scholarly journals Application of the MSAP Technique to Evaluate Epigenetic Changes in Plant Conservation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7459
Author(s):  
María Elena González-Benito ◽  
Miguel Ángel Ibáñez ◽  
Michela Pirredda ◽  
Sara Mira ◽  
Carmen Martín
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Regenerated Plants ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Epigenetic variation, and particularly DNA methylation, is involved in plasticity and responses to changes in the environment. Conservation biology studies have focused on the measurement of this variation to establish demographic parameters, diversity levels and population structure to design the appropriate conservation strategies. However, in ex situ conservation approaches, the main objective is to guarantee the characteristics of the conserved material (phenotype and epi-genetic). We review the use of the Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) technique to detect changes in the DNA methylation patterns of plant material conserved by the main ex situ plant conservation methods: seed banks, in vitro slow growth and cryopreservation. Comparison of DNA methylation patterns before and after conservation is a useful tool to check the fidelity of the regenerated plants, and, at the same time, may be related with other genetic variations that might appear during the conservation process (i.e., somaclonal variation). Analyses of MSAP profiles can be useful in the management of ex situ plant conservation but differs in the approach used in the in situ conservation. Likewise, an easy-to-use methodology is necessary for a rapid interpretation of data, in order to be readily implemented by conservation managers.

scholarly journals Designing conservation strategies to preserve the genetic diversity of Astragalus edulis Bunge, an endangered species from western Mediterranean region

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Peñas ◽  
Sara Barrios ◽  
Javier Bobo-Pinilla ◽  
Juan Lorite ◽  
M. Montserrat Martínez-Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Ecological Data

Astragalus edulis (Fabaceae) is an endangered annual species from western Mediterranean region that colonized SE Iberian Peninsula, NE and SW Morocco, and the easternmost Macaronesian islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). Although in Spain some conservation measures have been adopted, it is still necessary to develop an appropriate management plan to preserve genetic diversity across the entire distribution area of the species. Our main objective was to use population genetics as well as ecological and phylogeographic data to select Relevant Genetic Units for Conservation (RGUCs) as the first step in designing conservation plans for A. edulis. We identified six RGUCs for in situ conservation, based on estimations of population genetic structure and probabilities of the loss of rare alleles. Additionally, further population parameters, i.e. occupation area, population size, vulnerability, legal status of the population areas, and the historical haplotype distribution, were considered in order to establish which populations deserve conservation priority. Three populations from the Iberian Peninsula, two from Morocco, and one from the Canary Islands represent the total genetic diversity of the species and the rarest allelic variation. Ex situ conservation is recommended to complement the preservation of A. edulis, given that effective in situ population protection is not feasible in all cases. The consideration of complementary phylogeographic and ecological data is useful for management efforts to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species.

scholarly journals The Restoration of Erica verticillata

2017 ◽  
pp. 39-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Hitchcock ◽  
Anthony G. Rebelo
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Restoration Process

The Threatened Species Programme at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, is integrated to include both ex situ and in situ conservation activities. Plant conservation is driven by South Africa’s Strategy for Plant Conservation which was developed in response to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. This case study examines the conservation of Erica verticillata (whorl heath), a flagship for threatened species at Kirstenbosch, and documents the integration of ex situ with in situ conservation at three areas on the Cape Flats. The whorl heath was thought to be extinct by 1950. Horticulturists have since rediscovered eight clones in botanic gardens worldwide, the Heather Society and commercial growers. Ex situ conservation in botanic garden collections and the Millennium Seed Bank has since allowed in situ conservation in the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation type. The process of restoring the whorl heath presented many challenges. Initially attempts were hampered by limited available knowledge on suitable niche habitats. Pioneering work carried out at Rondevlei Nature Reserve identified the suitable habitat and this was applied in subsequent in situ work at Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area and at Tokai Park – the only natural areas remaining in or near this species’ historical distribution range. Successful re-establishment of this species depends upon its capacity to recruit after fire, which is an essential ecological process in the fynbos. Many clones have been in cultivation for a long time and are poor seed producers: seed production was first recorded at Rondevlei only after additional clones were planted together. Only one population (Rondevlei) to date has seen a fire and thus has recruited seedlings; however these are competing with vigorous companion plants. The study continues and is currently exploring the role of herbivory in the restoration process. The key lesson learnt to date is the need to include sustainable management of the entire ecosystem in the restoration process and not limit it to single species. Success in restoring a species depends upon a healthy stand of the vegetation type in place, along with pollinators and other key fauna and other natural ecosystem processes. It is recommended that successful re- establishment of a species in fynbos requires the reintroduced population to survive three fire cycles.

