Field measurements of carbon dioxide exchange of the Antarctic lichen Usnea sphacelata in the frozen state

Abstract

Field measurements of CO2 exchange were made with an infra-red gas analyser system on lichens at Bailey Peninsula, Wilkes Land, continental Antarctica. It has been demonstrated that Usnea sphacelata, a prominent element of the cryptogamic vegetation of this area, became photosynthetically active at temperatures below 0°C when the thalli were covered by drifted snow. Carbon dioxide uptake was detected down to −10°C. The carbon production during such a ‘frost’ day was considerable for a slow-growing Antarctic lichen. The importance of snow for production in lichens is emphasized. The mechanism of water uptake when the thalli are frozen needs further investigation.