Lilloa

Biological Interactions in a Changing World

Myriam Catania — 2025-07-03

Interactions between organisms are fundamental to understanding the functioning and stability of ecosystems. These relationships influence productivity, population dynamics, and resilience to disturbances. Biodiversity encompasses not only the variety of species but also their interactions, which remain underexplored yet are essential in times of environmental crisis. In response to this challenge, the journal Lilloa presents the special issue Biological Interactions in a Changing World, featuring studies on relationships among plants, fungi, and algae across diverse ecological and evolutionary contexts. The issue explores mycorrhizal symbiosis, plant-fungus interactions, epibiosis, mycophagy, and trophic networks in urban wetlands, as well as taxonomic and morphological contributions on lesser-known fungi. This volume highlights the need to integrate ecological, evolutionary, functional, and applied approaches to advance our understanding of the intrincate web of biological interactions. The collected research reflects the scientific community’s commitment to comprehending and preserving the planet’s biological complexity, while promoting new lines of study in the face of growing environmental threats.

Edible Mushrooms in Latin America: Traditional knowledge, Regulations, and Opportunities for Food Sovereignty and Inclusive Circular Economies

Gerardo Lucio Robledo — 2025-05-30

This special issue offers a comprehensive perspective on edible mushrooms in Latin America, encompassing biological and cultural diversity, public policy, and development opportunities. Through ten national contributions, it explores traditional use, current legislation, production trends, and sustainable development perspectives. A collective analysis of these contributions highlights the need to harmonize regulatory frameworks, strengthen scientific networks, document traditional knowledge, promote circular bioeconomy models, and move toward a regional catalog of edible fungi. This issue calls for the integration of edible mushrooms into the scientific, policy, and development agendas of the region.

Edible Mushrooms in Argentina: traditional knowledge, regulations, current overview, opportunities, and perspectives

Ramiro González Matute — 2025-05-30

This work analyzes the current situation regarding the consumption, legislation, and species of edible mushrooms, both cultivated and native wild, in Argentina. Historically, mushrooms have been used as food by some Indigenous communities and by European immigrants who adapted their culinary traditions. In recent decades, edible mushrooms have gained prominence due to their nutritional value and medicinal properties, which has encouraged small- and medium-scale cultivation, promoted through public courses and outreach events. The COVID-19 pandemic increased interest in medicinal mushrooms, leading to the emergence of new ventures and the need to incorporate species not yet included in the Argentine Food Code (Código Alimentario Argentino, CAA). Although national consumption remains low, progressive growth is expected. The current legislation is presented, explaining the role of the Argentine Food Code (CAA) in regulating edible mushrooms and the process required to include new species, which involves submitting an application to the National Food Commission (CONAL) along with a technical dossier supporting their food safety. The necessary steps to formalize an edible mushroom production facility are also described, including registration in systems such as RENSPA, municipal permits, and, for federal distribution, registration in the National Registry of Establishments (RNE) and the National Registry of Food Products (RNPA). An updated overview is provided on the production of cultivated edible mushrooms (button mushrooms and specialty fungi), as well as several wild species collected in Argentina—some widely recognized and others less known, but with great potential. The importance of edible mushrooms is presented and discussed as an opportunity for the development of circular economy projects, social inclusion, cooperativism, and community development. Finally, the significance of lignocellulosic residues from agricultural activities is discussed as a primary raw material for mushroom cultivation.

Morphological evaluation of the interaction of Pinus and Quercus roots with fungi of the genus Tuber in the framework of the first project developed in the province of Tucumán (Argentina)

