We aimed to enhance understanding of the molecular diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) by building a new global dataset targeting previously unstudied geographical areas. In total, we sampled 96 plant species from 25 sites that encompassed all continents except Antarctica. AMF in plant roots were detected by sequencing the nuclear SSU rRNA gene fragment using either cloning followed by Sanger sequencing or 454-sequencing. A total of 204 AMF phylogroups (virtual taxa, VT) were recorded, increasing the described number of Glomeromycota VT from 308 to 341 globally. Novel VT were detected from 21 sites; three novel but nevertheless widespread VT (Glomus spp. MO-G52, MO-G53, MO-G57) were recorded from six continents. The largest increases in regional VT number were recorded in previously little-studied Oceania and in the boreal and polar climatic zones - this study providing the first molecular data from the latter. Ordination revealed differences in AM fungal communities between different continents and climatic zones, suggesting that both biogeographic history and environmental conditions underlie the global variation of those communities. Our results show that a considerable proportion of Glomeromycota diversity has been recorded in many regions, though further large increases in richness can be expected in remaining unstudied areas.

The lichen diversity of the Cape Goven within the Koryak State Reserve counts 394 species: 373 lichens, 18 lichenicolous fungi and 3 non-lichenized saprobic fungi related to lichens. Altogether 4 species are new to Russia (Miriquidica pulvinatula, Myriolecis andrewii, Ochrolechia alaskana, Rhizocarpon sublavatum), 1 – to Asiatic Russia (Collemopsidium foveolatum), 29 other species are new to the Russian Far East, 4 – to the northern part of the Far East. Additionally, 51 other species are new to Kamchatka Territory, and 92 more are new to Koryakia. Among the new species to Russia or Russian Far East, 11 are also reported for the first time for Beringia. A total of 500 species of lichens and allied fungi are known from Koryakia now. The richest habitats in Cape Goven are rocky outcrops and tundras; unlike in the earlier explored Parapolsky Dale, shrublands, floodplain stands and bogs play relatively insignificant role in the lichen diversity. The lichens of seashore communities enrich the lichen flora of Cape Goven compared to inland areas. The lichen diversity of Cape Goven is significantly higher than in Parapolsky Dale due to its mountainous landscape and coastal position.

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The first lichenological inventory in Koryakia has resulted in the list of 315 species reported from Parapolsky Dale, within and in vicinities of the Koryak State Reserve. Altogether 46 species are published from the Kamchatka Territory for the first time, including Lecanographa grumulosa new to Russia, East Asia and Beringia; Cercidospora trypetheliza, Lecania dubitans, Pertusaria borealis, Piccolia ochrophora, Protoparmelia cupreobadia, Rimularia badioatra and Strangospora moriformis new to Russian Far East; Abrothallus bertianus, Cladonia strepsilis, Physciella melanchra, Rimularia badioatra, Sclerococcum parasiticum, Sphinctrina leucopoda and Strangospora moriformis new to Beringia. The lichen diversity of the study area is relatively poor due to natural reasons. Comparison with neighboring regions (Kamchatka Peninsula, Chukotka, Magadan Region, Yakutia and Alaska) shows that the lichen flora of Parapolsky Dale contains almost no specific species. The majority of the species recorded here are also known from neighboring regions, especially Alaska and Kamchatka Peninsula.