New Lichen Species in Western Ghats
The discovery of a new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats marks advancement in biodiversity research. Indian scientists used classical and molecular methods to identify this species. The finding marks the complex symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae in lichens and their ecological importance.
Recent Discovery and Significance
Indian researchers from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, identified Allographa effusosoredica, a crustose lichen with unique chemical and morphological traits. This species carries norstictic acid, uncommon among similar species. It is the first Allographa species from India supported by DNA sequencing. The discovery adds to the growing inventory of lichens in the Western Ghats, a key biodiversity hotspot.
Symbiotic Nature of Lichens
Lichens are composite organisms formed by fungi and photobionts such as green algae or cyanobacteria. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont performs photosynthesis to produce food. This symbiosis allows lichens to survive in diverse environments and play vital ecological roles like soil formation and serving as bioindicators.
Molecular Techniques and Taxonomy
Researchers used DNA sequencing of multiple genetic markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 for fungi and ITS for algae) to confirm the identity of Allographa effusosoredica. Molecular data placed it close to Allographa xanthospora, despite its morphological similarity to Graphis glaucescens. This raises questions about the evolutionary boundaries within the Graphidaceae family.
Photobiont Diversity and Local Adaptation
The study identified Trentepohlia as the algal partner of the new lichen. This finding enriches knowledge about photobiont diversity in tropical lichens. It also supports the idea that photobionts adapt locally to their fungal partners, contributing to the lichen’s survival and evolution in specific habitats.
Contribution to Indian Biodiversity Knowledge
Allographa effusosoredica is the 53rd species of Allographa reported from India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats. The research puts stress on the need for more molecular studies on Indian lichens, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. Such work can reveal hidden diversity and improve understanding of ecological interactions.
Research Support and Future Directions
The project was funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). It combined taxonomy, molecular biology, and ecology to study symbiosis in Graphidaceae and Parmeliaceae families. The approach sets a benchmark for future studies on lichen diversity and evolution in India.
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