Abstract Maritime Antarctica is one of the major terrestrial ecosystems dominated by lichens and mosses, which represent important ecological indicators. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the changes in associated communities of mosses-lichens diversity and coverage along a pedoenvironmental gradient on Half Moon Island, Maritime Antarctica. We focused on how patterns in associated communities of mosses-lichens species diversity (richness, species composition and beta diversity) and coverage are associated with soil properties using plant inventory data from 174 plots across 14 contrasting pedoenvironments. The results clearly show marked differences in soil properties along the pedoenvironmental gradient, which determine variations in species composition, richness and coverage. We presumed that these variations are common in Maritime Antarctica owing to varying periglacial processes, weathering degree, parent material and biological influence (especially by penguins and other birds). The community species richness and coverage along the pedoenvironmental gradient differ, nevertheless share common species present in most pedoenvironments, despite differences in coverage. We assume that most of the pedoenvironments are habitats to rare species that occur only under specific soil conditions, additionally promotes high β-diversity between pedoenvironments and low species similarity.

Abstract Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) are found in the Antarctic. They build their nests with rock fragments, disturbing large areas during incubation and chick feeding periods; however, their impact on vegetation is unknown. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Petrel nests and associated breeding activities on the diversity and structure of cryptogam communities of Stinker Point, Elephant Island. We selected 13 nests in February and March 2012 and continue the monitoring in 2018. The area of direct influence of breeding activities was photographed to calculate plant community coverage. The results demonstrated that species richness, community coverage and composition, and beta diversity showed significant differences between active and inactive nests. The linear mixed-effect models revealed that the positive effect of nest area mainly caused variation in community coverage, but had a negative effect on beta diversity. Sphaerophorus globosus (lichen) grew around the inactive nests, sometimes forming a ring up to 1 m in diameter. This ring was then surrounded by the Chorisodontium acyphyllum moss colonized by S. globosus, and a final ring of Sanionia uncinata, colonized by the same lichen. Recently constructed nests are generally surrounded by Prasiola crispa and Sanionia uncinata carpets.

Abstract In the Antarctic environment, yeasts are versatile eukaryotes that have shown wide dispersion in different substrates, producing active enzymes in extreme conditions, but their relevance in biotechnological applications is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of extracellular hydrolases by yeasts isolated from Antarctic lichens and molecularly identify these isolates. From a total of 144 isolates on the screening, 109 (76%) produced at least one of the hydrolases tested, with most activities for proteases 59 (41%), cellulases 58 (40%), esterases 57 (39%), lipases 29 (20%), amylases 23 (16%) and pectinases 20 (14%). Among these isolates, 76 were identified, most belonged to the phylum Basidiomycota (n=73) with the dominance of Vishniacozyma victoriae (n=27), Cystobasidium alpinum (n=3), Mrakia niccombsii (n=3), Cystobasidium laryngis (n=2), Bannozyma yamatoana (n=2), Holtermanniella nyarrowii (n=2), and Glaciozyma martinii (n=2). This study is the first one reporting extracellular enzyme production by yeasts isolated from thallus of the species of Antarctic lichens Lecania brialmontii, Polycauliona candelaria, Usnea capillacea, Cladonia metacorallifera, and Polycauliona regalis. With these data, it’s possible to confirm lichens as a source of hydrolase-producing yeasts, reinforcing the potential of these microorganisms in bioprospecting studies of catalytic molecules from polar regions that may be useful in promising biotechnological applications.

Abstract Ice-free areas of Antarctica represent an important study region that helps us understand how human activity affects plant communities and soil properties. The goal of this study was to determine the changes in plant composition and soil properties around a whale bone skeleton (WB) near Ferraz Station, King George Island, Antarctica from 1972 to 2020 (48 years). The WB was assembled in 1972 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team. It is located in a large moss field and visited by many tourists. We studied the plant composition and development based on historical and recent photographs and phytosociological studies from 1986 to 2020. The soil was sampled in February 2009 to determine general properties. The results showed that human activity surrounding the WB directly affected the plant community composition and soil properties. The Syntrichia cushions were positively affected by the calcium deposits from bone dissolution. The principal component analysis revealed that mineralization of the bones increased soil nutrient assembly. A strong phosphatization process was observed in the WB area, similar to that in ornithogenic soils. The WB on the marine terrace enhanced soil fertility and changed the plant community.

