Lichens, as symbiotic poikilohydric organisms, are highly dependent on environmental conditions and respond to changes. In our study, we observed the response of the lichen Platismatia glauca to various microclimatic conditions on mount Blegoš. We measured photochemical efficiency and pigment content (chlorophyll, anthocyanins, flavonoids) at two measurement sites.the northern measurement site was located at the edge of a coniferous forest, while the southern measurement site was located inside the forest. The measurements showed that, under certain conditions P. glauca responds differently depending on microclimatic conditions. The northern measurement site, located at the edge, presents less favorable conditions for lichens, where they are more exposed to fluctuations in temperature, relative humidity and stronger solar radiation. These conditions cause a decrease in potential photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) during the spring months, as the intensity of solar radiation increases. During winter months, there were no differences in potential photochemical efficiency. Due to stronger radiation in the spring, the content of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and provide protection under stressful conditions, increases significantly. After each measurement, we acclimatized the collected samples in a growth chamber for another three days and repeated the measurements. In the spring, even after acclimatization, we observed differences between the two measurement sites, indicationg poorer recovery from stressful conditions. These differences were not observed during the winter months. The study showed that under certain conditions, microclimatic conditions determine lichen activity and that a further deterioration of conditions could lead to the gradual decline of
lichens.
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