Cross-border comparison of mycobiomes in Parmelia and Peltigera lichens from Turkey and South Korea

Abstract

Abstract Lichens, traditionally considered as a simple partnership primarily between fungi and photobiont, are, in reality, complex ecosystems comprised of a multitude of microorganisms. Endolichenic fungi represent fungi residing within lichen thalli without causing any disease symptoms. Various factors, including the host lichen species and environmental conditions, can influence the structure of the lichen mycobiome. To investigate which factor, host genus or location, has a greater impact on the lichen mycobiome, we conducted a comparative analysis of mycobiomes within Parmelia and Peltigera collected from both Turkey and South Korea, using high-throughput sequencing. In terms of taxonomic diversity, the lichen mycobiome does not show significant differentiation based on host phylogeny or geographical distance, suggesting similar characteristics. Location differences exert a stronger influence on the lichen mycobiome than the host genus. We have identified the core mycobiomes of Parmelia and Peltigera, and these two core mycobiomes share common fungal strains including basidiomycete yeast. Our study enhances our understanding of lichen mycobiomes, shedding light on their taxonomic diversity, the factors influencing their composition, and the core members and specialists within these intricate ecosystems.