Abstract The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced some of the most accelerated warming worldwide, resulting in the retreat of glaciers and creation of new areas for plant development. Information regarding the plant dispersal processes to these new niches is scarce in Antarctica, despite birds being important vectors elsewhere. Many bird pellets (with feed remains such as bones and feathers) are generated annually in Antarctica, which are light and easily transported by the wind and include vegetation that is accidentally or purposely swallowed. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of plant fragments within skua (Stercorarius/Catharacta spp.) pellets collected from two sampling areas in the Maritime Antarctic: Stinker Point (Elephant Island, 17 samples) and Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, 60 samples), in the South Shetland Archipelago, during the austral summers of 2018 and 2020. In both study areas, five species of Bryophyta were found that were associated with the pellets and viable in germination tests in a humid chamber. The ingestion of Bryophyta for the skuas contribute to the dispersion of different moss species, including to areas recently exposed by the ice retreat. This is the first demonstration that skua pellets effectively act in the dispersion of Antarctic mosses.

Abstract The geomorphic dynamics on ice-free areas are crucial for understanding soil formation, vegetation and landscape stability in maritime Antarctic. We aimed to describe the soil formation on different landforms, following the Holocene glacial retreat at Stinker Point. Twenty profiles were sampled and classified, grouped into three landforms units: middle platforms and scarps, till/glacial deposits and present/Holocene raised beaches. Soil chemical and physical attributes were determined, and the vegetation type identified and quantified. Soils from till and glacial deposits can be separated by the age of exposure: older soils are stony, skeletic; and recently exposed till has soils with moderate depth, alkaline reaction and very high base saturation. Soils at the middle platforms are shallow, coarse-grained, skeletic, with abundant vegetation. Soils from the present-day beaches are alkaline, very coarse with no horizon differentiation, whereas soils on Holocene beaches are acid and nutrient-rich due to past or present-day influence of fauna. Soils from Stinker Point are generally shallow, skeletic and strongly related to the landforms and biogenic influences. Compared with other islands of the South Shetlands, in Elephant Island soil development is less pronounced, being this mainly attributed to the metamorphic nature of parent material, with greater resistance to weathering.

Abstract Maritime Antarctica is one of the major terrestrial ecosystems dominated by lichens and mosses, which represent important ecological indicators. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the changes in associated communities of mosses-lichens diversity and coverage along a pedoenvironmental gradient on Half Moon Island, Maritime Antarctica. We focused on how patterns in associated communities of mosses-lichens species diversity (richness, species composition and beta diversity) and coverage are associated with soil properties using plant inventory data from 174 plots across 14 contrasting pedoenvironments. The results clearly show marked differences in soil properties along the pedoenvironmental gradient, which determine variations in species composition, richness and coverage. We presumed that these variations are common in Maritime Antarctica owing to varying periglacial processes, weathering degree, parent material and biological influence (especially by penguins and other birds). The community species richness and coverage along the pedoenvironmental gradient differ, nevertheless share common species present in most pedoenvironments, despite differences in coverage. We assume that most of the pedoenvironments are habitats to rare species that occur only under specific soil conditions, additionally promotes high β-diversity between pedoenvironments and low species similarity.