Patricia Liliana Albornoz — 2025-07-03

Truffles are hypogeous fungi that grow near the roots of certain tree species, forming a mutualistic symbiotic association. In the province of Tucumán, in 2012, the Obispo Colombres Agro-Industrial Experimental Station carried out the first provincial and regional project to evaluate truffle cultivation as a productive alternative in Northwestern Argentina. In this context, the present study aims to assess the interaction of ectomycorrhizal inocula in forest species, characterize the different morphological types of mycorrhizal structures, and describe the features of the Tuber uncinatum sporocarp, differentiated in the interaction. The plantations were established in five localities within the province, located in piedmont zones, intermontane and high-altitude valleys. Two species of Pinus and two of Quercus were inoculated with three species of Tuber. The samplings were carried out in the months of May and June from 2015 to 2018, as well as in December 2024. Root samples were taken with three subsamples, corresponding to each individual/combination/locality. Subsequently, cross-sections of the root were made, to which histological techniques and conventional staining methods were applied. An effective symbiosis between the roots and the inoculated fungi was evident at all analysed sites, as corroborated by the morphological and anatomical characteristics observed. These structures are described and illustrated in the six combinations evaluated. This forestry production with Tuber sporocarp differentiation shows a potential for future profitability, consolidating itself as a promising productive alternative for the economic and ecological development of the region.

Epizoic diatom communities on chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) and southern king crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) from central coastal waters of San Jorge Gulf (Patagonian Sea, South Atlantic Ocean)

Rubén Agustín Lameiro — 2025-07-03

Diatoms constitute one of the most diverse groups of marine microalgae worldwide, both free-living as well as associated associated with different types of substrata. In particular, marine benthic macroinvertebrates represent surfaces to which diatoms can attach. The present study aims to characterize the diversity of diatom communities associated with chitons and southern king crabs from coastal waters of San Jorge Gulf (South Atlantic Ocean), and to analyze possible differences in diatom diversity among those communities according to the animal substrata, the environment and season of the year. For this purpose, we conducted manual samplings to collect chitons from the intertidal, and sea diving samplings to collect southern king crabs from the subtidal at different sampling sites near Comodoro Rivadavia during winter 2018 and summer and winter 2024. Each specimen was carefully brushed and scraped to obtain microalgal material, which was subsequently processed using conventional methods and analyzed under both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We estimated the relative abundance (%) of the identified diatom taxa as well as species richness (S), Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H´) and Pielou´s Evenness index (J) for each sample for comparison. Epizoic diatom communities included 43 taxa in Polyplacophorans and 62 in Decapods, mainly pennate diatoms with a scarce representation of centric diatoms. Solitary diatoms were the most frequent, with adnate, erect and motile forms recognized; various various morphological types of colonies were also recorded. We observed significant differences (?=0.05) in diatom diversity between the 2024 summer and winter for each invertebrate; however, no significant differences were found between the 2018 and 2024 winter samples. Polyplacophorans were studied for the first time as diatom hosts, and direct evidence of diatom attachment to the surface of both hosts is provided. This research study represents an important contribution to the knowledge of marine epizoic diatoms.

Evaluation of growth and microhistological characteristics of Panicum coloratum and Urochloa brizantha under cutting frequencies based on leaf lifespan

María Gabriela Fernández Pepi — 2025-08-07

The displacement of livestock farming towards subtropical areas has increased interest in understanding growth patterns and anatomical characteristics that determine the nutritional quality of megathermic pastures under different management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two cutting frequencies based on average leaf lifespan values, on the growth and nutritional quality of Panicum coloratum and Urochloa brizantha at individual plant and canopy scales. At the individual level, eight plants of each species were established in 10-liter pots. At the canopy level, eight plots of 9 m² were established, four of U. brizantha and four of P. coloratum. A completely randomized design with two cutting frequencies and four replicates (n=4) was employed. Two cutting treatments based on leaf lifespan (LLS) were applied: Control Frequency (FT, 100% LLS) and High Frequency (AF, 50% LLS). Quality was estimated by ruminal post-incubation microhistology. The frequency of defoliation modified the structure, forage supply and histological characteristics, influencing nutritional quality, exhibiting differential patterns between species. An earlier defoliation than the LLS resulted in lower forage supply, but with a rapidly degradable leaf tissue, which was more usable by ruminal microorganisms, implying improved quality. Tiller density increased in P. coloratum and decreased in U. brizantha, although this effect was not sustained over time, possibly due to limitations in environmental resources. This information provides an approximation to understanding the relationship defoliation frequency and quality, which will allow establishing management strategies for these species according to their intended productive objective.

