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How to optimize lichen relative growth rates in growth cabinets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2016

Yngvar GAUSLAA ,
Md Azharul ALAM  and
Knut Asbjørn SOLHAUG
Yngvar GAUSLAA*
Affiliation:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
Md Azharul ALAM
Affiliation:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
Knut Asbjørn SOLHAUG
Affiliation:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
*
Email: yngvar.gauslaa@nmbu.no
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Abstract

In order to improve growth chamber protocols for lichens, we tested the effect of 1) wet filter paper versus self-drained nets as a substratum for lichens, and 2) gradual versus abrupt transitions between dark and light periods. For Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. cultivated on nets, RGR increased by 60% compared to those on wet papers, whereas abrupt on/off transitions between day/night gave as high growth rates as gradual transitions mimicking sunrise/sunset. Because thalli on nets had less surface water than those on papers, the higher RGR on nets likely resulted from less suprasaturation depression of photosynthesis. By supporting very high growth and eliminating any visible damage, the revised growth chamber protocols facilitate new functional lichen studies.

Keywords

hydrationlichen cultivationlight regimeLobaria pulmonariaoptimal growth
Type
Articles
Information
The Lichenologist , Volume 48 , Issue 4 , July 2016 , pp. 305 - 310
Copyright
© British Lichen Society, 2016 

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