Abstract Few conservation studies have been done with Agaricales fungi (mushrooms) of the Andes and conservation areas created in many countries have no priorities in protecting fungi. Small areas can be also very important to preserve rare and unknown fungi species, but evaluations are still needed. Applying the technique of the transects in the natural reserve of Madre Monte in Arcabuco, Boyacá Province, in the Colombian Andes (a characteristic oak forest - Quercus humboldtii - Fagaceae), the diversity and ecological data were collected and compared to the fungi already known in the country and their conservation status, to understand how fungi are protected indirectly with the creation of preservation areas. The samples were identified at the Laboratorio del Grupo de Investigación Biología para la Conservación de la Universidad Pedagogica y Tecnológica of Colombia. A total of 331 specimens and 46 species of Agaricales were collected and identified. The presence of rare species, like Lactifluus gerardii, Cortinarius violaceus and Cortinarius boyacensis, reinforces the importance of creating more small areas in the preservation of mushroom species. Only 43 species of Agaricales were reported to the province, being 19 new citations to the area, what is an indication that the diversity in the Colombian Andes is higher than suspected and that even small conservation areas have of profound impact in fungi conservation. Some of the mushrooms found are also first references to Colombia, like Panaeolus rickenii and Protostropharia dorsipora, but these were found growing in horse manure, being introduced. The impact of domestic animals and exotic trees in the mycobiota of preservation areas needs to be better evaluated.

ABSTRACT The study of Colombian agaricobiota is relatively recent. The training of new researchers has allowed more taxonomic surveys, increasing the literature on the subject and indicating the relevance of ecological and conservation studies. During a field survey conducted in the oak forests (Quercus humboldtii) in the Madre Monte Nature Reserve, municipality of Arcabuco - Colombia, in October 2018, about 40 specimens of Agaricales mushrooms were collected. The species were identified following the usual methods in Agaricology of the Laboratorio del Grupo de Investigación Biología para la Conservación de la Universidad Pedagogica y Tecnológica de Colombia. We identified a few species: Campanella elongatispora Singer, Cheimonophyllum candidissimum (Berk. and Curt.) Singer, Marasmiellus bolivarianus Singer, and Pluteus chrysophlebius (Berk. and Curt.) Sacc., which were added as new citations to Colombia. An increase in the area of occurrence of certain species of Agaricales-mushrooms was also reported.

RESUMEN El estudio de la agaricobiota colombiana es relativamente reciente; la formación de nuevos investigadores ha permitido más levantamientos taxonómicos, aumentando la bibliografía sobre el tema y posibilitando la realización de estudios ecológicos y de conservación. En una salida a campo realizada a robledales (Quercus humboldtii) en la Reserva Natural Madre Monte, Municipio de Arcabuco - Colombia, en Octubre de 2018, fueron encontrados cerca de 40 especímenes de hongos Agaricales. Las colectas fueron identificadas por los métodos usuales en micología en el Laboratorio del Grupo de Investigación Biología para la Conservación de la Universidad Pedagogica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Del material estudiado se reportan nuevos registros de especies para el país y se aumentó el área de ocurrencia para otras especies. Campanella elongatispora Singer, Cheimonophyllum candidissimum (Berk. y Curt.) Singer, Marasmiellus bolivarianus Singer y Pluteus chrysophlebius (Berk. y Curt.) Sacc. son referencias nuevas para Colombia.

ABSTRACT This study presents the description of Phaeosphaeria deschampsii, which was found in plant communities from Half Moon Island, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica, in February 2014. Many patches of Deschampsia antarctica (Poaceae), the only indigenous Poaceae specie in Antarctic, were found dead, parasitized by a fungi pathogen. Based on the shape of its perithecia, with oblique neck, erumpent in the grass tissues, ascospore form and septation, the specie was identified as new to science.

RESUMO Este estudo apresenta a descrição de Phaeosphaeria deschampsii, a qual foi encontrada em comunidades de plantas da Ilha Half Moon, Arquipélago das Shetland do Sul, Antártica, em fevereiro de 2014. Muitos céspedes de Deschampsia antarctica (Poaceae), a única espécie de Poaceae indígena na Antártica, foram encontrados mortos, parasitados por um fungo patógeno. Baseado no formato do peritécio, com pescoço oblíquo, erumpente dos tecidos da grama, forma dos ascósporos e septacão, a espécie foi identificada como nova para a ciência.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents a comparative study of moss diversity in three collection sites in the South Shetland Islands (King George, Elephant, and Nelson Islands) and one in the Antarctic Continent (Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula). In the King George, Elephant, and Nelson Islands, the collections were done in ice-free areas during the austral summers of years 1988,1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1994. In Hope Bay, the collections were done in the 2009 summer (February). All collections were deposited in the HCB (Chaves Batista Herbarium). FINDINGS: The King George Area is the most diverse area and the Hope Bay has the lowest diversity stats. The diversity stats for each region and the similarities between both are presented. CONCLUSION: This results suggested that harder climatic conditions determine lower diversity for the bryoflora.

