Reports

International Lichenological Newsletter Vol. 31, nr. 2, December 1998
Table of Contents Lichenological Societies updated survey Molecular progress, Graz 1998 IMC6, Jerusalem 1998 Errata Contact us about IAL	Reports An Updated Survey of Lichenological Societies For several years the information on national/local lichen societies, usually found on the last page of the Newsletter, was repeated from one issue to the next with almost no modification. As I had the feeling that this information was becoming dangerously outdated, I tried to update it by sending a questionnaire to each society. Here is the list of societies that answered by November 30, ordered according to the number of members. To establish a more realistic estimate of the actual pool of members interested in lichens, the total number of members of those societies which include both bryologists and lichenologists has been reduced by 40% to establish the ranking order. In the next issue of the Newsletter there will be space for those societies which still have not responded, plus a general synopsis. Societies are kindly requested to send me any relevant new information about their organization, especially concerning possible changes of contact persons, and e-mail and web page addresses. The Editor The British Lichen Society (BLS) - Address: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. President: Peter D. Crittenden, Secretary: (until 9 January 1999) O. William Purvis, (address as above), phone: (+44) 0171-938-8852, fax: 0171-938-9260, e-mail: w.purvis@nhm.ac.uk. Approximate no. of members: 590. Web page: http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/jmgray/. The Society was formed in 1958 to stimulate and advance interest in all branches of lichenology. The first Society in the world entirely devoted to the study of lichens, it has many overseas as well as British members. The Society's journal, The Lichenologist, contains taxonomic revisions of critical groups, articles of ecological, physiological and environmental interest, including a bibliographic series on lichens and air pollution, and many other matters of interest to lichenologists throughout the world. The Bulletin contains more popular articles including new, rare and interesting records, and a field meetings programme. The Society welcomes membership from any persons world-wide interested in lichenology. American Bryological and Lichenological Society, Inc. (ABLS) - Address: Department of Biology MSN 3E1, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4422, USA. President: Brent D. Mishler. Contact: James D. Lawrey (Secretary-Treasurer, see address of the Society), phone: (+01)-703-993-1059, fax: (+01)-703-993-1046, e-mail: jlawrey@gmu.edu. Year of foundation: 1898 (first issue of The Bryologist). Approximate number of members: 700. Web page: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/bryolab/ABLS.html - This is one of the oldest botanical organizations of the USA, devoted to the scientific study of bryophytes and lichen-forming fungi. Membership is open to all persons (professionals and amateurs) with interest in these organisms. The Society holds annual meetings and field-trips, generally on university campuses, in June or August. The Society publishes and distributes a quarterly journal, The Bryologist, which includes articles on all aspects of the biology of byophytes and lichens, lists of current literature with world-wide coverage, book reviews, etc. Information about The Bryologist can be seen on-line at http://www.devonian.ualberta.ca/bryologist. The Society also sponsors specimen exchanges, so members can acquire identified specimens from all parts of the world. In 1984, the Society began publication of an information bulletin, Evansia, to make available articles of interest primarily to amateurs, including those dealing with techniques of identification, floristics of North American localities, preliminary research results, etc. Information concerning membership or subscription to one of the Society's journals can be obtained by writing the Secretary-Treasurer, or visiting the web page of the Society. Società Lichenologica Italiana (SLI) - Address: c/o Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali di Torino, v. Giolitti, 36, I - 10125 Torino, Italy, phone: (+039) 011-4323052 President: Paolo Modenesi, Istituto Botanico "Hanbury", Università di Genova, C.so Dogali 1/c I-16123 Genova, phone: (+039) 010-2099-373/2099-392, fax: 010-2099-377, e-mail: serrato@csita.unige.it. Contact Person: Giovanni Caniglia (Secretary), Dipartimento di Biologia, Viale Giuseppe Colombo, 3, I-35121 Padova, phone: (+039) 049-8276-239, fax: 8276-230, e-mail: caniglia@civ.bio.unipd.it. The Web page (http://www.lrcser.it/~sli, webmaster: D. Isocrono:debiso@bioveg.unito.it) includes, among other things, an index to the Notiziario, and a survey of Italian lichenological literature. Founded in 1987, the SLI presently has 326 members, whose main interests can be grouped into four main categories: a) scientific research, b) use of lichens in teaching (primary and secondary schools), c) use of lichens as biomonitors of air pollution, d) problems related with lichens and monuments. The Society publishes a yearly bullettin: Notiziario della Società Lichenologica Italiana (in Italian), organizes every year a general meeting, several symposia, at least four lichenological courses and a major excursion in different parts of Italy, and sponsors a prize for the best thesis of lichenological content. Yearly subscription price: Lit. 30.000 (ordinary members), Lit. 15.000 (students). Bryologisch-lichenologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mitteleuropa (BLAM) - Address: c/o Roman Türk, University of Salzburg, Dept. of Plant Physiology, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. President: Roman Türk (address as above), phone: (+043)-(0)662-8044-5588, fax: 0043-(0)662 8044 619, e-mail: roman.tuerk@sbg.ac.at - Contact person (Treasurer): Volker John, Kaiserslauterer Str. 86, D-67098 Bad Dürkheim, Germany; phone: (+49) 06322 67919, e-mail: 106370.1063@compuserve.com. Founded in 1968, the Society has presently c. 400 members from 28 countries. The Society publishes a Bullettin: Aktuelle Lichenologische Mitteilungen (in German), and a scientific Journal, Herzogia, and organizes symposia, meetings and excursions. Nordic Lichen Society (Nordisk Lichenologisk Förening, NLF). - Address: c/o Heidmarsson, Institute of Systematic Botany, Villavägen 6, S-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden. President: Orvo Vitikainen. Contact person: Ulrik Søchting, Department of Mycology, Botanical Institute, Ø. Farimagsgade 2D, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark; phone: (+45) 35 32 23 13, fax: 35 32 23 21, e-mail:ulriks@bot.ku.dk. Founded in 1975, the Society presently has 230 members. Web page: http://www.helsinki.fi/kmus/lichen/2nlf.html. The main purpose of the Society is to work for increased interest in lichenology in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Excursions are arranged every second year in one of the Nordic countries. Last excursion was in the summer 1997 to Iceland, the next one will take place in Finland in the summer 1999. Membership is open to all individuals interested in Nordic lichenology. Membership is personal, and costs SEK 300 for 1998-1999 or SEK 600 for 1998-2001. Members of the Society receive Graphis Scripta, which is published twice a year, and includes papers pertinent to Nordic lichenology, and information from NLF. Dutch Bryological & Lichenological Society - Address: c/o Bart van Tooren, Venuslaan 2, 3721 VG Bilthoven, The Netherlands; phone: 030-2210613, e-mail tooren.Leeuwen@hetnet.nl - President: H. F. van Dobben. - Founded in 1946, this Society presently includes 320 members. Homepage: http://start.at/mossen: the home page is being built now, and contains mainly information about the bryological part of the Society. However, much relevant information can be found about membership, relevant addresses etc. The Society organises several excursions and meetings. The journal is Buxbaumiella, which appears three times a year. It contains reports of excursions, as well as other relevant information about bryophytes and lichens in the Netherlands. Almost all members are volunteers, since very few professional lichenologists and bryologists are left in the Netherlands. Hence, the Society is the central organization for all those with bryological or lichenological interest in the Netherlands. Northwest Lichen Guild (USA, Northwest) - Address: c/o Department of Botany & Plant Pathology, Cordley 2082, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2902 USA, fax: (+1) 541-737-3573, phone: (+1) 541-737-1741. Keeper of the Mailing List: Sherry Pittam (address as above, e-mail: pittams@bcc.orst.edu), institutional contact: Bruce McCune (address as above, e-mail: mccuneb@bcc.orst.edu). Founded in 1990, presently with ca. 150 members, the Northwest Lichen Guild was formed to facilitate communication, meetings, and field trips among lichenologists interested in the Pacific Northwest. It is composed of both amateurs and professionals, and its organization is unusual in that there are no membership fees or officers. There is an occasional newsletter; which in the future will be distributed only to e-mail addresses, because the Society has no dues and no budget. There is an annual meeting in conjunction with the Northwest Scientific Association (location varies), usually in mid to late March, and there are also talks about ongoing or completed research, a workshop on a particular topic, genus, or area, field trips, and evening socializing. Association Française de Lichénologie (AFL) - Address: c/o Serge Deruelle, 5 Square du Vimeu F-78310 Maurepas, France. President (1998-2002): Juliette Asta, Centre de Biologie Alpine, Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1, BP 53 X, F-38041 Grenoble, France. Cedex; phone: 04-76514600 poste 3623, fax: 04-76514463, e-mail: jasta@ujf-grenoble.fr. Contact person: Jean-Claude Boissiere, Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale, Route de la Tour Denecourt, F-77300 Fontainebleau, France. phone: 10-64223740. - Founded in 1976, the Society has presently 140 members. A Web page is under construction by Chantal van Haluwyn. The Society organizes yearly some lichenological trips in France or in foreign countries (that of 1999 will be in Corsica). A Bulletin (Bulletin d'Informations de l' Association Française de Lichénologie) is published twice a year. A session of determination is organized in February or March by J.C. Boissière in his laboratory at Fontainebleau. Annual subscription price: 150F. California Lichen Society (CALS). - Address: 362 Scenic Ave., Santa Rosa, CA. 95407, USA. President: Judy Robertson (address as above), e-mail: JKSRR@aol.com, phone: (+1) 707-584-8099. Founded in 1994, it presently includes 135 members. Web site: http://ucjeps.herb.berkeley.edu/rlmoe/cals.html. - Through field trips, workshops, a traveling reference collection and publication of a semiannual (summer and winter) CALS Bulletin, the California Lichen Society seeks to promote the appreciation, conservation, and study of lichens. The focus is on California, but the interests include the entire western part of the North American Continent. CALS welcomes amateur and advanced lichenologist in these pursuits. Svensk Lichenologisk Förening (SLF) - Address: c/o Lars Arvidsson (president), Göteborgs Stadsmuseum, Norra Hamngatan, 12, SE-411 14 Göteborg, Sweden. Secretary: Magnus Wadstein, Eken, Hulta, SE-585 96 Linköping, Sweden. Established in 1992, this Society has c. 100 members. The subscription fee is 50 SEK/year. Association Suisse de Bryologie et Lichénologie, - (Schweizerische Vereinigung für Bryologie und Lichenologie, Swiss Association of Bryology and Lichenology) - Address: Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques, case postale 60, 1 Ch. de l'Impératrice, CH-1292 Chambésy/GE, Switzerland. President: Philippe Clerc, (address as above), fax: 022-418-51-01, phone: 022-418 51 28, e-mail: clerc@cjb.unige.ch. - Founded in 1956, the Society presently includes 208 members. A Web page is planned for 1999. The main aims of the Society are: 1) to improve the public knowledge about lichens and bryophytes, and to contribute in protecting species and habitats, 2) to promote bryological and lichenological research and education in Switzerland. The Society organizes excursions and other events (seminars, workshops, etc.), and publishes a newsletter: Meylania. Australasian Association for Lichenology - Address: Box 320, Nelson, New Zealand. Contact Person: W. M. Malcolm (address as above), phone & fax: (+64) 3 545 1660. Founded in 1974, the Society presently has ca. 50-60 members. Its main aim is to promote all aspects of the study of lichens in Australasia, and the interchange of information Sociedad Española de Liquenologia (SEL) - Address: c/o Departament de Biologia Vegetal (Unitat de Botanica), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645, 08020 - Barcelona, Spain. President: Ana Crespo (Madrid). Contact Person (Secretary): Leopoldo G. Sancho, phone: (+34) 91-3941771 Fax: 91-3941774, Dpto. Biologia Vegetal II, Fac. de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 - Madrid, Spain, e-mail: acrespo@eucmax.sim.ucm.es - Founded in 1988, the SEL has 54 members, most of whom are people trained in biology and working as teachers in Spanish universities and secondary schools. Very few of them work on the staff of research institutes. An internal bulletin, Clementeana, is published yearly, which mainly includes news on Spanish lichenology, personalia, books reviews, lists of new publications on Spanish lichens, and also some keys intended to be included later in the "Flora Liquenologica Iberica". Keys of Pertusaria, Ochrolechia, Peltigera, etc. have been already published to be tested by SEL members. The members meet yearly, in the National Symposium of Cryptogamic Botany (every two years), and in the biannual forays organized by SEL in incompletely explored regions of Spain. Grupo Latino Americano de Liquenólogos (GLAL) - Address: Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche- 8400 - Río Negro, Argentina; phone (+54) 944-23374 or 28505, fax: 62215 or 22111, e-mail: scalvelo@crub.uncoma.edu.ar. Contact person: Susana Calvelo (address as above). Established in 1994, this group has c. 40 members. It is not a formal Society but is a crowd of Latin-American people interested in lichenology that gets together to solve common problems. GLAL meetings and general assembly are biennial, and are organized by the elected GLAL representative. During the meetings scientific lichenological presentations related with lichens from Latin America are given. The next meeting will be in Bariloche (Argentina), tentative date: november 1999. No membership fee is charged. Grupo Brasileiro de Liquenólogos (GBL) - Address: c/o Marcelo P. Marcelli (coordinator), Instituto de Botânica, Seção de Micologia e Liquenologia, Caixa Postal 4005, São Paulo - SP, Brazil. 