scholarly journals Designing conservation strategies to preserve the genetic diversity ofAstragalus edulisBunge, an endangered species from western Mediterranean region

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Peñas ◽  
Sara Barrios ◽  
Javier Bobo-Pinilla ◽  
Juan Lorite ◽  
M. Montserrat Martínez-Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Ecological Data

Astragalus edulis(Fabaceae) is an endangered annual species from the western Mediterranean region that colonized the SE Iberian Peninsula, NE and SW Morocco, and the easternmost Macaronesian islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). Although in Spain some conservation measures have been adopted, it is still necessary to develop an appropriate management plan to preserve genetic diversity across the entire distribution area of the species. Our main objective was to use population genetics as well as ecological and phylogeographic data to select Relevant Genetic Units for Conservation (RGUCs) as the first step in designing conservation plans forA. edulis. We identified six RGUCs for in situ conservation, based on estimations of population genetic structure and probabilities of loss of rare alleles. Additionally, further population parameters, i.e. occupation area, population size, vulnerability, legal status of the population areas, and the historical haplotype distribution, were considered in order to establish which populations deserve conservation priority. Three populations from the Iberian Peninsula, two from Morocco, and one from the Canary Islands represent the total genetic diversity of the species and the rarest allelic variation. Ex situ conservation is recommended to complement the preservation ofA. edulis, given that effective in situ population protection is not feasible in all cases. The consideration of complementary phylogeographic and ecological data is useful for management efforts to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species.

scholarly journals In-Situ and Ex-Situ Biodiversity Conservation in Ecuador: A Review of Policies, Actions and Challenges

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón ◽  
Sujan M. Henkanaththegedara ◽  
Paola Vásconez Duchicela ◽  
Yadira Vargas Tierras ◽  
Maritza Sánchez Capa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Small Scale

Biodiversity is vital for the stability of the planet; its ecosystem services provide essential elements for our survival and well-being. This review analyzes the national biodiversity policies and describes the main strategies for biodiversity conservation in Ecuador, one of the “mega-diverse” countries in the world with the highest species density. It deepens an analysis of in-situ and ex-situ conservation processes. Ecuador has six clear policies for biodiversity conservation. These policies strengthen biodiversity conservation through mechanisms that improve the well-being of wildlife by ensuring human, wildlife and ecosystem health. It promotes actions for the welfare of wildlife, through technical, administrative and legal tools. The National System of Protected Areas, with 60 protected areas, is the most effective in-situ conservation instrument at the country level. Several ex-situ conservation and management means for the conservation of wild species are being utilized, including nurseries, botanical gardens, zoos, germplasm banks, aquariums, species reproduction and rehabilitation centers. Ecuador is making slow progress on ex-situ conservation despite the availability of a sound policy framework, possibly due to financial, infrastructural, and/or technological challenges, and knowledge gaps. We propose fostering international research collaborations and establishing fully funded small-scale captive breeding programs at zoos, aquariums and university research facilities to help recovery of at-risk species of reptiles, amphibians, fish and species beyond Galapagos region. We recommend utilizing citizen science programs to fill the gaps of biodiversity information and increasing efforts to revive the ex-situ conservation strategies in protecting the unique biodiversity of Ecuador.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity and selection signatures in maize landraces compared across 50 years of in situ and ex situ conservation

Heredity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Denisse McLean-Rodríguez ◽  
Denise Elston Costich ◽  
Tania Carolina Camacho-Villa ◽  
Mario Enrico Pè ◽  
Matteo Dell’Acqua
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Agrobiodiversity Conservation

