Origin and Common Names
Protoparmelia atriseda (Fr.) R. Sant. & V. Wirth, commonly known as dusty cracked lichen, is a species of foliose lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. It was first described by Elias Magnus Fries, a renowned Swedish mycologist in 1831 and later transferred to the Protoparmelia genus by Santesson and Wirth in 1999. This lichen is commonly found in the temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia, particularly in humid areas with moderate to high air pollution levels.Appearance
Protoparmelia atriseda is a foliose lichen that forms crusty greyish-brown thalli that range from 2-15 cm in diameter. The thalli are lobed and slightly undulating towards the margins which are usually black and glossy. The upper surface is pale greyish-green, sometimes with yellowish-green or rusty-brown patches, while the lower surface is black and covered with numerous simple or branched black rhizines. When dry, the thalli become very brittle and appear dusty. In wet conditions, the thalli can become green and smooth.Uses
Protoparmelia atriseda has no known medicinal or edible uses. Nonetheless, it plays an important role in the ecosystem and can indicate air pollution levels. The presence of this lichen species in an area has been found to indicate a relatively clean air environment. On the other hand, its absence could indicate high levels of air pollution. Additionally, Protoparmelia atriseda is used as a model organism in lichen research, particularly in studies on the interaction between lichens and environmental factors such as air pollution, UV radiation, and climate change.Growth Conditions of Protoparmelia atriseda
Protoparmelia atriseda is a species of lichen that typically grows on rocks or soil surfaces. It is commonly found in areas with high humidity and moderate temperatures. Here are some specific details about its growth conditions:
Light
Protoparmelia atriseda can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, it prefers to grow in areas with partial shade, especially during the peak summer months when the sun is strongest. In areas with full sun, it tends to grow closer to the soil surface where it can find shade from nearby rocks or other vegetation.
Temperature
Protoparmelia atriseda grows best in areas with moderate temperatures. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -20°C to as high as 30°C. However, it prefers to grow in temperatures between 10°C to 20°C. During the winter months, it goes through a period of dormancy where it may appear to be dead, but will start growing again once temperatures begin to rise in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Protoparmelia atriseda can grow on a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It tends to prefer soils that are well-drained, with good airflow and moisture retention. It can also grow on soils with low nutrient levels, as it is able to obtain the nutrients it needs from the surrounding air and rainwater. However, it may benefit from occasional fertilization with a low-nitrogen, granular fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods and Environment
Protoparmelia atriseda is a lichen that grows on trees and rocks, usually in temperate to subalpine environments. It can tolerate some sunlight but prefers shaded or partially shaded locations. When cultivating this plant, the ideal environment should mimic its natural environment — cool, damp, and shaded. It can grow on various substrates, but it is best to use a substrate similar to its natural habitat.
Watering Needs
As a lichen, Protoparmelia atriseda has unique water requirements. It does not need watering as it can absorb moisture from the air, and rainwater is sufficient. However, in areas with a dry climate, occasionally spraying water on the lichen can help keep it hydrated.
Fertilization
Protoparmelia atriseda does not require any fertilization as it can produce its food through photosynthesis. Moreover, adding fertilizer to the plant can harm it.
Pruning
Unlike most plants, lichens do not require pruning. In fact, pruning the lichen can cause damage and prevent it from growing. Protoparmelia atriseda mostly grows horizontally, and it is best to leave it undisturbed to grow naturally.
Propagation of Protoparmelia atriseda
Protoparmelia atriseda is a lichenized fungus that can propagate through asexual and sexual methods.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Protoparmelia atriseda occurs through the breaking off of small pieces of thalli, or the vegetative parts of the lichen. These pieces can then be transplanted onto suitable substrates and grow to form new thalli.
The advantage of asexual propagation is that the resulting thalli are genetically identical to the parent thalli, thus preserving desirable traits such as drought tolerance or fast growth.
Sexual Propagation
Sexually, Protoparmelia atriseda propagates through the release of propagules, which are small reproductive structures that contain both the fungal and algal components of the lichen.
These propagules are dispersed by wind or water, and when they land on a suitable substrate, they can begin to grow into new thalli.
Sexual propagation allows for the creation of new genetic combinations, potentially leading to a wider range of traits and adapting to new environmental conditions.
Conclusion
Both asexual and sexual propagation methods can be used for the successful propagation of Protoparmelia atriseda, a lichenized fungus with fascinating biological characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Protoparmelia atriseda
Protoparmelia atriseda is a lichen species that is commonly found growing on rocks, trees, and soil surfaces. Like all living organisms, lichens can be susceptible to a variety of diseases and pest infestations which can take a toll on their growth and overall health. Proper disease and pest management is important to ensure the health and longevity of the plant. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect Protoparmelia atriseda and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Protoparmelia atriseda is lichenicolous fungi. These fungi are parasites that infect and grow on the surface of lichen, often causing discoloration and deformation of the plant. To manage lichenicolous fungi, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and tools before touching the plant, and pruning away infected areas of the lichen. Additionally, using fungicides can help to prevent the spread of the fungi.
Another disease that can affect Protoparmelia atriseda is bacterial canker. This disease is caused by bacteria that infect the plant through open wounds or cuts in the bark. Symptoms of bacterial canker include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and twig dieback. To manage bacterial canker, it is important to maintain good pruning and sanitation practices, as well as using bactericides to help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Protoparmelia atriseda is mites. Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and deformation of the leaves. To manage mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to use acaricides to help prevent their spread.
Another pest that can affect Protoparmelia atriseda is scale insects. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and deformation of the leaves. To manage scale insects, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to use insecticides to help prevent their spread.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is important to ensure the health and longevity of Protoparmelia atriseda. Regularly monitoring the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation, maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices, and using appropriate chemical treatments can help prevent the spread of disease and pests and promote the overall health of the plant.
