scholarly journals A Common Approach to the Conservation of Threatened Island Vascular Plants: First Results in the Mediterranean Basin

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Fenu ◽  
Gianluigi Bacchetta ◽  
Charalambos S. Christodoulou ◽  
Donatella Cogoni ◽  
Christini Fournaraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Threatened Plants ◽  
Priority List ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Germination Experiments

The Mediterranean islands represent a center of vascular plant diversity featuring a high rate of endemic richness. Such richness is highly threatened, however, with many plants facing the risk of extinction and in need of urgent protection measures. The CARE-MEDIFLORA project promoted the use of ex situ collections to experiment with in situ active actions for threatened plants. Based on common criteria, a priority list of target plant species was elaborated, and germplasm conservation, curation and storage in seed banks was carried out. Accessions were duplicated in the seed banks of the partners or other institutions. Germination experiments were carried out on a selected group of threatened species. A total of 740 accessions from 429 vascular plants were stored in seed banks, and 410 seed germination experiments for 283 plants species were completed; a total of 63 in situ conservation actions were implemented, adopting different methodological protocols. For each conservation program, a specific monitoring protocol was implemented in collaboration with local and regional authorities. This project represents the first attempt to develop common strategies and an opportunity to join methods and methodologies focused on the conservation of threatened plants in unique natural laboratories such as the Mediterranean islands.

scholarly journals Where we Come from and where to Go: Six Decades of Botanical Studies in the Mediterranean Wetlands, with Sardinia (Italy) as a Case Study

Wetlands ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba Cuena-Lombraña ◽  
Mauro Fois ◽  
Annalena Cogoni ◽  
Gianluigi Bacchetta
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Temporary Ponds ◽  
Evolutionary Strategies ◽  
Plant Groups ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Water Saturated

AbstractPlants are key elements of wetlands due to their evolutionary strategies for coping with life in a water-saturated environment, providing the basis for supporting nearly all wetland biota and habitat structure for other taxonomic groups. Sardinia, the second largest island of the Mediterranean Basin, hosts a great variety of wetlands, of which 16 are included in eight Ramsar sites. The 119 hydro- and hygrophilous vascular plant taxa from Sardinia represent the 42.6% and 37.9% of the number estimated for Italy and Europe, respectively. Moreover, around 30% of Sardinia’s bryological flora, which is made up of 498 taxa, is present in temporary ponds. An overview at regional scale considering algae is not available, to our knowledge, even though several specific studies have contributed to their knowledge. In order to find the most investigated research themes and wetland types, identify knowledge gaps and suggest recommendations for further research, we present a first attempt to outline the work that has been hitherto done on plants in lentic habitats in Sardinia. Three plant groups (algae, bryophytes and vascular plants), and five research themes (conservation, ecology, inventory, palaeobotany and taxonomy) were considered. After a literature review, we retained 202 papers published from 1960 to 2019. We found that studies on vascular plants, as plant group, were disproportionately more numerous, and inventories and ecology were the most investigated research themes. Although efforts have recently been made to fill these long-lasting gaps, there is a need for updating the existing information through innovative methods and integrative approaches.

Longevity and germination ecology of seeds of endemic Cactaceae species from high-altitude sites in south-eastern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Loureiro Cheib ◽  
Queila Souza Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Continuous Darkness ◽  
Soil Seed Banks ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
High Germination ◽  
Absolute Requirement ◽  
Germination Behaviour ◽  
Germination Experiments