Characterization of the seed and seedling of Sinapis alba cv. Delfina INTA (Brassicaceae) and germination behavior under water and saline stress

Selma Raquel Bossa — 2025-08-13

Sinapis alba L., commonly known as "white mustard" (Brassicaceae), is an important aromatic species cultivated commercially for its numerous uses. ‘Delfina INTA’ is the first Argentine recorded cultivar of S. alba. This study aimed to characterize the seed, seedling, and germination of the cv. Delfina INTA under water and salt stress conditions. Morphological and anatomical analyses were conducted using conventional techniques, including stereoscopic, optical, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. Germination trials were carried out for 21 days. To simulate water stress, PEG 6000 was used as the osmolyte, and NaCl was employed for salt stress, both applied at water potentials equivalent to -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, and -1.2 MPa. The final germination percentage (PFG), germination rate (Vg), and seedling characteristics were determined. The spherical seeds (2 mm), with a color of 10 YR 7/6, showed an irregular reticulate ornamentation pattern and microcracks around the hilum and micropyle. The seed coat exhibited an epidermis with mucilage, subepidermis, palisade layer, and aleurone layer. Initial water uptake was observed in the hilar and micropylar regions. Epigeal germination resulted in seedlings with a primary root and lateral roots, a hypocotyl with simple trichomes, and reniform cotyledons, green with purplish spots on the abaxial side. In the control, the PFG was 97.22% and the Vg was 70.97%/day. At equivalent water potentials, the decrease in PFG was greater under salinity than under drought at -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, and -1.0 MPa (24.91% vs. 1.51%; 38.28% vs. 19.76%; 53.71% vs. 33.55%; and 76.26% vs. 56.80%, respectively); and was lower in treatments at -1.2 MPa (84.57% vs. 89.71%). The Vg was higher under salinity compared to drought conditions. The generated information contributes to the description of S. alba cv. Delfina INTA and may be useful for evaluating its cultivation potential in environments affected by water or salt stress, as well as for breeding programs.

Phytochemical Profiling and In Silico Analyses Reveal Druglike Characteristics in the Moss Brachythecium salebrosum (Bryophyta, Brachytheciaceae)

Anshul Dhyani — 2025-08-13

Bryophytes have long been used as traditional medicine in many Asian
countries, particularly China and India. They are known to possess
a variety of phytochemicals with known medicinal properties. While
bryophytes are broadly recognized for their medicinal potential, the
moss Brachythecium salebrosum was selected for this study due to
its ecological adaptability and the lack of detailed phytochemical and
pharmacological investigations on this species. For the present study,
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled with a bioinformatics approach was employed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and their drug-like affinities in this moss. A total of 55 phytochemical compounds were identified, with four major compounds—phenol, phytol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and n-hexadecanoic acid, comprising 48.11% of the total compounds. Interestingly, we also reported odd-numbered fatty acids, which are rare in plants. Molecular docking analysis and pharmacokinetic studies of these four compounds
revealed robust drug-like properties. The study explored the involvement of certain genes in various metabolic pathways and their associations with different diseases. The findings suggest that B. salebrosum contains a reservoir of medicinally important compounds with drug-like characteristics. This study represents the first comprehensive examination of the phytochemical profiling linked to drug kinetic studies of this taxon. The presence of new binding sites as reported in this study will further pave the way for drug discovery and development.

Patterns of diversity of medicinal shrubs in the Monte desert in the Calchaquí Valleys (Tucumán, Argentina)

