Overview
Dermatocarpon aquaticum is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Verrucariaceae. The plant is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Asia, where it is found growing on rocks and submerged surfaces in freshwater streams and rivers. This lichen has various common names such as river jelly lichen, freshwater lichen, and water cord lichen.
Description
Dermatocarpon aquaticum has a distinctive appearance and can be easily identified by its jelly-like texture and olive-green to yellow-green color. The thallus of the plant is crustose, thin, and granular, with small, raised, and rounded apothecia that are up to 1mm in diameter. It has a gelatinous underside that sticks firmly to the substrate on which it grows, and the upper surface is smooth and glossy. The color of the thallus is usually darker when growing in deeper water and lighter when growing in shallower water.
Uses
The river jelly lichen, Dermatocarpon aquaticum, is not known to have any significant uses in traditional medicine or as food. Still, its presence can indicate a healthy freshwater ecosystem since it is sensitive to pollution, and proper water quality is essential to its growth and survival. This species of lichen and other freshwater lichens may be used as biological indicators to monitor the health of waterways and the environment.
Growth Conditions for Dermatocarpon aquaticum
Dermatocarpon aquaticum, also known as the aquatic felt lichen, is a species of lichen found mainly in freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, and lakes. This lichen is known to occur extensively in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in North America.
Light Requirements
Like all lichens, Dermatocarpon aquaticum requires light to photosynthesize and produce food. However, this species grows in freshwater environments, where light availability can vary due to water turbidity and vegetation cover. Therefore, it can grow both in full sunlight and partially shaded environments.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Dermatocarpon aquaticum is between 10 and 25°C. The growth rate of this lichen is slow, and it can survive extended periods of desiccation and freezing. In colder regions, it has been observed growing on stream banks under snow cover during winter months.
Soil Requirements
As a lichen, Dermatocarpon aquaticum does not have roots and does not require soil to grow. Instead, it anchors itself on rocks, gravel, sand, or other substrates in freshwater environments. This lichen can also grow on submerged wood, moss, and other aquatic vegetation.
In conclusion, Dermatocarpon aquaticum is a slow-growing lichen that can grow in a variety of light conditions, thrives in freshwater environments with a temperature range of 10-25°C, and does not require soil to grow.
Cultivation methods
Dermatocarpon aquaticum is a lichen plant that typically grows in freshwater streams and rivers. As a result, it requires a substrate that is constantly wet, and water pH between 5.0 and 7.5. It is difficult to cultivate in isolation, but it can thrive on other aquatic plants or objects that serve as anchors, such as rocks or logs.
Watering needs
As a freshwater plant, Dermatocarpon aquaticum requires a consistent soak of water to remain alive. This species is best grown in an environment where a water source is nearby and wets the surface of the plant frequently. It is advisable to maintain the water pH level to keep the lichen thriving.
Fertilization
Dermatocarpon aquaticum does not require much fertilization because it is a self-sufficient plant. However, like other lichens, it can benefit from some occasional nutrient supplementation. To boost its growth, you can try using a liquid-soluble nitrate or phosphate-based fertilizer suitable for freshwater plants a few times each year.
Pruning
As a lichen, Dermatocarpon aquaticum does not develop leaves or stems that need pruning. However, if it grows too much, it will need to be trimmed to maintain its desired size. The best way to reduce the size of the lichen is by snipping off the overgrown parts or pulling off some of it. Try not to remove more than necessary because reducing the plant's size might expose its vulnerable parts to sun and heat, causing it to dry out faster.
Propagation of Dermatocarpon aquaticum
Dermatocarpon aquaticum (Weis) Zahlbr. is a crustose lichen that grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and submerged rocks and boulders in streams and rivers. The plant is adaptable to different conditions, making it an ideal species for propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a common method of propagation in lichens. Dermatocarpon aquaticum can be propagated by fragmentation, where pieces of the lichen thallus are transplanted to a suitable substrate. Care must be taken to ensure that the fragment is attached firmly to the substrate to prevent detachment by currents or waves.
Sexual Propagation
Dermatocarpon aquaticum reproduces sexually through the production of ascospores, which are produced in the lichen's fruiting bodies. These spores can be collected and used to grow new lichen colonies in suitable substrates. Ascospores can be dispersed by air currents, water currents, and animals, making it a good method of propagation in natural environments.
Cultural Propagation
Cultural propagation is a method of growing lichens in laboratory conditions. This method involves growing lichen thallus on suitable agar media and providing the necessary nutrients and environmental conditions for growth. Dermatocarpon aquaticum can be propagated using this method, but it requires specialized equipment and expertise.
In conclusion, Dermatocarpon aquaticum can be propagated using vegetative, sexual, and cultural methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the purpose of propagation and the availability of resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Dermatocarpon aquaticum (Weis) Zahlbr.
Dermatocarpon aquaticum (Weis) Zahlbr., commonly known as water moon lichen, is a species of lichen that grows in freshwater habitats. Like all living organisms, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that could affect its health and reduce its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that could affect the water moon lichen is bacterial canker, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. This disease causes yellowing, wilting, and necrosis of the plant tissues, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce nutrients. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation, remove infected plant tissues, and use copper-based fungicides.
Another disease that could affect the water moon lichen is phytophthora root rot, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. This soil-borne disease causes root rot and wilt, stunting the growth of the plant and reducing its vigor. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides containing mefenoxam or metalaxyl.
Pests
The water moon lichen is susceptible to a wide range of pests, including mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and deformation of the leaves, and attract other secondary pests that could cause more damage. To manage these pests, it is important to maintain proper sanitation, remove infested plant tissues, and use insecticides containing neem oil, pyrethrins, or horticultural oils.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential to maintain the health and productivity of Dermatocarpon aquaticum. By understanding the common diseases and pests that could affect the plant and applying appropriate management practices, growers can ensure the long-term success of their crops and maximize their yields.