AbstractThe influence of light and temperature on germination behaviour and the longevity of seeds were evaluated in four taxa of the genusArthrocereus(Cactaceae). Germination experiments were conducted at six constant temperatures with a 12-h photoperiod and in continuous darkness. Forin situstorage tests, the seeds were buried in the soil where the species naturally occur, and germination experiments were performed for 14 months. Seeds were also stored dry at room temperature in the laboratory for 12 months. The results indicated that, in spite of the variations between the four taxa studied, there is a consistent pattern in their germination behaviour. The seeds are small, with an absolute requirement of light for germination. In the presence of light, we obtained high germinability at temperatures between 20 and 30°C and low germination percentages at 10, 15 and 35°C. This behaviour may represent an adaptive mechanism during seasons when environmental conditions in open rocky fields are not favourable for seedling survival. In general, germination was relatively slow, which would favour establishment during the rainy season. Dry storage did not significantly alter seed germination behaviour, and buried seeds, likewise, remained viable and retained high germination percentages. We can therefore infer that the seeds of the species studied here are able to form persistent soil seed-banks. All studied species are threatened with extinction, so their ability to form soil seed-banks, together with the possibility ofex situseed preservation, will possibly give support for future conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Conservation of genetic diversity in Mediterranean endemic species: Arenaria balearica (Caryophyllaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 153 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-360
Author(s):  
Javier Bobo-Pinilla ◽  
Noemí López-González ◽  
Julio Peñas
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Disjunct Distribution ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Rocky Habitats

Background – Biodiversity loss is a problem that needs to be urgently addressed, particularly with the uncertainties of climate change. Current conservation policies principally focus on endangered species but they often give little consideration to the evolutionary processes, genetic diversity, or the rarity of non-endangered species. Endemic species occurring in rocky habitats that are undergoing exceptional habitat loss appear to be one of the most important candidates for conservation. The aim is to establish in situ and ex situ conservation recommendations for the Mediterranean endemic species Arenaria balearica.Material and methods – Arenaria balearica is a species endemic to the Mediterranean with a disjunct distribution range throughout Majorca, Corsica, Sardinia, and other small Tyrrhenian islands. A combination of molecular techniques (AFLPs and plastid DNA) was employed to determine genetic diversity and rarity across populations and to calculate the Relevant Genetic Units for Conservation (RGUCs). Moreover, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were developed to assess the potential current distribution and the expected situation under future climatic scenarios.Key results – To preserve the genetic diversity and rarity of the species, in situ conservation is proposed for six populations as RGUCs. Moreover, as the RGUCs can only account for a part of the phylogeographic signal, ex situ conservation is also suggested for some additional populations. According to the results, the habitat suitability in the 2050 scenario is limited and suitable areas for A. balearica could have disappeared by 2070. Therefore, the persistence of the species could be in danger in a short period of time and conservation planning becomes necessary.

scholarly journals Gradients of salinity and plant community richness and diversity in two different Mediterranean coastal ecosystems in NW Sardinia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Maccioni ◽  
Luisa Canopoli ◽  
Valeria Cubeddu ◽  
Elisabetta Cucca ◽  
Simone Dessena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Site Effect ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Plant Richness ◽  
Equal Distance ◽  
Rocky Habitats ◽  
North Western

This study aimed to test if differences in soil salinity, plant richness and diversity were significantly affected by habitat, site and distance from the seashore at three sandy and three rocky coastal sites in north-western Sardinia. Each site has been divided into three belts placed at an equal distance of 50 m from the shoreline. We measured soil salinity using a probe and vascular plants richness and diversity using linear transects at all sites. Average soil salinity varied from 0.115 g/l to 0.180 g/l; it was higher in the rocky habitats than in the sandy ones. A total of 21 species were found per transect/site at the rocky sites and 30 species per transect/site at the sandy sites, with an average of Shannon and Weaver's Diversity Index of 1.8 per each belt at each site. These data confirm that, also in the Mediterranean islands, there are coastal gradients of soil salinity from the seashore to inland areas and that also vascular plant richness and diversity are influenced by the distance from the sea. Soil salinity was strongly affected by the type of habitat, being average at the rocky coasts and negligible at the sandy shores. The site effect was not significant for both soil salinity and plant richness and diversity.

scholarly journals Germplasm Conservation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Quazi ◽  
Tanya Golani ◽  
Arnaud Martino Capuzzo
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Germplasm Conservation ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
In Vitro Techniques ◽  
Or Gene ◽  
Basic Approaches ◽  
Lower Temperature

