DNA barcoding de espécies brasileiras de Parmotrema A. Massal. (Ascomycota liquenizados)

Abstract

Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic organisms, traditionally viewed as mutualistic, but involving more complex interactions. Widely distributed, including in environments with extreme climes such as the Pantanal and Antarctica, they perform essential ecological functions and act as environmental bioindicators. The Parmeliaceae family, especially the Parmotrema genus, stands out for its high diversity. Although they exhibit a typical morphology, many species are difficult to identify solely on phenotypic characters due to plasticity, convergence, and intraspecific variation. In this context, DNA barcoding, which uses DNA sequences from previously identified specimens as references to support species identification and delimitation, has proven to be an effective tool. This study aimed to identify Parmotrema specimens through sequencing of the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA from samples deposited in the CGMS Herbarium. A repository that houses the most extensive collection of lichenized fungi in the Central-West Region of Brazil. A total of 42 new ITS sequences were generated, representing 32 Brazilian species, 19 of which lacked prior molecular records. Considering the 832 ITS sequences previously available in GenBank for 54 species (survey conducted in August 2025), these new data increase the diversity of the genus represented in the global database by approximately 31%. The sequences now integrate the genetic collection of the Laboratory of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (LEBio/UFMS) and GenBank, strengthening the foundation for biodiversity, evolutionary, and conservation studies of lichens.