Ecological significance of net photosynthesis activation by water vapour uptake in Ramalina capitata from rain-protected habitats in central Spain

Abstract

The reactivation of net photosynthesis and dark respiration from water vapour and from liquid water in the lichen Ramalina capitata var. protecta (H. Magn.) Nimis from sheltered habitats in Central Spain was investigated. CO2 gas-exchange response and thallus water content were measured in the laboratory as dry thalli were allowed to equilibrate by water vapour uptake under different relative humidities, and as saturated thalli dried. Water content of thalli from different habitats was also measured in the field during rainfall. The results show that the lichen is very efficient in using water vapour from the air for photosynthesis. Net photosynthetic rates were measured at very low water potentials (up to – 26-9 Megapascal) with water contents of the thalli below 30% dry weight. Maximum net photosynthetic rates measured after water vapour uptake were in some cases similar to those obtained after hydration by liquid water, while respiration rates were always lower after water vapour uptake, indicating a relatively larger activation of the photobiont. Moreover, photosynthetic rates at thallus water contents below 60% dry weight were higher when hydration was achieved through water vapour uptake than with liquid water. Field measurements had shown that this lichen reached water contents through water vapour absorption of 40% dry weight that would allow a positive balance of CO2 uptake. Possible ecological implications of differences in photosynthetic activation depending on the water source are discussed in terms of the carbon gain under natural conditions of this ombrophobous lichen.