Change of growth type in Arctic lichen Foveolaria nivalis on Spitsbergen: a pilot study

• Applicants: Dr. Andreas Beck; Professor Dr. Burkhard Becker
• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems ; Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544659260

Foveolaria nivalis (formerly known as Flavocetaria nivalis) is a very common lichen of polar and alpine areas, usually found in open, rocky habitats. Foveolaria nivalis can be found in the Kongsfjord aera, growing on stones, rocks and more rarely between plants, but never forming large and dense patches. Only in a limited area on the slope of Knolen, on the north side of Kongsfjord, was a completely different growth form found. F. nivalis formed huge cushions on plants, mainly Dryas octopetala, and was never observed on stones and rocks. In a pilot project we want to investigate the area where this new and different growth form can be found. We also plan to investigate whether the cushions affect plant growth by measuring photosynthesis. To investigate the possible causes of this different growth form, we will collect samples and perform metagenomic analysis on lichens collected from cushions on plants and soil. To investigate the interaction between plants and lichens more directly, we will perform metatranscriptome analyses on plants with and without lichens, and on lichens from plants and soil.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Ekaterina Pushkareva, Ph.D.