María C. Barrera — 2025-08-07

In recent times, the population abundance of many of the native medicinal plant species in the Monte Desert in northwestern Argentina has been declining due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing, urbanization, increasing levels of harvesting, and changes in climatic conditions. Therefore, quantitative data on these species is necessary to design strategies that allow their conservation and sustainable use. This study aimed to determine the diversity patterns of some medicinal shrub species in a portion of the mountainous desert of the Calchaquí Valleys (Tucumán - Argentina). Throughout a standardized protocol, the plant communities from four localities (two sampling sites for each locality, S1 and S2) were surveyed (Ampimpa, Tío Punco, Fuerte Quemado, and Los Poleos). Relative density, relative frequency, dominance, and the species importance value index (IVI) were calculated to determine the overall species performance and dominance. Of the species identified, twelve are popularly used as medicinal. Austroflourensia fiebrigii, Pentaphorus glutinosus, Larrea cuneifolia, and Zuccagnia punctata, four medicinal plant species, were dominant in Ampimpa S1. Larrea cuneifolia, Larrea divaricata, and Z. punctata are within the medicinal plant species with the highest IVI. These plant species are used as anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitumoral and to treat fungal and bacterial infections. Our study seeks to provide a significant foundation for documenting future changes in these plant communities and to promote conservation strategies and multiplication of them in situ.

Leaf morphometry of six Podocarpaceae species from Peru: A contribution to their taxonomic identification

José Antonio Ramírez-Peralta — 2025-08-07

The present study evaluated the potential use of leaf morphometry for the taxonomic identification of six Podocarpaceae species. We collected botanical samples from 17 forests across five departments in northern, central, and southern Peru (Cajamarca, Pasco, Junín, Apurimac, and Cusco), and we also performed a multivariate comparison of leaf morphometric variables (length, width, thickness, and area). Hierarchical clustering (dendrogram analysis) successfully discriminated the species, grouping localities with the presence of the same species and identifying six clusters. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded two components (PCs) that explain 96.1% of the variability of the data; PC1 (71%) is associated with leaf length, width, and area, while PC2 is explained by leaf thickness. Podocarpus celatus and Podocarpus magnifolius exhibit wide and long leaves, Prumnopitys montana and Retrophyllum rospigliosii have small and thin leaves, and Podocarpus glomeratus and Podocarpus oleifolius have medium-sized leaves. Finally, we present a brief synopsis of the evaluated species identification keys for the evaluated species, based on leaf morphometry, distribution, conservation status, botanical illustrations, and LCDP plates.

Mycophagous behavior by small mammals observed through camera traps in a riparian forest fragment in Southwestern São Paulo, Brazil

Juliano M. Baltazar — 2025-07-03

Macrofungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and influencing nutrient dynamics. They are characterized by the production of visible reproductive structures known as sporomes, commonly referred to as mushrooms, bracket fungi, among others. Macrofungi of various species are recognized as an important food resource for many animals. However, knowledge regarding the interactions between these fungi and native small mammals in the wild remains limited in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the consumption of macrofungi by vertebrates in a riparian forest fragment along the Itapetininga River, in the southwestern region of São Paulo State, using camera traps. This study aimed to identify the vertebrate species that feed on macrofungi and to assess the efficacy of camera traps for this purpose. The images from the camera traps recorded the consumption of the coconut mushroom (Oudemansiella cubensis) by the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) and the Brazilian squirrel (Guerlinguetus brasiliensis). For the first time, this mycophagous behavior is recorded for the white-eared opossum. This study also confirmed the effectiveness of camera traps as a non-invasive tool for monitoring fauna and their interactions in ethological research. Furthermore, the data generated contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological dynamics between fauna and fungi in the Neotropics.

Mycorrhizae and other root endophytic fungi in seven native plant species from the Calchaquíes Valleys (Tucumán, Argentina)

María de los Ángeles Álvarez — 2025-07-03

Symbiotic interactions between plants and fungi are crucial for the adaptation of plant species in arid environments. This study documented the presence of root endophytic fungi in seven native species from the Calchaquíes Valleys (Tucumán, Argentina), a region characterized by alkaline soils, low nutrient availability, and water stress. Roots of Atriplex cordobensis, Flourensia fiebrigii, Larrea cuneifolia, Lippia turbinata, Portulaca grandiflora, Zinnia peruviana, and Zuccagnia punctata were analyzed using conventional staining techniques. The results revealed that all species established mycorrhizal associations, and in some cases, also associations with dark septate endophytes (DSE) or unknown septate endophytes (USD). Edaphic analyses showed alkaline soils (pH 7.16–9.80) with low nitrogen (0.01– 0.08%) and phosphorus (5.8–15.6 ppm). This study confirmed the presence of mycorrhizal associations and other types of endophytic fungi in the roots of seven native species from the Calchaquíes Valleys, a region characterized by alkaline soils with low levels of available nitrogen and phosphorus.

