[CO2-exchange of some lichens after absorption of water vapour]

The relation between CO2-exchange and water content of the lichens Evernia divaricata, E. prunastri, Ramalina thrausta and R. farinacea was investigated. The dry thalli absorb water vapour up to 70% of their dry weight. This uptake of water vapour is sufficient to reactivate the CO2-exchange. In equilibrium with the vapour pressure of the nearly saturated air the apparent CO2-uptake amounts to 90% of the value obtained after imbibition with liquid water. Even in unsaturated air the CO2-exchange is reactivated and the compensation point is reached between 80 and 85% relative humidity (saturation deficit at 10°C: 1,85-1,38 mm Hg).