Overview of Protothelenella corrosa (Korber) H. Mayrh. & Poelt
Protothelenella corrosa (Korber) H. Mayrh. & Poelt is a lichen plant, which is commonly found in different regions of Europe, particularly in the alpine region. It belongs to the family Lecanoraceae and is well-known for its distinctive morphology.
Appearance
The plant has a foliose thallus, which means it consists of flat, leaf-like structures that are tightly attached to the substrate. The upper surface of the thallus is typically greenish-grey in color, while the underside is pale brownish. The plant's lobes are elongated, measuring about 5 to 15 millimeters long and 2 to 4 millimeters wide. It produces discs that grow up to 1 millimeter in diameter, with a brown-black color, on the tips of its lobes.
Common Names
Protothelenella corrosa has several common names, including Common Stonebrake, Rough Stonebrake, and Grey-brown Stonebrake.
Uses
Protothelenella corrosa is not known to have any significant medicinal uses. However, it is commonly used in environmental research as a bioindicator of air pollution in urban environments. It is also used in the study of lichen communities and as a tool for understanding the impact of anthropogenic activities.
Light Requirements
Protothelenella corrosa is a lignicolous fungi that is well adapted to low light conditions. In its natural habitat, it grows in shaded areas beneath the canopy of its host plant. Excessive exposure to sunlight can be detrimental to its growth and development. While it requires some amount of light to create energy through photosynthesis, it is best to keep the levels at a minimum.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Protothelenella corrosa varies between 10 and 25°C. It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but growth is usually fastest at temperatures between 20 and 25°C. Anything below or above this range can result in stunted growth or even death of the fungi.
Soil Requirements
Protothelenella corrosa grows on decaying wood or bark material in a variety of soils. However, it thrives best in porous, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 4.5 and 6 for optimal growth conditions. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can result in the development of root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Protothelenella corrosa is a lichen species that commonly grows on bark and rocks, and is found in both damp and dry habitats. Cultivating this plant in a home setting is not recommended as it requires very specific environmental conditions that are difficult to replicate. However, if you wish to grow this plant, it is best to mimic its natural environment by providing a suitable growing substrate such as a moist rock or a piece of bark.
Watering Needs
Protothelenella corrosa is a lichen that is not dependent on regular watering as it does not have true roots or leaves to uptake water and nutrients. Rather, it receives nutrients and moisture from the air. Therefore, it only requires occasional misting or spraying of water to keep its surface moist.
Fertilization
As a lichen, Protothelenella corrosa does not require any fertilization. It possesses a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, such as algae or cyanobacteria, that provides all the essential nutrients required for growth and survival.
Pruning
Protothelenella corrosa is a slow-growing plant and does not require pruning. However, if it becomes unsightly or overgrown, gently removing any discolored or dead parts with scissors or a sharp knife can help to improve its appearance. Avoid excessive handling as the plant is delicate and can easily be damaged.
Propagation of Protothelenella corrosa
Protothelenella corrosa is a crustose lichen that grows on bark, rock, and soil. It can propagate through several methods, including fragmentation, soredia, and spores.
Fragmentation
Protothelenella corrosa can propagate through fragmentation, where pieces of the lichen break off and establish new colonies. This usually happens through environmental factors such as strong winds or heavy rains. These fragments can grow on a new substrate and develop into a new colony.
Soredia
Soredia are small, ball-like structures that grow on the thallus of the lichen. They contain both fungal and algal cells and can detach from the thallus and disperse through wind or water. When they land on a suitable substrate, they can grow into a new colony.
Spores
Protothelenella corrosa can also produce spores that grow into new colonies. However, spore production is infrequent in this species, and it is not a common method of propagation.
Disease Management
Protothelenella corrosa is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect the stem, leaves, and flowers of the plant. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Protothelenella corrosa:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the stem and leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by improving air circulation around the plant and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying bactericides.
Pest Management
Protothelenella corrosa is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant. The following are some of the common pests that can affect Protothelenella corrosa:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by wiping the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by spraying with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing curling and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause defoliation of the plant. They can be controlled by picking them off the plant by hand or by spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis.
