Morpho-anatomical variations of Parmotrema pilosum (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in fragmented forests of central Argentina: relationship between forest cover and distance to crops

Abstract

Forest vegetation is key for buffering microclimatic factors and regulating atmospheric deposition. Epiphytic lichens are sensitive to these factors and can indicate the overall health status of the ecosystem. Specifically, the analysis of morpho-anatomical variations allows us to understand the degree of tolerance or sensitivity of these organisms exposed to agricultural crops and how vegetation might buffer this response. We analyzed variations in vegetative and reproductive characters and injuries in thalli of Parmotrema pilosum as a response to distance to crops and forest cover. The study was conducted in forest patches of the Espinal in central Argentina, an ecosystem threatened by agricultural activity. We selected 10 sites with different forest cover areas and two collection points differing in distance to crops: sites adjacent to (0 m) and far from (150 m) crops. We collected five thalli from each collection point and analyzed variations in morpho-anatomical characters at macro- and microscopic levels. We found a lower number of algae and a higher proportion of simple cilia in individuals at points adjacent to crops. At points with low forest cover, a thinner upper cortex was observed, whereas at points with greater forest cover, an increase of necrosis and greater presence of apothecia were detected. Bleaching was the most frequent injury at sites adjacent to crops, decreasing with increasing forest cover. Conservation and reforestation of Espinal forest patches would promote the propagation of lichens affected by agricultural practices.