01061-970. Fax: (+55)-11-6191-2238, phone: (+55)-11-5584-6304 (institute), 218-5209 (home), e-mail: mmarcelli@sti.com.br. Established in 1996, this informal group of 27 lichenologists (incl. 15 students) has the aim of promoting joint work by exchanging facilities and expertise. It publishes an internal Boletim, and organizes a biannual meeting with seminars and courses. Lichen Section, Societas Mycologica Fennica. - Address: Botanical Museum (Lichenology), P.O. Box 47, FIN-00014 Univ. Helsinki, Finland. Chairman and contact person: Teuvo Ahti (address as above), phone: (+358) 9 7084782, fax: (+358) 9 7084830 e-mail: teuvo.ahti@helsinki.fi. Established in 1985, this is a rather informal group which primarily organizes annual field meetings, which have 20-30 participants. No official membership of the Lichen Section recognized. Eastern Lichen Network. (USA, East) - This is a group of c. 25 amateurs and professionals who are connected via the internet. Marian Glenn serves as the co-ordinator and contact person. Her e-mail address is: glennmar@shu.edu, fax: (+1) 973-761-9772. The group was started in 1993, and has, as a long term goal, the drafting of a lichen flora of Eastern North America. The first three genera of the project appear as part of Lichenographia Thomsoniana (see New Literature section), edited by four members of the Eastern Lichen Network. Club of Turkish Lichenologists - Address: c/o Dr. Aysen Türk, Anadolu University, Dept. of Biology, TR-26470 Eskisehir, Turkey. President: Aysen Türk (address as above); phone: 0.222.3350580/ 3411/5168, e-mail: aturk@vm.baum.anadolu.edu.tr. Contact person (secretary): Attila Yildiz, Ankara University, Dept. of Biology, TR-06100 Besevler-Tandogan/Ankara, phone: 3122126720, fax: 3122232395, e-mail: ayildiz@science.ankara.edu.tr. Just founded in 1998, the club includes ca. 20 members. Slovak Botanical Society - Lichenological Working Group - Address: Slovak Botanical Society, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta, 14 842 23 Bratislava, Slovakia. President: Olga Erdelska, Lichenology-contact person: Anna Guttova, phone: 07-59412501, fax: 07-54771948, e-mail: botugutt@savba.savba.sk - The Botanical Society was founded in 1955, as Czechoslovak Botanical Society, and in 1966 it was given the present name; it includes 423 members, only a few of whom are lichenologists. Membership in the lichenological group is free (see IAL Newsletter 29-1: 1996: 15). Web page: http://nic.savba.sk/sav/inst/botu/sbs/index.html. Progress in Molecular StudiesProgress in Molecular Studies of Lichens (Graz, August 11^th-15^th, 1998) The first symposium on Progress in Molecular Studies of Lichens was held at the University of Graz in August 1998. About 50 participants from all over the world took the opportunity to exchange their ideas and experiences. As molecular techniques are becoming important tools in lichenology, such a symposium was very timely. The program was split into different sections: talk sessions, discussion fora, laboratory seminars, an excursion and a poster show. In talk sessions young lichenologists especially had the opportunity to present a paper on their research progress. Very different topics were treated: e.g. algae, group I Introns, studies on populations and phylogenetic research. From several talks on phylogenetic studies, we learnt a lot about recent advancements combining studies of morphological, chemical and molecular data, e.g. in the genus Peltigera, infragenetic relationships in Caloplaca, the position of sterile Normandina pulchella, and others. The systematic position of other sterile lichens e.g. Siphula species or of Lecanora demissa were also discussed. Population studies demonstrated for e.g. Lobaria will be important for questions concerning conservation of species in the future. The discussion fora, supervised by well-known specialists, were somewhat dominated by contributions from the American participants with their enormous knowledge. For me, and I believe for everyone, these fora have been highly informative, they helped to solve current problems in practical work and gave a lot of hints for trouble shouting. During the laboratory seminars, experienced colleagues presented new improvements in DNA isolation or amplification, and an application of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The organisers M. Grube, M. Wedin, P. Blanz and their assistants did an excellent job, and have to be thanked. Hopefully, this event initiates subsequent symposia on this topic in the future. Thomas Kasalicky, München Lichenologists in Israel (IMC6, Jerusalem, August 23^rd-28^th, 1998) The sixth International Mycological Congress (IMC6) was hosted by Professor Margalith Galun (President of the Organizing Committee) in the fascinating city of Jerusalem from August 23^rd until August 28^th, 1998. Presentations by lichenologists were in several formats, including plenary lectures, symposia dedicated exclusively to lichenology, and general mycological symposia and poster sessions. The contribution of molecular biology to mycology was emphasized at this meeting, as was shown by the double helix DNA molecule that was an integral part of the official emblem of the Congress. Presentations in lichenology spanned a broad array of topics from biodiversity and conservation issues to ecology, physiology, evolutionary biology and genetics. What follows is a short résumé of the oral presentations by lichenologists at IMC6. There were four plenary sessions. Two of them were given by lichenologists. D. Hawksworth presented a broad overview of recent efforts to study biodiversity of fungi (both lichenized and non-lichenized). He highlighted the impressive increase in the number of lichenicolous fungal species described in recent years. He commented on the different approaches used to assess fungal biodiversity. The contribution of cyanobacteria in lichens to nutrient cycling, the use of diagnostic lichen species to evaluate forest continuity, and the current exploration by industry of genes in lichens without the need for using axenic cultures, were among the lichenological topics presented to a broad mycological audience. D. Richardson gave the last plenary lecture of the Congress. He eloquently guided the audience through the intricate nature of the different types of symbiotic interactions found in lichens. He emphasized the parasitic side of lichen symbioses (war in the world of lichens) by showing examples of what he interpreted as algal slaves, exploiters of two kingdoms, alien invaders, niche seekers, and takeover specialists. Two Congress symposia were entirely dedicated to lichenology. J. Garty and M. Galun were the convenors of the symposium entitled Biodiversity and Ecological Significance of Lichens. M. Seaward demonstrated the drastic impact of lichen colonization on artifacts, exemplified by an exposed fresco in Italy; he illustrated the current technique used to remove lichens in a first step toward the restoration of such antique artifacts; he also pointed out the caveats of such a technique and the lack of solutions for long-term restoration and prevention of future colonization. L. St. Clair, in collaboration with K. Anderson and T. Garcia, summarized the data available on pollutant fluctuations along the heavily populated Wasatch front of North Central Utah, USA, and its impact on local lichen communities. G. Insarov and I. Insarova proposed a new approach to biodiversity monitoring of lichens called TDI (Trend Detection Index) to detect global climate trends. It was reported that this index performed better than traditional diversity indices and its resolution appears sufficient in view of a global warming of 2.5°C predicted for the end of the next century. S. Eversman guided us through the complex lichen flora, from prairies to peaks, of the spectacular state of Montana, USA. As always, I. Kranner gave a clear and in-depth presentation on the interplay of mechanisms lichens have to scavenge free radicals that are formed during