Genetic diversity, ecotype differentiation and mating types of a primeval-forest lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, in fragmented and extended habitats

Lobaria pulmonaria is threatened in Switzerland Photo: Ch. Scheidegger (WSL)

This project aims at comparing genetic diversity and ecotype differentiation of L. pulmonaria within and among populations (Switzerland and British Columbia), and within and among subpopulations from a highly fragmented population in Switzerland and from a contiguous population in an extended habitat in British Columbia.

Furthermore, mating types and dispersal potential of this typical primeval forest lichen will be investigated. The influence of the dispersal strategy on the genetic diversity will be investigated on three closely related lichens which live in the same habitat: Lobaria linita var. tenuior regularly develops apothecial meiospores, but has no symbiotic, vegetative diaspores; it is assumed to be a sexual species. Lobaria oregana only forms lobulate vegetative, symbiotic diaspores and is considered an asexual species. L. pulmonaria regularly forms vegetative, symbiotic diaspores (isidioid soredia), and rarely also bears apothecial meiospores. This last species appears to have a mixed, sexual and asexual reproductive strategy.

A comparison of the genetic diversity among the three taxa will permit an understanding of the biological significance of genetic diversity found in the different populations of L. pulmonaria.

Contact

• Christoph Scheidegger