With the increase in risk of extinction of various plants, the trend has been shifted to employment of many biotechnological techniques for preservation of genetic resources of plant and is the area of research which needs to be revolutionized after a specific time period because it allows the production and selection of crop varieties with desirable characteristics during breeding process such as improved fuel, food and health facilities. Having an immense research in conservation of non-threatened species, there is a small collection of knowledge available for conservation of endangered ones. This chapter aims to highlight the various techniques in germplasm conservation of endangered or the species which are at extent of extinction and also the future directions in this field. In developing countries where most of agriculture depends upon food crops, the maintenance of genetic variation is of immense importance. On farm conservation provides the best example of preservation and evolution based on genetic variability which can occur ex-situ and in- situ environment in farms or gene bank. So, it presents the best option for conservation or maintenance of ecosystem and biodiversity which ensures survival of endangered species via germplasm. The most point to consider is that germplasm or genes have to be conserved instead of genotype. In situ conservation involves preservation of plant crops in the field condition in ecosystem where plant is adopted to grow in order to maintain self –sustaining process in natural ecosystem. Similarly ex-situ involve the collections of seed banks of genes collected from plant under natural conditions to produce desirable varieties or from tissue culture in laboratory also referred as in-vitro methodology. In –vitro techniques include cryopreservation which include freezing at much lower temperature than that of freezing point i.e. -196 °C in liquid nitrogen for preserving species which are near to extent of endangerment. Cold storage and storing at lower temperature provides best opportunity for protection against damage caused by rapid freezing. Germplasm exchange has become now a usual practice ensuring exchange of varieties between cultivated and wild types as for example in potatoes specie etc. DNA as well as gene or seed banks provide molecular sources for conservation at biotechnological level. The techniques of introgression and incorporation are basic approaches for germplasm conservation. So there is need to revolutionize and practice germplasm conservation for fulfilling future needs being aimed at conserving endangered or threatened species from conservation hotspots.

Global strategy for plant conservation: inadequate in situ conservation of threatened flora in Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Muñoz-Rodríguez ◽  
David Draper Munt ◽  
Juan Carlos Moreno Saiz
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Environmental Niche ◽  
Threatened Plants

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) seeks to assess the conservation status of the world vascular plants by 2020, and to guarantee that at least 75% threatened taxa are conserved in situ. A comprehensive evaluation of IUCN categories for 7269 Spanish vascular plants (GSPC Target 2), using distribution data and environmental niche models, is presented. A gap analysis to assess the percentage of threatened plants effectively conserved in situ (considering national parks, plant micro-reserves and recovery or conservation plans) was also conducted (Target 7). The result is that only 44.4% threatened species are subject to an adequate in situ protection. An appropriate management of additional natural protected areas towards the conservation of threatened plants would make Spain meet this threshold, but severe deficiencies should be corrected. The methodology presented here is proposed as a tool to assess the degree of achievement of GSPC targets. This procedure can be quickly implemented and allows an easy evaluation of the progress, as well as the pending tasks in a given period of time.

scholarly journals Assessment of the quality of seeds formed in situ and ex situ as a mandatory element of maintaining seed banks of rare plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 265 ◽  
pp. 05012
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Kavelenova ◽  
Nataly Roguleva ◽  
Nikolay Yankov ◽  
Irina Ruzaeva ◽  
Elena Pavlova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Banks ◽  
Rare Plants ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Botanical Gardens ◽  
Germination Ability ◽  
Natural Flora ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Russian Federation

The possibility of seed genetic banks creating is associated with the ability of many plants seeds (the so-called orthodox ones) to maintain germination ability for a long time, being in a dormant state. This opens up wide prospects for the formation of a reserve seeds fund of rare species that are threatened with extinction in natural communities. Botanical gardens in different countries of the world, including the Russian Federation, are working on the creation of such seed banks. To assess the quality of seeds in relation to agricultural crops, as well as natural flora species, radiography is used. It is this kind of non-damaging express assessment of the quality of seeds that turns out to be the most informative technique for seed material obtained in botanical gardens. The article presents the preliminary results of an X-ray study of the seeds quality of some Samara region rare plants - four species ofthe Iris genus - Iris aphylla L., I. halophila Pall., I. pumila L., I. sibirica L.