desiccation. This time she focussed on the role of the antioxidant glutathione, which, in addition to scavenging free radicals, is likely to be involved in the thiol-disulphide cycle that protects protein-thiol groups from auto-oxidation resulting from desiccation. C. Scheidegger gave the closing presentation. Cristoph brought us to the forefront of conservation biology by describing the impressive national inventory system of epiphytic lichens he and his team have established in Switzerland. He demonstrated the complexity of determining the conservation status of lichens, as well as the need for quantitative data of high quality and appropriate statistical analyses that integrate environmental stochasticity. Based on small populations of Lobaria pulmonaria and Monte Carlo simulations of the effects of deterministic forces, as well as demographic and environmental events on populations, it was shown that at least 15 colonized trees are needed for long term persistence of epiphytic species. Innovative strategies for increasing population size were presented. The second symposium restricted to lichenology, convened by D. Armaleo and F. Lutzoni, was entitled Molecular Approaches to Lichen Symbiosis. This was the first symposium ever to focus on the discovery of genetic mechanisms associated with lichen symbiotic interactions. F. Cervone, in collaboration with G. De Lorenzo, D. Armaleo, A. Bartoli, S. Munzi and Th. Friedl, used what is known of the molecular genetics of the plant-pathogen interaction system to target specific genes of the recognition systems between lichen symbionts. Their strategy consists of using antibodies and cloned genes as probes to detect polygalacturonases (cell wall-degrading enzymes produced by plant pathogenic fungi) in the mycobiont and polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIP: plant-derived cell wall proteins specialized for recognition of non-self molecules) in the photobiont. V. Miao gave an update on her challenging work to clone polyketide synthase (PKS) genes from lichens. She described her cloning scheme consisting of amplifying a portion of the genes encoding the ketosynthase domain and using these amplified products from lichen PKS genes as probes to screen genomic libraries of lichen DNA. The complete genes pulled from genomic libraries can than be transferred into cultivable laboratory strains of fungi where new structures can be generated through recombination or complementation. G. Murtagh, in collaboration with P. S. Dyer and P. Crittenden, gave a fascinating talk on their study designed to reveal the breeding system (homo- versus heterothallism) of Graphis scripta and Phaeographis dendritica. Using genetic markers generated with RAPDs they looked for DNA polymorphisms in monospore cultures derived from single ascoma. They also compared the genetic variation among progeny derived from neighbouring ascomata and thalli. Their results pointed toward homothallism as the best explanation for the patterns of variation they detected. (Interestingly, evidence from S. Zoller's population genetic study of Lobaria pulmonaria, in collaboration with C. Scheidegger and F. Lutzoni - presented at the University of Graz's workshop entitled Progress in Molecular Studies of Lichens - suggested that heterothallism was most likely the breeding system for this foliose species). F. Lutzoni presented a new approach called "evolutionary screening" to identify target genes potentially forming an integral part of the lichen symbiosis. By reconstructing the phylogeny of closely related lichenized and non-lichenized fungal species, consequences and physiological stresses associated with transitions to a lichen state can be revealed. It was shown that genes involved in phenotypic plasticity/broad ecological amplitude, low fungal virulence/high photobiont infection resistance, desiccation and sun irradiation tolerance/efficient DNA repair mechanisms, and DNA methylation should be included in genetic studies aimed at understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms essential to lichen symbioses. D. Armaleo, in collaboration with V. Mobley, used restriction enzymes in combination with Southern analysis to demonstrate that the DNA methylation level of Cladonia grayi varies tremendously, ranging from high levels when in a symbiotic state to very low levels when in axenic culture. It was also shown that regulatory sequences of genes could be differentially methylated compared to their coding regions, implying that methylation could be a major regulatory factor of gene expression necessary to maintain a lichen symbiotic interaction. In the symposium entitled Fungi, Including Lichens, in Extreme Environments, half of the presentations focussed on lichens. This symposium was convened by E. Imre Friedmann and L. Kappen. The first presentation was by Kappen, who introduced the symposium and explained the context for convening the selected speakers. Given the exceptional ecological success of the lichen symbiosis, Kappen pointed out how little we know about almost every aspect of the lichen symbiosis. He also identified several topics in lichenology that deserve to be considered for future research. The second presentation, by B. Schroeter, was entitled Adaptation to lichens to low temperatures in the Antarctic. He reported that photosynthesis was detectable at temperatures as low as -20°C and that lichens can be metabolically active throughout the year even in such harsh conditions. E. Imre Friedmann and R. Ocampo-Friedmann described the nature of cryptoendolithic lichens as one where sexual reproduction is suppressed and as a community which may include, in addition to parasymbiotic fungi, other non-lichenized fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, and heterotrophic bacteria. R. Lücking presented the results of his exhaustive study on adaptations of foliicolous lichens for survival on their ephemerous substrates. He explored the contribution of several abiotic factors in different rain forest compartments (canopy versus understory) and found that foliicolous lichens are most abundant in the understory, corticolous lichens in the canopy. He also compared morphological features such as apothecial disc color, thallus color, and ascospore variation associated with shady versus exposed understory foliicolous lichens. R. Lücking was also an invited speaker at a general symposium on fungal diversity and distribution. By recording the lichen diversity on palm leaves of different ages on the same individual he could show that with time lichen diversity reaches a maximum followed by a decrease in diversity due to competition. In the symposium entitled Diagnostic Tools in Fungal Identification convened by P. L. Nimis, G. Rambold had the opportunity to present to the mycological community at large the advantages of using the DELTA system. Other important and exciting events also took place during the IMC6 Congress. P. L. Nimis was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Mycological Association. The IAL Executive Council met during this Congress and all IAL members were invited to participate. The minutes of this meeting are published as part of this issue of ILN. Finally, there were several spontaneous field excursions that were organized by several lichenologists under the generous guidance of Jacob Garty. The exceptional lichen flora of Israel was certainly full of extraordinary surprises. François Lutzoni, Chicago Errata corrige At page 7 of vol. 31, 1, under the title Discontinued Journal, the publishing house of Excerpta Botanica was misspelled: the correct name is: Gustav Fischer. Furthermore, this journal was active from 1959 until 1998, and not until 1988.

