 75 m. Occupied trees were larger and had a larger cover of bryophytes than unoccupied trees of similar size. The results indicate that dispersal capacity probably is the most important factor in limiting the local distribution of L. pulmonaria, but habitat-quality factors may be important on a smaller spatial scale.

Is local distribution of the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria limited by dispersal capacity or habitat quality

Lichens represent self-supporting symbioses, which occur in a wide range of terrestrial habitats and which contribute significantly to mineral cycling and energy flow at a global scale. Lichens usually grow much slower than higher plants. Nevertheless, lichens can contribute substantially to biomass production. This review focuses on the lichen symbiosis in general and especially on the model species Lobaria pulmonaria L. Hoffm., which is a large foliose lichen that occurs worldwide on tree trunks in undisturbed forests with long ecological continuity. In comparison to many other lichens, L. pulmonaria is less tolerant to desiccation and highly sensitive to air pollution. The name-giving mycobiont (belonging to the Ascomycota), provides a protective layer covering a layer of the green-algal photobiont (Dictyochloropsis reticulata) and interspersed cyanobacterial cell clusters (Nostoc spec.). Recently performed metaproteome analyses confirm the partition of functions in lichen partnerships. The ample functional diversity of the mycobiont contrasts the predominant function of the photobiont in production (and secretion) of energy-rich carbohydrates, and the cyanobiont’s contribution by nitrogen fixation. In addition, high throughput and state-of-the-art metagenomics and community fingerprinting, metatranscriptomics, and MS-based metaproteomics identify the bacterial community present on L. pulmonaria as a surprisingly abundant and structurally integrated element of the lichen symbiosis. Comparative metaproteome analyses of lichens from different sampling sites suggest the presence of a relatively stable core microbiome and a sampling site-specific portion of the microbiome. Moreover, these studies indicate how the microbiota may contribute to the symbiotic system, to improve its health, growth and fitness.

/pdf/the-lichens-microbiota-still-a-mystery-30begdl6io.pdf

The Lichens' Microbiota, Still a Mystery?

Lichens associated with old forest are commonly assumed to be negatively affected by tree logging or natural disturbances. However, in this study performed in a spruce-dominated sylvopastoral landscape in the Swiss Jura Mountains, we found that genetic diversity of the epiphytic old-forest lichen Lobaria pulmonaria depends on the type of disturbance. We collected 923 thalli from 41 sampling plots of 1 ha corresponding to the categories stand-replacing disturbance (burnt), intensive logging (logged) and uneven-aged forestry (uneven-aged), and analysed the thalli at six mycobiont-specific microsatellite loci. We found evidence for multiple independent immigrations into demes located in burnt and logged areas. Using spatial autocorrelation methods, the spatial scale of the genetic structure caused by the clonal and recombinant component of genetic variation was determined. Spatial autocorrelation of genotype diversity was strong at short distances up to 50 m in logged demes, up to 100 m in uneven-aged demes, with the strongest autocorrelation up to 150 m for burnt demes. The spatial autocorrelation was predominantly attributed to clonal dispersal of vegetative propagules. After accounting for the clonal component, we did not find significant spatial autocorrelation in gene diversity. This pattern may indicate low dispersal ranges of clonal propagules, but random dispersal of sexual ascospores. Genetic diversity was highest in logged demes, and lowest in burnt demes. Our results suggest that genetic diversity of epiphytic lichen demes may not necessarily be impacted by stand-level disturbances for extended time periods.

/pdf/effect-of-disturbances-on-the-genetic-diversity-of-an-old-3jx1wvkk7a.pdf

Effect of disturbances on the genetic diversity of an old‐forest associated lichen

Lichen-forming fungi are mutualistic symbiotic organisms. The mycobiont coexists with one or more algal or cyanobacterial photobionts. Conservation biology of lichens deals, therefore, with more than one organism, although it is the fungal partner, or mycobiont, which is generally the target for conservation. It is also the mycobiont which determines the systematic position of lichens.

Monitoring Lichens for Conservation: Red Lists and Conservation Action Plans

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Monitoring Lichens for Conservation: Red Lists and Conservation Action Plans