AbstractGenomics-based, longitudinal comparisons between ex situ and in situ agrobiodiversity conservation strategies can contribute to a better understanding of their underlying effects. However, landrace designations, ambiguous common names, and gaps in sampling information complicate the identification of matching ex situ and in situ seed lots. Here we report a 50-year longitudinal comparison of the genetic diversity of a set of 13 accessions from the state of Morelos, Mexico, conserved ex situ since 1967 and retrieved in situ from the same donor families in 2017. We interviewed farmer families who donated in situ landraces to understand their germplasm selection criteria. Samples were genotyped by sequencing, producing 74,739 SNPs. Comparing the two sample groups, we show that ex situ and in situ genome-wide diversity was similar. In situ samples had 3.1% fewer SNPs and lower pairwise genetic distances (Fst 0.008–0.113) than ex situ samples (Fst 0.031–0.128), but displayed the same heterozygosity. Despite genome-wide similarities across samples, we could identify several loci under selection when comparing in situ and ex situ seed lots, suggesting ongoing evolution in farmer fields. Eight loci in chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and 10 showed evidence of selection in situ that could be related with farmers’ selection criteria surveyed with focus groups and interviews at the sampling site in 2017, including wider kernels and larger ear size. Our results have implications for ex situ collection resampling strategies and the in situ conservation of threatened landraces.

scholarly journals International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT): Its history and achievements

CORD ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Pons Batugal
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Genetic Resources ◽  
International Development ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Ex Situ

The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) is a global research network organized by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) in 1992 with support from member countries, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), partner institutions, donor agencies, and by regional and international development organizations.                           In the last 12 years, COGENT has been fully operational with 38 member coconut producing countries in five regions (South Asia; Southeast and East Asia; South Pacific; Africa and the Indian Ocean; and Latin America and the Caribbean). It has successfully developed and disseminated to coconut breeders and curators worldwide the International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD). The CGRD contains characterization data and some pictures of 1,416 accessions which are conserved by national programmes in 28 sites in 23 countries. To further secure conserved germplasm, a COGENT multi-site International Coconut Genebank has been established to conserve 200 important accessions in each region. Coconut varieties with multi-purpose uses are being identified, documented and promoted. The performance of promising 38 high-yielding hybrids are being evaluated in a multilocation  trial involving four African and three Latin America/Caribbean countries to identify suitable varieties and hybrids for resource-poor farmers. Farmers’ varietal preferences in 15 countries are being evaluated. Diversity-linked income-generating activities are being used as a strategy to promote in situ and on-farm conservation and germplasm utilization have been initiated in 15 countries. Protocols for in vitro embryo culture, cryopreservation, morphometric and molecular marker-based methods for locating and characterizing diversity; pest risk assessment and germplasm health management are being developed, tested and upgraded. Strategies and techniques for farmer participatory research, collecting, characterization and ex situ and in situ conservation are being refined.   To strengthen the coconut research capability of COGENT member countries, the COGENT Secretariat and IPGRI have organized 39 country need assessment missions  and conducted 41 workshops and meetings involving 994 coconut researchers to share information and technologies, discuss issues and common problems and opportunities and how to address them; conducted 40 training courses involving 765 participants from 41 countries; supported 274  research and training/capacity building activities  in 30 countries; and led the establishment of the Global Coconut Research for Development Programme (PROCORD). IPGRI and COGENT's current priority involves the further promotion of more effective conservation and use of coconut genetic resources, both regionally and globally.

scholarly journals The potential and conservation of medicine plants in Central Kalimantan

2021 ◽  
Vol 913 (1) ◽  
pp. 012111
Author(s):  
R Y Galingging ◽  
S Purwandari ◽  
H Tunisa
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Exploration Process ◽  
Central Kalimantan ◽  
Research Activities

Abstract Central Kalimantan consist of various type of lands e.g. peats soil, acid sulphate and uplands. Potential of the medicinal plant in Central Kalimantan forest is scattered in various forest areas and it is in high diversity various life form and uses. Method of study: exploration and collection conducted in five districts, i.e. Kotawaringin Timur, Kotawaringin Barat, Barito Selatan, Barito Utara and Murung Raya, starting from March 2016 until December 2018.The aims of this study was as follows : (1). The exploration process, (2). The ex-situ and in-situ conservation, (3). The characterization process, (4). The documentation process.The results of these activities involve ex situ collection of 5 accessions of medicinal plants that can be used as a source of biofarmaca. Medicinal plant conservation could be through in-situ and or ex-situ. The in-situ conservation held by managing the forest area as the natural habitat of the medicinal plants, while the ex-situ conservation held outside of the native habitats. Appropriate utilization and research activities are important in conservation of the medicinal plants Central Kalimantan..