International Lichenological Newsletter Vol. 31, nr. 2, December 1998

Table of Contents

Lichenological Societies updated survey

Molecular progress, Graz 1998

IMC6, Jerusalem 1998

Errata

Contact us

about IAL

Reports

An Updated Survey of Lichenological Societies

For several years the information on national/local lichen societies, usually found on the last page of the Newsletter, was repeated from one issue to the next with almost no modification. As I had the feeling that this information was becoming dangerously outdated, I tried to update it by sending a questionnaire to each society. Here is the list of societies that answered by November 30, ordered according to the number of members. To establish a more realistic estimate of the actual pool of members interested in lichens, the total number of members of those societies which include both bryologists and lichenologists has been reduced by 40% to establish the ranking order. In the next issue of the Newsletter there will be space for those societies which still have not responded, plus a general synopsis. Societies are kindly requested to send me any relevant new information about their organization, especially concerning possible changes of contact persons, and e-mail and web page addresses.

The Editor

The British Lichen Society (BLS) - Address: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. President: Peter D. Crittenden, Secretary: (until 9 January 1999) O. William Purvis, (address as above), phone: (+44) 0171-938-8852, fax: 0171-938-9260, e-mail: w.purvis@nhm.ac.uk. Approximate no. of members: 590. Web page: http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/jmgray/. The Society was formed in 1958 to stimulate and advance interest in all branches of lichenology. The first Society in the world entirely devoted to the study of lichens, it has many overseas as well as British members. The Society's journal, The Lichenologist, contains taxonomic revisions of critical groups, articles of ecological, physiological and environmental interest, including a bibliographic series on lichens and air pollution, and many other matters of interest to lichenologists throughout the world. The Bulletin contains more popular articles including new, rare and interesting records, and a field meetings programme. The Society welcomes membership from any persons world-wide interested in lichenology.

American Bryological and Lichenological Society, Inc. (ABLS) - Address: Department of Biology MSN 3E1, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4422, USA. President: Brent D. Mishler. Contact: James D. Lawrey (Secretary-Treasurer, see address of the Society), phone: (+01)-703-993-1059, fax: (+01)-703-993-1046, e-mail: jlawrey@gmu.edu. Year of foundation: 1898 (first issue of The Bryologist). Approximate number of members: 700. Web page: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/bryolab/ABLS.html - This is one of the oldest botanical organizations of the USA, devoted to the scientific study of bryophytes and lichen-forming fungi. Membership is open to all persons (professionals and amateurs) with interest in these organisms. The Society holds annual meetings and field-trips, generally on university campuses, in June or August. The Society publishes and distributes a quarterly journal, The Bryologist, which includes articles on all aspects of the biology of byophytes and lichens, lists of current literature with world-wide coverage, book reviews, etc. Information about The Bryologist can be seen on-line at http://www.devonian.ualberta.ca/bryologist. The Society also sponsors specimen exchanges, so members can acquire identified specimens from all parts of the world. In 1984, the Society began publication of an information bulletin, Evansia, to make available articles of interest primarily to amateurs, including those dealing with techniques of identification, floristics of North American localities, preliminary research results, etc. Information concerning membership or subscription to one of the Society's journals can be obtained by writing the Secretary-Treasurer, or visiting the web page of the Society.

Società Lichenologica Italiana (SLI) - Address: c/o Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali di Torino, v. Giolitti, 36, I - 10125 Torino, Italy, phone: (+039) 011-4323052 President: Paolo Modenesi, Istituto Botanico "Hanbury", Università di Genova, C.so Dogali 1/c I-16123 Genova, phone: (+039) 010-2099-373/2099-392, fax: 010-2099-377, e-mail: serrato@csita.unige.it. Contact Person: Giovanni Caniglia (Secretary), Dipartimento di Biologia, Viale Giuseppe Colombo, 3, I-35121 Padova, phone: (+039) 049-8276-239, fax: 8276-230, e-mail: caniglia@civ.bio.unipd.it. The Web page (http://www.lrcser.it/~sli, webmaster: D. Isocrono:debiso@bioveg.unito.it) includes, among other things, an index to the Notiziario, and a survey of Italian lichenological literature. Founded in 1987, the SLI presently has 326 members, whose main interests can be grouped into four main categories: a) scientific research, b) use of lichens in teaching (primary and secondary schools), c) use of lichens as biomonitors of air pollution, d) problems related with lichens and monuments. The Society publishes a yearly bullettin: Notiziario della Società Lichenologica Italiana (in Italian), organizes every year a general meeting, several symposia, at least four lichenological courses and a major excursion in different parts of Italy, and sponsors a prize for the best thesis of lichenological content. Yearly subscription price: Lit. 30.000 (ordinary members), Lit. 15.000 (students).

Bryologisch-lichenologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mitteleuropa (BLAM) - Address: c/o Roman Türk, University of Salzburg, Dept. of Plant Physiology, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. President: Roman Türk (address as above), phone: (+043)-(0)662-8044-5588, fax: 0043-(0)662 8044 619, e-mail: roman.tuerk@sbg.ac.at - Contact person (Treasurer): Volker John, Kaiserslauterer Str. 86, D-67098 Bad Dürkheim, Germany; phone: (+49) 06322 67919, e-mail: 106370.1063@compuserve.com. Founded in 1968, the Society has presently c. 400 members from 28 countries. The Society publishes a Bullettin: Aktuelle Lichenologische Mitteilungen (in German), and a scientific Journal, Herzogia, and organizes symposia, meetings and excursions.

Nordic Lichen Society (Nordisk Lichenologisk Förening, NLF). - Address: c/o Heidmarsson, Institute of Systematic Botany, Villavägen 6, S-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden. President: Orvo Vitikainen. Contact person: Ulrik Søchting, Department of Mycology, Botanical Institute, Ø. Farimagsgade 2D, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark; phone: (+45) 35 32 23 13, fax: 35 32 23 21, e-mail:ulriks@bot.ku.dk. Founded in 1975, the Society presently has 230 members. Web page: http://www.helsinki.fi/kmus/lichen/2nlf.html. The main purpose of the Society is to work for increased interest in lichenology in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Excursions are arranged every second year in one of the Nordic countries. Last excursion was in the summer 1997 to Iceland, the next one will take place in Finland in the summer 1999. Membership is open to all individuals interested in Nordic lichenology. Membership is personal, and costs SEK 300 for 1998-1999 or SEK 600 for 1998-2001. Members of the Society receive Graphis Scripta, which is published twice a year, and includes papers pertinent to Nordic lichenology, and information from NLF.

