To deepen our understanding of lichen adaptation and their potential to colonize extraterrestrial environments, we aimed to identify physiological/biochemical responses of selected lichen species in a metabolically active state to simulated Mars-like conditions in the dark including exposure to X-rays. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis was active while being in a Mars-like environment. Diploschistes muscorum was able to activate … Read more... 

The relationship between saxicolous lichen communities and rock characteristics was investigated on patterned ground in the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 900 rocks were sampled across 18 sites, and 45 lichen taxa were identified. Zero-inflated Poisson models indicated that the measured rock variables explained only minimal variation in lichen presence, suggesting that initial colonization was largely stochastic. In contrast, species richness on colonized rocks was primarily … Read more... 

Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite produced by lichens that has attracted interest because of its antimicrobial, photoprotective, and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential use as a biostimulant in agriculture. However, its evaluation in agricultural crops is limited. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of applying (+) UA on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic enzyme activity, and markers of oxidative stress in “Albion” … Read more... 

Background: Composting converts organic residues into stable organic matter and nutrients under aerobic conditions, improving soil properties and microbiome balance, while mitigating environmental impacts. Although microbiomes of various compost types have been studied, information is still fragmented and often not tailored to specific raw material combinations. In particular, little is known about the fungal communities involved in composting dairy plant wastewater sludge mixed with garden trimmings. … Read more... 

Version 25 of the checklist of lichen-forming, lichenicolous and allied fungi occurring in North America north of Mexico is presented. It includes a total of 6,097 species in 871 genera, with an additional 64 subspecies, 88 varieties, and 8 forms. The total number includes 780 lichenicolous fungi, 135 saprophytic fungi related to lichens or to lichenicolous fungi, and 117 taxa of varying and/or uncertain biological status. In all, 174 families in 73 orders of fungi are represented. The majority of … Read more...