En este trabajo se presenta un estudio comparativo de tres puntos de muestreo de musgos en las Islas Shetland del Sur (Isla Rey Jorge, Elefante y Nelson) y el Continente Antártico (Bahía Esperanza, Península Antártica). En las Islas King George, Elefante y Nelson, se tomaron muestras en las zonas libres de hielo durante los veranos australes de años 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 y 1994. Hope Bay, las colecciones se hicieron en el verano austral de 2009 (febrero). Todas las colecciones fueron depositadas en el herbario de HCB (Herbario Chaves Batista). Los índices de diversidad para cada región se presentan, así como la similitud entre ellos.

Monocultures differ from native forests in relation to plant heterogeneity, variety of substrates, and soil humidity, possibly altering the diversity of organisms, such as the fungi. This study aimed to compare the richness, abundance, and composition of Agaricomycetes fungi in a native forest and in a eucalypt monoculture. The fungi were collected in a seasonal deciduous forest area and in a Eucalyptus grandis monoculture, in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The abundance and richness of fungi were significantly lower in the eucalypt plantation than in the native forest and the species composition differed between the areas. Thus, it was concluded that the eucalypt monoculture negatively affects the Agaricomycetes fungi community.

As monoculturas diferem de matas nativas em relação à heterogeneidade vegetal, variedade de substratos e umidade do solo, podendo afetar a diversidade de organismos, tais como os fungos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a riqueza, abundância e composição de fungos Agaricomycetes em uma mata nativa e em uma monocultura de eucalipto. As coletas dos fungos foram realizadas em uma área de Floresta Estacional Decídua e em uma monocultura de Eucalyptus grandis, no noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A abundância e riqueza de fungos na monocultura de eucalipto foram significativamente inferiores às encontradas na mata nativa, assim como a composição de espécies diferiu entre as áreas. Portanto, a monocultura de eucalipto afeta negativamente a comunidade de fungos Agaricomycetes.

This work aims to summarize the results of research carried out by Brazilian researchers on the plant communities of Antarctic ice free areas during the last twenty five years. Since 1988 field work has been carried out in Elephant Island, King George Island, Nelson Island and Deception Island. During this period six papers were published on the chemistry of lichens, seven papers on plant taxonomy, five papers on plant biology, two studies on UVB photoprotection, three studies about the relationships between plant communities and bird colonies and eleven papers on plant communities from ice free areas. At the present, Brazilian botanists are researching the plant communities of Antarctic ice free areas in order to understand their relationships to soil microbial communities, the biodiversity, the distribution of the plants populations and their relationship with birds colonies. In addition to these activities, a group of Brazilian researchers are undertaking studies related to Antarctic plant genetic diversity, plant chemistry and their biotechnological applications.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo resumir os resultados das pesquisas realizadas por brasileiros nas comunidades vegetais de áreas livres de gelo da Antártida, durante os últimos vinte e cinco anos. Tais investigações iniciaram em 1988, sendo realizados nas ilhas Elefante, Rei George, Nelson de Deception. Durante este período foram publicados seis trabalhos sobre a química de líquens, sete sobre taxonomia vegetal, cinco sobre a biologia de plantas, dois sobre fotoproteção UVB, três sobre as relações entre as comunidades vegetais e colônias de aves e onze sobre as comunidades de plantas de áreas de degelo, abordando biogeografia e fitossociologia. Atualmente, os botânicos brasileiros estão pesquisando as comunidades vegetais de áreas de degelo da Antártica, buscando entender suas relações com as comunidades microbianas do solo, a biodiversidade, a distribuição das populações de plantas e sua relação com as colónias de aves. Além dessas atividades, um grupo de pesquisadores está investigando a diversidade genética vegetal através de estudos de genética de populações e a bioquímica das plantas.