Dutch Bryological & Lichenological Society - Address: c/o Bart van Tooren, Venuslaan 2, 3721 VG Bilthoven, The Netherlands; phone: 030-2210613, e-mail tooren.Leeuwen@hetnet.nl - President: H. F. van Dobben. - Founded in 1946, this Society presently includes 320 members. Homepage: http://start.at/mossen: the home page is being built now, and contains mainly information about the bryological part of the Society. However, much relevant information can be found about membership, relevant addresses etc. The Society organises several excursions and meetings. The journal is Buxbaumiella, which appears three times a year. It contains reports of excursions, as well as other relevant information about bryophytes and lichens in the Netherlands. Almost all members are volunteers, since very few professional lichenologists and bryologists are left in the Netherlands. Hence, the Society is the central organization for all those with bryological or lichenological interest in the Netherlands.

Northwest Lichen Guild (USA, Northwest) - Address: c/o Department of Botany & Plant Pathology, Cordley 2082, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2902 USA, fax: (+1) 541-737-3573, phone: (+1) 541-737-1741. Keeper of the Mailing List: Sherry Pittam (address as above, e-mail: pittams@bcc.orst.edu), institutional contact: Bruce McCune (address as above, e-mail: mccuneb@bcc.orst.edu). Founded in 1990, presently with ca. 150 members, the Northwest Lichen Guild was formed to facilitate communication, meetings, and field trips among lichenologists interested in the Pacific Northwest. It is composed of both amateurs and professionals, and its organization is unusual in that there are no membership fees or officers. There is an occasional newsletter; which in the future will be distributed only to e-mail addresses, because the Society has no dues and no budget. There is an annual meeting in conjunction with the Northwest Scientific Association (location varies), usually in mid to late March, and there are also talks about ongoing or completed research, a workshop on a particular topic, genus, or area, field trips, and evening socializing.

Association Française de Lichénologie (AFL) - Address: c/o Serge Deruelle, 5 Square du Vimeu F-78310 Maurepas, France. President (1998-2002): Juliette Asta, Centre de Biologie Alpine, Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1, BP 53 X, F-38041 Grenoble, France. Cedex; phone: 04-76514600 poste 3623, fax: 04-76514463, e-mail: jasta@ujf-grenoble.fr. Contact person: Jean-Claude Boissiere, Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale, Route de la Tour Denecourt, F-77300 Fontainebleau, France. phone: 10-64223740. - Founded in 1976, the Society has presently 140 members. A Web page is under construction by Chantal van Haluwyn. The Society organizes yearly some lichenological trips in France or in foreign countries (that of 1999 will be in Corsica). A Bulletin (Bulletin d'Informations de l' Association Française de Lichénologie) is published twice a year. A session of determination is organized in February or March by J.C. Boissière in his laboratory at Fontainebleau. Annual subscription price: 150F.

California Lichen Society (CALS). - Address: 362 Scenic Ave., Santa Rosa, CA. 95407, USA. President: Judy Robertson (address as above), e-mail: JKSRR@aol.com, phone: (+1) 707-584-8099. Founded in 1994, it presently includes 135 members. Web site: http://ucjeps.herb.berkeley.edu/rlmoe/cals.html. - Through field trips, workshops, a traveling reference collection and publication of a semiannual (summer and winter) CALS Bulletin, the California Lichen Society seeks to promote the appreciation, conservation, and study of lichens. The focus is on California, but the interests include the entire western part of the North American Continent. CALS welcomes amateur and advanced lichenologist in these pursuits.

Svensk Lichenologisk Förening (SLF) - Address: c/o Lars Arvidsson (president), Göteborgs Stadsmuseum, Norra Hamngatan, 12, SE-411 14 Göteborg, Sweden. Secretary: Magnus Wadstein, Eken, Hulta, SE-585 96 Linköping, Sweden. Established in 1992, this Society has c. 100 members. The subscription fee is 50 SEK/year.

Association Suisse de Bryologie et Lichénologie, - (Schweizerische Vereinigung für Bryologie und Lichenologie, Swiss Association of Bryology and Lichenology) - Address: Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques, case postale 60, 1 Ch. de l'Impératrice, CH-1292 Chambésy/GE, Switzerland. President: Philippe Clerc, (address as above), fax: 022-418-51-01, phone: 022-418 51 28, e-mail: clerc@cjb.unige.ch. - Founded in 1956, the Society presently includes 208 members. A Web page is planned for 1999. The main aims of the Society are: 1) to improve the public knowledge about lichens and bryophytes, and to contribute in protecting species and habitats, 2) to promote bryological and lichenological research and education in Switzerland. The Society organizes excursions and other events (seminars, workshops, etc.), and publishes a newsletter: Meylania.

Australasian Association for Lichenology - Address: Box 320, Nelson, New Zealand. Contact Person: W. M. Malcolm (address as above), phone & fax: (+64) 3 545 1660. Founded in 1974, the Society presently has ca. 50-60 members. Its main aim is to promote all aspects of the study of lichens in Australasia, and the interchange of information

Sociedad Española de Liquenologia (SEL) - Address: c/o Departament de Biologia Vegetal (Unitat de Botanica), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645, 08020 - Barcelona, Spain. President: Ana Crespo (Madrid). Contact Person (Secretary): Leopoldo G. Sancho, phone: (+34) 91-3941771 Fax: 91-3941774, Dpto. Biologia Vegetal II, Fac. de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 - Madrid, Spain, e-mail: acrespo@eucmax.sim.ucm.es - Founded in 1988, the SEL has 54 members, most of whom are people trained in biology and working as teachers in Spanish universities and secondary schools. Very few of them work on the staff of research institutes. An internal bulletin, Clementeana, is published yearly, which mainly includes news on Spanish lichenology, personalia, books reviews, lists of new publications on Spanish lichens, and also some keys intended to be included later in the "Flora Liquenologica Iberica". Keys of Pertusaria, Ochrolechia, Peltigera, etc. have been already published to be tested by SEL members. The members meet yearly, in the National Symposium of Cryptogamic Botany (every two years), and in the biannual forays organized by SEL in incompletely explored regions of Spain.

Grupo Latino Americano de Liquenólogos (GLAL) - Address: Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche- 8400 - Río Negro, Argentina; phone (+54) 944-23374 or 28505, fax: 62215 or 22111, e-mail: scalvelo@crub.uncoma.edu.ar. Contact person: Susana Calvelo (address as above). Established in 1994, this group has c. 40 members. It is not a formal Society but is a crowd of Latin-American people interested in lichenology that gets together to solve common problems. GLAL meetings and general assembly are biennial, and are organized by the elected GLAL representative. During the meetings scientific lichenological presentations related with lichens from Latin America are given. The next meeting will be in Bariloche (Argentina), tentative date: november 1999. No membership fee is charged.

