*3.1. Lichen Vitality*

A summary of the results concerning lichen vitality is represented in Figure 3. Inferred from fluorescence data, the lichens performed better in the unlogged area. The transplant experiment induced a decrease of FV/FM in both stands (*p* < 0.05) as compared with pre-exposure conditions (FV/FM = 0.749 ± 0.040 for both meristematic and non-meristematic fragments). After one year of exposure, a decrease in chlorophyll concentrations was observed both in the logged and unlogged stand, compared with pre-exposure concentrations (Chl = 403 <sup>±</sup> 96 mg m−<sup>2</sup> for meristematic and <sup>437</sup> <sup>±</sup> 106 mg m−<sup>2</sup> for non-meristematic fragments) (*<sup>p</sup>* <sup>&</sup>lt; 0.001).

Upon ending the experiment, according to the parameter FV/FM, meristematic fragments performed better in the unlogged area (*p* < 0.05). Concerning non-meristematic fragments, the difference between FV/FM values in the logged and unlogged stands was not significant (*p* > 0.05). Both types of fragments in the unlogged stand were characterized by significantly higher (*p* < 0.05) chlorophyll contents compared with those in the logged stand. Notwithstanding the variability in shape and dimensions existing between meristematic and non-meristematic fragments (which can limit a full comparison between the two groups in the same forest stand), it was observed that meristematic lobes had higher photosynthetic performances in the logged area than did the non-meristematic ones.

**Figure 3.** Boxplots of the potential quantum yield of primary photochemistry (FV/FM) and the total chlorophyll content (mg m<sup>−</sup>2) at the end of the transplant experiment as indicators of the vitality of meristematic and non-meristematic fragments, in logged and unlogged stands. The average value is shown at the side of each box. Regarding each type of fragment, different small letters indicate significant differences according to forest management (*p* < 0.05).