The survey of Agaricaceae in areas of the Atlantic Forest in the metropolitan region of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, revealed the presence of nine species: Agaricus aff. parasilvaticus Heinem., A. purpurellus (F.H. Møller) F.H. Møller, A. rufoaurantiacus Heinem., Leucoagaricus sulphurellus (Pegler) B.P. Akers, Leucocoprinus cretaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Locq., L. fragilissimus (Ravenel) Pat., Lepiota elaiophylla Vellinga & Huijser, L. erythrosticta (Berk. & Broome) Sacc. and Micropsalliota brunneosperma (Singer) Pegler. A key for identification of these species, descriptions, drawings and remarks are provided. Micropsalliota brunneosperma is reported for the first time for Brazil.

O levantamento de Agaricaceae em áreas de Mata Atlântica na região metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, revelou a ocorrência de nove espécies: Agaricus aff. parasilvaticus Heinem., A. purpurellus (F.H. Møller) F.H. Møller, A. rufoaurantiacus Heinem., Leucoagaricus sulphurellus (Pegler) B.P. Akers, Leucocoprinus cretaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Locq., L. fragilissimus (Ravenel) Pat., Lepiota elaiophylla Vellinga & Huijser, L. erythrosticta (Berk. & Broome) Sacc. e Micropsalliota brunneosperma (Singer) Pegler. Chave para identificação dessas espécies, descrições, ilustrações e comentários são apresentadas. Micropsalliota brunneosperma constitui nova referência para o Brasil.

A survey on Myxomycetes was made in the woods of Crato Municipality. State of Ceará, Brazil (7º13'53" S; 39º24,28" W; Alt. 422m). when the following families and genera were registered: Ceratiomyxaceae (Ceratiomyxa, 1 sp.); Cribrariaceae (Cribraria, 1 sp., Dictydium. 1 sp.); Didymiaceae (Didymium, 2sp.); Enteridiaceae Dictydiaethalium, 1 sp.); Physaraceae (Badhamia. 2sp., Fuligo, 2sp., Physarum, 5sp.); Stemonitaceae Comatricha, 3sp., Stemonitis, 6sp.); Trichiaceae (Arcyria, 3sp., Hemitrichia, 2sp., Perichaena, lsp.).The species sporulated mostly on dead dicotyledones wood, followed by monocotyledones (Arecaceae) debris and litter. The survey raises the number of registers referred to the State of Ceará to 30 species. One family and 19 species are new records for that State while Arcyria magna var. rosea Rex represents a new record for Brazil. Key for the species, comments and geographical distribution in Northeast Brazil arc presented.

Foi efetuado um levantamento dos Myxomyeetes ocorrentes em área de floresta no município do Crato, CE (7º13'53" S; 39º24'28'' W; Alt. 422m), assinalando-se as seguintes famílias e gêneros: Ceratiomyxaceae (Ceratiomyxa, 1 sp.); Cribrariaceae (Cribraria, lsp., Dictydium, 1 sp.); Didymiaceae (Didymium, 2sp.); Enteridiaceae (Dicrydiaethalium, 1sp.); Physaraceae (Badhamia, 2sp., Fuligo, 2sp., Physarum, 5sp.); Steinonitaceae (Comatricha, 3sp., Sfemonitis, 6sp.); Trichiaceae (Arcyria, 3sp., Hemitrichia, 2sp., Periclwena, 1 sp.)- Constatou-se preferência das espécies para frutificar em troncos mortos de dicotiledôneas, seguindo-se restos de palmeiras e folhedo. O levantamento eleva para 30 o número de espécies referidas para o Ceará. Uma família e 19 espécies são novos registros para o Estado e Arcyria magna var. rosea Rex é nova referência para o Brasil. São apresentados comentários, chave de identificação e distribuição geográfica das espécies no Nordeste do Brasil.