Grupo Brasileiro de Liquenólogos (GBL) - Address: c/o Marcelo P. Marcelli (coordinator), Instituto de Botânica, Seção de Micologia e Liquenologia, Caixa Postal 4005, São Paulo - SP, Brazil. 01061-970. Fax: (+55)-11-6191-2238, phone: (+55)-11-5584-6304 (institute), 218-5209 (home), e-mail: mmarcelli@sti.com.br. Established in 1996, this informal group of 27 lichenologists (incl. 15 students) has the aim of promoting joint work by exchanging facilities and expertise. It publishes an internal Boletim, and organizes a biannual meeting with seminars and courses.

Lichen Section, Societas Mycologica Fennica. - Address: Botanical Museum (Lichenology), P.O. Box 47, FIN-00014 Univ. Helsinki, Finland. Chairman and contact person: Teuvo Ahti (address as above), phone: (+358) 9 7084782, fax: (+358) 9 7084830 e-mail: teuvo.ahti@helsinki.fi. Established in 1985, this is a rather informal group which primarily organizes annual field meetings, which have 20-30 participants. No official membership of the Lichen Section recognized.

Eastern Lichen Network. (USA, East) - This is a group of c. 25 amateurs and professionals who are connected via the internet. Marian Glenn serves as the co-ordinator and contact person. Her e-mail address is: glennmar@shu.edu, fax: (+1) 973-761-9772. The group was started in 1993, and has, as a long term goal, the drafting of a lichen flora of Eastern North America. The first three genera of the project appear as part of Lichenographia Thomsoniana (see New Literature section), edited by four members of the Eastern Lichen Network.

Club of Turkish Lichenologists - Address: c/o Dr. Aysen Türk, Anadolu University, Dept. of Biology, TR-26470 Eskisehir, Turkey. President: Aysen Türk (address as above); phone: 0.222.3350580/ 3411/5168, e-mail: aturk@vm.baum.anadolu.edu.tr. Contact person (secretary): Attila Yildiz, Ankara University, Dept. of Biology, TR-06100 Besevler-Tandogan/Ankara, phone: 3122126720, fax: 3122232395, e-mail: ayildiz@science.ankara.edu.tr. Just founded in 1998, the club includes ca. 20 members.

Slovak Botanical Society - Lichenological Working Group - Address: Slovak Botanical Society, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta, 14 842 23 Bratislava, Slovakia. President: Olga Erdelska, Lichenology-contact person: Anna Guttova, phone: 07-59412501, fax: 07-54771948, e-mail: botugutt@savba.savba.sk - The Botanical Society was founded in 1955, as Czechoslovak Botanical Society, and in 1966 it was given the present name; it includes 423 members, only a few of whom are lichenologists. Membership in the lichenological group is free (see IAL Newsletter 29-1: 1996: 15). Web page: http://nic.savba.sk/sav/inst/botu/sbs/index.html.

Progress in Molecular StudiesProgress in Molecular Studies of Lichens (Graz, August 11^th-15^th, 1998)

The first symposium on Progress in Molecular Studies of Lichens was held at the University of Graz in August 1998. About 50 participants from all over the world took the opportunity to exchange their ideas and experiences. As molecular techniques are becoming important tools in lichenology, such a symposium was very timely. The program was split into different sections: talk sessions, discussion fora, laboratory seminars, an excursion and a poster show. In talk sessions young lichenologists especially had the opportunity to present a paper on their research progress. Very different topics were treated: e.g. algae, group I Introns, studies on populations and phylogenetic research. From several talks on phylogenetic studies, we learnt a lot about recent advancements combining studies of morphological, chemical and molecular data, e.g. in the genus Peltigera, infragenetic relationships in Caloplaca, the position of sterile Normandina pulchella, and others. The systematic position of other sterile lichens e.g. Siphula species or of Lecanora demissa were also discussed. Population studies demonstrated for e.g. Lobaria will be important for questions concerning conservation of species in the future. The discussion fora, supervised by well-known specialists, were somewhat dominated by contributions from the American participants with their enormous knowledge. For me, and I believe for everyone, these fora have been highly informative, they helped to solve current problems in practical work and gave a lot of hints for trouble shouting. During the laboratory seminars, experienced colleagues presented new improvements in DNA isolation or amplification, and an application of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The organisers M. Grube, M. Wedin, P. Blanz and their assistants did an excellent job, and have to be thanked. Hopefully, this event initiates subsequent symposia on this topic in the future.

Thomas Kasalicky, München

Lichenologists in Israel (IMC6, Jerusalem, August 23^rd-28^th, 1998)

The sixth International Mycological Congress (IMC6) was hosted by Professor Margalith Galun (President of the Organizing Committee) in the fascinating city of Jerusalem from August 23^rd until August 28^th, 1998. Presentations by lichenologists were in several formats, including plenary lectures, symposia dedicated exclusively to lichenology, and general mycological symposia and poster sessions. The contribution of molecular biology to mycology was emphasized at this meeting, as was shown by the double helix DNA molecule that was an integral part of the official emblem of the Congress. Presentations in lichenology spanned a broad array of topics from biodiversity and conservation issues to ecology, physiology, evolutionary biology and genetics. What follows is a short résumé of the oral presentations by lichenologists at IMC6.

There were four plenary sessions. Two of them were given by lichenologists. D. Hawksworth presented a broad overview of recent efforts to study biodiversity of fungi (both lichenized and non-lichenized). He highlighted the impressive increase in the number of lichenicolous fungal species described in recent years. He commented on the different approaches used to assess fungal biodiversity. The contribution of cyanobacteria in lichens to nutrient cycling, the use of diagnostic lichen species to evaluate forest continuity, and the current exploration by industry of genes in lichens without the need for using axenic cultures, were among the lichenological topics presented to a broad mycological audience. D. Richardson gave the last plenary lecture of the Congress. He eloquently guided the audience through the intricate nature of the different types of symbiotic interactions found in lichens. He emphasized the parasitic side of lichen symbioses (war in the world of lichens) by showing examples of what he interpreted as algal slaves, exploiters of two kingdoms, alien invaders, niche seekers, and takeover specialists. Two Congress symposia were entirely dedicated to lichenology. J. Garty and M. Galun were the convenors of the symposium entitled Biodiversity and Ecological Significance of Lichens. M. Seaward demonstrated the drastic impact of lichen colonization on artifacts, exemplified by an exposed fresco in Italy; he illustrated the current technique used to remove lichens in a first step toward the restoration of such antique artifacts; he also pointed out the caveats of such a technique and the lack of solutions for long-term restoration and prevention of future colonization. L. St. Clair, in collaboration with K. Anderson and T. Garcia, summarized the data available on pollutant fluctuations along the heavily populated Wasatch front of North Central Utah, USA, and its impact on local lichen communities. G. Insarov and I. Insarova proposed a new approach to biodiversity monitoring of lichens called TDI (Trend Detection Index) to detect global climate trends. It was reported that this index performed better than traditional diversity indices and its resolution appears sufficient in view of a global warming of 2.5°C predicted for the end of the next century. S. Eversman guided us through the complex lichen flora, from prairies to peaks, of the spectacular state of Montana, USA. As always, I. Kranner gave a clear and in-depth presentation on the interplay of mechanisms lichens have to scavenge free radicals that are formed during desiccation. This time she focussed on the role of the antioxidant glutathione, which, in addition to scavenging free radicals, is likely to be involved in the thiol-disulphide cycle that protects protein-thiol groups from auto-oxidation resulting from desiccation. C. Scheidegger gave the closing presentation. Cristoph brought us to the forefront of conservation biology by describing the impressive national inventory system of epiphytic lichens he and his team have established in Switzerland. He demonstrated the complexity of determining the conservation status of lichens, as well as the need for quantitative data of high quality and appropriate statistical analyses that integrate environmental stochasticity. Based on small populations of Lobaria pulmonaria and Monte Carlo simulations of the effects of deterministic forces, as well as demographic and environmental events on populations, it was shown that at least 15 colonized trees are needed for long term persistence of epiphytic species. Innovative strategies for increasing population size were presented.