An in situ and ex situ TEM study of the formation of thin cobalt silicide films by molecular beam epitaxy on the silicon (100) surface

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 884-885
Author(s):  
D. Loretto ◽  
J. M. Gibson ◽  
S. M. Yalisove ◽  
R. T. Tung
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Beam Epitaxy ◽  
Molecular Beam ◽  
Defect Density ◽  
High Vacuum ◽  
Ultra High Vacuum ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Metal Base ◽  
In Situ Experiments ◽  
Potential Applications

The cobalt disilicide/silicon system has potential applications as a metal-base and as a permeable-base transistor. Although thin, low defect density, films of CoSi2 on Si(111) have been successfully grown, there are reasons to believe that Si(100)/CoSi2 may be better suited to the transmission of electrons at the silicon/silicide interface than Si(111)/CoSi2. A TEM study of the formation of CoSi2 on Si(100) is therefore being conducted. We have previously reported TEM observations on Si(111)/CoSi2 grown both in situ, in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) TEM and ex situ, in a conventional Molecular Beam Epitaxy system.The procedures used for the MBE growth have been described elsewhere. In situ experiments were performed in a JEOL 200CX electron microscope, extensively modified to give a vacuum of better than 10-9 T in the specimen region and the capacity to do in situ sample heating and deposition. Cobalt was deposited onto clean Si(100) samples by thermal evaporation from cobalt-coated Ta filaments.

The use of transmission and analytical electron microscopy in studying reactions and phase transformations in thin film

1993 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 842-843
Author(s):  
K. Barmak
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Thin Films ◽  
Phase Transformations ◽  
Analytical Electron Microscopy ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Multilayer Thin Films ◽  
Absolute Concentration ◽  
Analytical Electron ◽  
Deposition Step

Generally, processing of thin films involves several annealing steps in addition to the deposition step. During the annealing steps, diffusion, transformations and reactions take place. In this paper, examples of the use of TEM and AEM for ex situ and in situ studies of reactions and phase transformations in thin films will be presented.The ex situ studies were carried out on Nb/Al multilayer thin films annealed to different stages of reaction. Figure 1 shows a multilayer with dNb = 383 and dAl = 117 nm annealed at 750°C for 4 hours. As can be seen in the micrograph, there are four phases, Nb/Nb3-xAl/Nb2-xAl/NbAl3, present in the film at this stage of the reaction. The composition of each of the four regions marked 1-4 was obtained by EDX analysis. The absolute concentration in each region could not be determined due to the lack of thickness and geometry parameters that were required to make the necessary absorption and fluorescence corrections.

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Epitaxial silicides grown by ultra high vacuum deposition

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 462-463
Author(s):  
D. Loretto ◽  
J. M. Gibson ◽  
S. M. Yalisove
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Diffraction ◽  
High Vacuum ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Electron ◽  
Ultra High Vacuum ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Transmission Electron

The silicides CoSi2 and NiSi2 are both metallic with the fee flourite structure and lattice constants which are close to silicon (1.2% and 0.6% smaller at room temperature respectively) Consequently epitaxial cobalt and nickel disilicide can be grown on silicon. If these layers are formed by ultra high vacuum (UHV) deposition (also known as molecular beam epitaxy or MBE) their thickness can be controlled to within a few monolayers. Such ultrathin metal/silicon systems have many potential applications: for example electronic devices based on ballistic transport. They also provide a model system to study the properties of heterointerfaces. In this work we will discuss results obtained using in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM).In situ TEM is suited to the study of MBE growth for several reasons. It offers high spatial resolution and the ability to penetrate many monolayers of material. This is in contrast to the techniques which are usually employed for in situ measurements in MBE, for example low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), which are both sensitive to only a few monolayers at the surface.

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