scholarly journals Designing conservation strategies to preserve the genetic diversity of Astragalus edulis Bunge, an endangered species from western Mediterranean region

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Peñas ◽  
Sara Barrios ◽  
Javier Bobo-Pinilla ◽  
Juan Lorite ◽  
M. Montserrat Martínez-Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Ecological Data

Astragalus edulis (Fabaceae) is an endangered annual species from western Mediterranean region that colonized SE Iberian Peninsula, NE and SW Morocco, and the easternmost Macaronesian islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). Although in Spain some conservation measures have been adopted, it is still necessary to develop an appropriate management plan to preserve genetic diversity across the entire distribution area of the species. Our main objective was to use population genetics as well as ecological and phylogeographic data to select Relevant Genetic Units for Conservation (RGUCs) as the first step in designing conservation plans for A. edulis. We identified six RGUCs for in situ conservation, based on estimations of population genetic structure and probabilities of the loss of rare alleles. Additionally, further population parameters, i.e. occupation area, population size, vulnerability, legal status of the population areas, and the historical haplotype distribution, were considered in order to establish which populations deserve conservation priority. Three populations from the Iberian Peninsula, two from Morocco, and one from the Canary Islands represent the total genetic diversity of the species and the rarest allelic variation. Ex situ conservation is recommended to complement the preservation of A. edulis, given that effective in situ population protection is not feasible in all cases. The consideration of complementary phylogeographic and ecological data is useful for management efforts to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species.

scholarly journals Ecology and conservation of a living fossil: Australia's Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berin Dylan Ewing Mackenzie ◽  
Steve W. Clarke ◽  
Heidi C. Zimmer ◽  
Edward C. Y. Liew ◽  
Maureen T. Phelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Living Fossil ◽  
In The Wild

The iconic Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a critically endangered Australian conifer and one of the world’s rarest trees with only 46 mature individuals remaining in the wild. The species is regarded as a ‘living fossil’ and was discovered on the brink of extinction following a natural historical decline. While its discovery has enabled crucial intervention for its long-term conservation, it has also created novel threats. Wollemia nobilis is facing extinction in the wild due to its highly restricted distribution, extremely small population size, and ongoing impacts from exotic pathogens, inappropriate fire regimes, unauthorised site visitation, and anthropogenic climate change. A highly successful, collaborative program combining in situ management, ecological research and monitoring with public education and ex situ conservation strategies, such as translocation and commercial cultivation, is enhancing the species’ long-term survival. The extended longevity and slow growth and maturation of wild Wollemi Pine present unique challenges to effective in situ conservation, including the multidecadal timescales required to deliver certain conservation objectives. The continued success of the conservation program depends on strong forward planning, intergenerational commitment and collaboration, and ongoing public support.

scholarly journals Secrets beneath the soil: recovery of fern spores as a strategy of biodiversity conservation in Punta Lara Nature Reserve (PLNR), Argentina

Rodriguésia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Cayetano Berrueta ◽  
Maria Luján Luna ◽  
Gabriela Elena Giudice ◽  
Marta Mónica Ponce
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Local Species ◽  
Soil Recovery

Abstract The recovery of soil spores is a strategy to strengthen in decline or disappeared populations from natural environments. In this work, we analyzed 25 soil samples extracted from a patch of gallery forest in an “albardón” of Punta Lara Reserve, Buenos Aires. The samples were distributed in 50 Petri dishes, 25 exposed to controlled temperature and light and another 25 kept in darkness. To contribute to the identification of gametophytes and sporophytes, spores of the local species were cultured in vitro. In 18 months of trial, the appearance of gametophytes and sporophytes was observed, in a greater proportion those belonging to a dominant species in the community: Doryopteris concolor. Numerous gametophytes and sporophytes from Gastoniella chaerophylla were also obtained, a taxon not found in the “albardón” for two years. The germination index (GI) was estimated and the morphological characteristics of the gametophytes and sporophytes were recorded. This is the first contribution to the knowledge of the spore banks in Argentina, in a protected area where several threats put at risk the survival of native species. The bases to implement methods of ex situ and in situ conservation of native ferns are provided.

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