The second symposium restricted to lichenology, convened by D. Armaleo and F. Lutzoni, was entitled Molecular Approaches to Lichen Symbiosis. This was the first symposium ever to focus on the discovery of genetic mechanisms associated with lichen symbiotic interactions. F. Cervone, in collaboration with G. De Lorenzo, D. Armaleo, A. Bartoli, S. Munzi and Th. Friedl, used what is known of the molecular genetics of the plant-pathogen interaction system to target specific genes of the recognition systems between lichen symbionts. Their strategy consists of using antibodies and cloned genes as probes to detect polygalacturonases (cell wall-degrading enzymes produced by plant pathogenic fungi) in the mycobiont and polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIP: plant-derived cell wall proteins specialized for recognition of non-self molecules) in the photobiont. V. Miao gave an update on her challenging work to clone polyketide synthase (PKS) genes from lichens. She described her cloning scheme consisting of amplifying a portion of the genes encoding the ketosynthase domain and using these amplified products from lichen PKS genes as probes to screen genomic libraries of lichen DNA. The complete genes pulled from genomic libraries can than be transferred into cultivable laboratory strains of fungi where new structures can be generated through recombination or complementation. G. Murtagh, in collaboration with P. S. Dyer and P. Crittenden, gave a fascinating talk on their study designed to reveal the breeding system (homo- versus heterothallism) of Graphis scripta and Phaeographis dendritica. Using genetic markers generated with RAPDs they looked for DNA polymorphisms in monospore cultures derived from single ascoma. They also compared the genetic variation among progeny derived from neighbouring ascomata and thalli. Their results pointed toward homothallism as the best explanation for the patterns of variation they detected. (Interestingly, evidence from S. Zoller's population genetic study of Lobaria pulmonaria, in collaboration with C. Scheidegger and F. Lutzoni - presented at the University of Graz's workshop entitled Progress in Molecular Studies of Lichens - suggested that heterothallism was most likely the breeding system for this foliose species). F. Lutzoni presented a new approach called "evolutionary screening" to identify target genes potentially forming an integral part of the lichen symbiosis. By reconstructing the phylogeny of closely related lichenized and non-lichenized fungal species, consequences and physiological stresses associated with transitions to a lichen state can be revealed. It was shown that genes involved in phenotypic plasticity/broad ecological amplitude, low fungal virulence/high photobiont infection resistance, desiccation and sun irradiation tolerance/efficient DNA repair mechanisms, and DNA methylation should be included in genetic studies aimed at understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms essential to lichen symbioses. D. Armaleo, in collaboration with V. Mobley, used restriction enzymes in combination with Southern analysis to demonstrate that the DNA methylation level of Cladonia grayi varies tremendously, ranging from high levels when in a symbiotic state to very low levels when in axenic culture. It was also shown that regulatory sequences of genes could be differentially methylated compared to their coding regions, implying that methylation could be a major regulatory factor of gene expression necessary to maintain a lichen symbiotic interaction.

In the symposium entitled Fungi, Including Lichens, in Extreme Environments, half of the presentations focussed on lichens. This symposium was convened by E. Imre Friedmann and L. Kappen. The first presentation was by Kappen, who introduced the symposium and explained the context for convening the selected speakers. Given the exceptional ecological success of the lichen symbiosis, Kappen pointed out how little we know about almost every aspect of the lichen symbiosis. He also identified several topics in lichenology that deserve to be considered for future research. The second presentation, by B. Schroeter, was entitled Adaptation to lichens to low temperatures in the Antarctic. He reported that photosynthesis was detectable at temperatures as low as -20°C and that lichens can be metabolically active throughout the year even in such harsh conditions. E. Imre Friedmann and R. Ocampo-Friedmann described the nature of cryptoendolithic lichens as one where sexual reproduction is suppressed and as a community which may include, in addition to parasymbiotic fungi, other non-lichenized fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, and heterotrophic bacteria. R. Lücking presented the results of his exhaustive study on adaptations of foliicolous lichens for survival on their ephemerous substrates. He explored the contribution of several abiotic factors in different rain forest compartments (canopy versus understory) and found that foliicolous lichens are most abundant in the understory, corticolous lichens in the canopy. He also compared morphological features such as apothecial disc color, thallus color, and ascospore variation associated with shady versus exposed understory foliicolous lichens. R. Lücking was also an invited speaker at a general symposium on fungal diversity and distribution. By recording the lichen diversity on palm leaves of different ages on the same individual he could show that with time lichen diversity reaches a maximum followed by a decrease in diversity due to competition. In the symposium entitled Diagnostic Tools in Fungal Identification convened by P. L. Nimis, G. Rambold had the opportunity to present to the mycological community at large the advantages of using the DELTA system.

Other important and exciting events also took place during the IMC6 Congress. P. L. Nimis was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Mycological Association. The IAL Executive Council met during this Congress and all IAL members were invited to participate. The minutes of this meeting are published as part of this issue of ILN. Finally, there were several spontaneous field excursions that were organized by several lichenologists under the generous guidance of Jacob Garty. The exceptional lichen flora of Israel was certainly full of extraordinary surprises.

François Lutzoni, Chicago

Errata corrige

At page 7 of vol. 31, 1, under the title Discontinued Journal, the publishing house of Excerpta Botanica was misspelled: the correct name is: Gustav Fischer. Furthermore, this journal was active from 1959 until 1998, and not until 1988.