Rediscovery of the Patagonian mushroom Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensis 41 years after the type collection

Daniela Torres — 2025-06-23

Erected by Garrido in 1988, the genus Austroomphaliaster contains a single species, A. nahuelbutensis, which has not been cited again since its original description. Despite numerous expeditions across the Nothofagus forests, the species remains unlocated, and no morphological or molecular studies of the type have been published ever since. In 2023, an expedition led by the Fungi Foundation aimed to search for this lost species, resulting in the collection of two specimens consistent with the original description. One year later, mycologists from the University of Concepción found the same species a few kilometers from the type locality. A morphological revision of the reference materials, along with a phylogenetic study that included type ITS and LSU sequences, confirmed its identity. Our study places this putatively saprotrophic species within the family Fayodiaceae. Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensis appears to have a very restricted distribution and should be included in conservation programs.

Multitrophic interactions in an artificial urban wetland: The macrophyte Chara sp. (Charophyta, Characeae) and its association with gastropods

María José Miranda — 2025-07-03

Lake San Miguel is an artificial wetland located in San Miguel de Tucumán. The macroalga Chara sp. is an important component among the macrophytes of this water body. Its presence increases habitat heterogeneity and impacts biodiversity. The mollusks use the algae as habitat and feed on the associated periphyton, and Chara sp. benefits because this reduces its competition for light and nutrients with the periphyton. Analyzing this relationship would contribute to understanding the ecosystem dynamics of this wetland. Our objectives were to determine the periphytic and malacological richness associated with Chara sp., and to establish whether there is multitrophic interaction between them. Specimens of Chara sp. were collected in a marginal transect, in high and low water level periods. The species of microalgae and gastropods were identified, determining that the composition was similar between both sampling periods. In association with Chara sp., 48 algal taxa, 4 species of gastropods, and egg masses were registered. Among the gastropods, the exotic species Melanoides tuberculata was identified, with a significant predominance over the native species. No variation in the richness of the periphyton was observed due to the mollusks; however, it would be important to evaluate population fluctuations throughout the hydrological year. The meticulous observation of the collected specimens revealed that there are signs of scraping feeding on the surface of Chara sp. Coincidentally, remnants of the algae were detected in the stomach contents of M. tuberculata. Understanding changes in species composition in ecosystems is vital to comprehend how their functioning and ecosystem services might be affected. Our results reveal the need to continue sampling for at least one annual cycle, along with the need to incorporate the measurement of new biotic and physicochemical variables, to increase the understanding of interactions between aquatic communities.

Assessment of the medicinal plant potential of the Delhi Ridge, Aravalli Range: traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and therapeutic applications

Anju Kumari Ojha — 2025-06-24

Plant resources have been crucial for human societies, providing sustenance and natural remedies. With globalization, research on medicinal plants has increased, as over half of clinically approved drugs have plant origins. This study explores the ethnobotanical knowledge and medic-
inal plant diversity in a specific region, emphasizing the demographic profiles of informants and the utilization of plant species for traditional medicine. A total of 92 participants, aged 30–85, were interviewed, revealing a predominance of male traditional healers and a significant
correlation between age and medicinal plant knowledge. The research documented 70 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families, with Fabaceae being the most dominant with 16 species. Herbs (54%) were the prevalent growth form, followed by trees (26%). Leaves (32%) were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoction (34%) was the
most popular preparation method. The results indicated a high use value (UV) for species such as Azadirachta indica (2.40) and a relative frequency of citation (RFC) value approaching unity for several key species, including Acacia nilotica and Prosopis cineraria. An informant consensus factor (ICF) analysis revealed that digestive diseases had the
highest ICF value (0.94). The highest therapeutic redundancy (10.28 units) was observed in species like Euphorbia hirta, highlighting their versatile medicinal applications. This study underscores the importance
of preserving traditional knowledge and plant diversity for future generations Ethnobotanical studies on indigenous plants are valuable for pharmaceutical development and sustainable healthcare.