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Genetic diversity and photobiont associations in selected taxa of the Tephromela atra group (Lecanorales, lichenised Ascomycota)

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Abstract

Mycobiont and photobiont genetic diversity was investigated in four taxa of the Tephromela atra complex, which differ in ecology and substratum preference (from siliceous rocks, limestone to bark), and are differently interpreted by taxonomists. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using mycobiont nuclear ITS, beta tubulin and homologous polyketide synthase gene (PKS) sequences obtained from freshly collected material sampled from the Mediterranean region to the Southern Alps. The silicicolous samples from the Alps form a basal lineage of the entire complex, and despite the morphological similarity, they do not form a monophyletic group with the Mediterranean samples. No resolution was found among the calcicolous and the silicicolous taxa from Mediterranean habitats, which are traditionally segregated at variety or species level. The epiphytic taxon, although nested with the other ecotypes, splits in two well-supported lineages. Among the four taxa, Tephromela grumosa is the only morphologically, chemically and genetically distinct taxon. However, it is also nested in the large T. atra complex. Phylogenetic analysis of photobionts ITS sequences revealed that thalli from the Mediterranean region are associated with two distinct lineages of Trebouxia, but the lineages are not correlated with substrate or mycobiont phenotype. The thalli from the Alps are exclusively associated with T. simplex, suggesting a protracted isolation from the other lineages.

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Acknowledgments

This investigation started as a case study during an introductory course on molecular techniques in Lichenology, organised by the Italian Lichen Society and led by Martin Grube in Trieste in September 2004. We acknowledge all the participants, particularly Silvana Munzi (Siena), and Bruna Marini (Trieste), for technical help. Giovanna Potenza (Potenza) is thanked for providing selected specimens, Josef Hafellner (Graz), Andrea Moro and Massimo Piccotto (Trieste) for companionship during field work. Partial financial support was given by the University of Trieste (responsible M. Tretiach), and by the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF, P18632).

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  1. Institut für Pflanzenwissenschaften, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Holteigasse 6, A-8010, Graz, Austria

    Lucia Muggia & Martin Grube

  2. Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 10, I-34127, Trieste, Italy

    Mauro Tretiach

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  1. Lucia Muggia
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Correspondence to Lucia Muggia.

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Muggia, L., Grube, M. & Tretiach, M. Genetic diversity and photobiont associations in selected taxa of the Tephromela atra group (Lecanorales, lichenised Ascomycota). Mycol Progress 7, 147–160 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-008-0560-6

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