The temperature dependence of thallus nitrogenase activity in Peltigera canina

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Botany
• Main Authors: Maikawa, E., Kershaw, K. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1975
• Subjects: Plant Science; Arctic; Subarctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b75-065; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b75-065

Comparative rates of nitrogen fixation in the lichen Peltigera canina from subarctic and temperate habitats have been examined using the acetylene reduction method. Maximum acetylene reduction at thallus saturation and with 20000 lx illumination takes place at 16 °C in subarctic material and at 21 °C in temperate material. This adaptation of nitrogenase activity to temperature in P. canina is discussed in relation to low levels of soil nitrogen in arctic systems.