Seasonal Trends in Nitrogen Status of Antarctic Lichens

The thallus nitrogen (N) concentration of two dominant macrolichensof continental Antarctica (Usnea sphacelata and Umbilicariadecussata) was estimated each month for 1 year on a low roundedknoll on Clark Peninsula, Windmill Islands, Wilkes Land, Antarctica.Thallus N was significantly higher in Umbilicaria decussatathan in Usnea sphacelata and varied according to site. Duringthe winter months, when the lichens were metabolically inactive,thalli gradually accumulated N. At the onset of warmer conditions,thallus N content fell dramatically in both species, with thetiming of the decline being related to microclimatic conditions.The strongly seasonal pattern of metabolic activity in thesespecies is reflected in their nitrogen relations. Copyright2000 Annals of Botany Company Lichen, nitrogen, Antarctica, season, Usnea sphacelata, Umbilicaria decussata