Effectiveness of aerobiological dispersal and microenvironmental requirements together influence spatial colonization patterns of lichen species on the stone cultural heritage
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2019
Abstract:
Dispersal patterns of lichen species in monumental and archaeological sites and their relationships with spatial
population structure are almost unknown, hampering predictions on colonization dynamics that are fundamental
for planning conservation strategies.
In thiswork,we tested if the local abundance and distribution pattern of some common lichen species on carbonate
stones of heritage sites may be related to their patterns of propagule dispersal. We combined analyses of the
spatial population structure of eight species on the calcareous balustrade of a heritage site in Torino (NWItaly)
with aerobiological analyses. In situ and laboratory analyses were mainly focused on the ejection of ascospores
and their air take-off and potential dispersal at short and long distance. Results indicate that the spatial distribution
of lichens on the stone surfaces is influenced by both species-specific patterns of propagule dispersal and microenvironmental
requirements. In particular, apotheciate species that have a higher ejection of ascospores with
higher potential for long range dispersal are candidate for a much aggressive spreading on the monumental surfaces.
Moreover, their occurrence on natural or artificial stone surfaces in the surroundings of the stone monumental
surface may easily support recolonization dynamics after cleaning interventions, as an effective supply of propagules is expected. On the other hand, species with a lower dispersal rate have amore clustered distribution
and are less effective in rapid recolonization, thus representing a minor threat for cultural heritage conservation.
These results support the idea that information on the reproductive strategy and dispersal patterns of
lichens should be coupled with traditional analyses on stone bioreceptivity and microclimatic conditions to
plan effective restoration interventions of stone surfaces.
Tipologia CRIS:
03A-Articolo su Rivista
Keywords:
Ascospore ejection; Calcareous stone; Cultural heritage conservation; Lichen colonization dynamics; Reproductive strategy; Spatial population structure
Elenco autori:
Morando M.; Matteucci E.; Nascimbene J.; Borghi A.; Piervittori R.; Favero-Longo S.E.
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