MODULATION OF CULTURE MEDIUM ON THE EX SITU CONSERVATION OF Neoregelia mucugensis Leme (BROMELIACEAE)1

ABSTRACT Bromeliads are the target of predatory extractivism and consequently many species are included in the red list of threatened species, such as those belonging to the genus Neoregelia. Although Neoregelia mucugensis has not been evaluated for the degree of threat, its exploitation is exclusively extractive and its occurrence in Chapada Diamantina-BA is subject to the action of fires that affect the region annually. In this context, applying techniques aimed at protecting this genetic resource is fundamental for both the maintenance of its natural populations and the ex situ conservation of this genetic material. Plant tissue culture techniques have been successfully applied for the conservation of several bromeliad species. One of the methods used is slow growth, which consists in reducing plant metabolism and consequently decelerating its growth, which allows the maintenance of in vitro plant collections without the need for subculture. In this context, the objective of this study was to test the reduction of salts in the culture medium and the addition of osmoregulators on the induction of slow growth of N. mucugensis. Plants were subjected to treatments composed of different concentrations of MS medium and mannitol for a period of 12 months, when then analyses were conducted to evaluate growth, chlorophyll content and regeneration capacity of shoots in vitro. It was found that the treatment containing MS ½ and 7.8 g.L-1 of mannitol is indicated for in vitro conservation of N. mucugensis with maintenance of the regenerative capacity of its tissues.

Microclimate-based mortality analysis of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens plant collection

Despite the routinely conducted treatment and maintenance of garden plant collection, the monthly mortality figures of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens (CBG) plant collections remain significant. It is presumed that the microclimate has a crucial influence on plant survivorship in the field. This study aimed to analyze the effect of microclimate conditions on the mortality rate of the CBG plant collection. The study was conducted by correlating the number of mortal plants with CBG monthly microclimatic conditions from 2017 to 2018. The analyzed microclimate parameters were temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind velocity, and solar radiation. The multiple regression modeling, t-test, and Pearson correlation test (r) were utilized to measure the level of significance of the correlation (α = 0.05). The findings were shown that the maximum wind velocity was the primary unit correlated to the number of mortality. The correlation was strong positive (r = 68.8%), and significant (p-value α). We suggested anticipating the disadvantages influences of strong wind supported by other extreme microclimate units, such as heavy rain. These events frequently caused high damage to the tree and other plant collections. These are expected to be taken into a consideration by the CBG operator and management in order to forecast and mitigate the risks of future plant collection losses.

SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES OF THE GENUS QUERCUS L. IN THE ARBORETUM HERBARIUM OF THE UNIVERSITY

The results of the analysis of Quercus L. species stored in the herbarium of the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology of Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education VSUFT (Voronezh) are presented. This herbarium of historical plant collections of the genus Quercus L. is critical for tracking changes in the genus, including the introduction and distribution of species. We examined the belonging of the species to systematic units – subgenus, section, subsection, row, using the traditional classification and the updated intrageneric classification of oaks. Information about the life form, plant height, date and place of collection of the specimen was recorded. We entered information into the database, which will further simplify the work on registration, revision of the herbarium fund and when replenishing herbarium specimens. Conclusions were drawn based on the results of the workabout changes in the taxonomic nature and phylogenetic relationships of species in Quercus L. genus

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities in Sekerak Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia

Navia ZI, Suwardi AB, Baihaqi. 2021. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities in Sekerak Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4273-4281. Local communities in Aceh Tamiang have gained a wealth of medicinal knowledge through practice and experience in their long-term battles with the disease. However, because of a lack of written records and rapid economic development, their traditional medicinal knowledge is under threat. This study investigated medicinal plants and related traditional knowledge of local communities in the Sekerak subdistrict, Aceh Taming, Indonesia. Field surveys, plant collections, and interviews with communities were used in this study. The Snowball Sampling technique was used to select 60 informants for the interviews. A total of 46 medicinal plant species belonging to 40 genera and 26 families were used for medicinal purposes by local communities to treat 28 different diseases. The itch, swelling, cough, and nosebleed were the most commonly treated. With a use-value index of 0.98, Tagetes erecta was the most commonly used medicinal plant by local communities. In addition, local communities identified the leaf (50%) as the most widely used plant part and oral administration (65%) as the most common method of administering traditional medicine. Elders have more knowledge of medicinal plants than younger generations, indicating that traditional knowledge is eroding across generations. However, initiatives to promote and conserve medicinal plants must be improved, particularly among the younger generation. This is required to ensure the availability of medicinal plants and the preservation of traditional knowledge in the future.

Using herbarium samples for NGS methods – a methodological comparison

Herbaria harbor a tremendous amount of plant specimens that are rarely used for plant systematic studies. The main reason is the difficulty to extract a decent quantity of good quality DNA from the preserved plant material. While the extraction of ancient DNA in animals is well established, studies including old plant material are still underrepresented. In our study we compared the standard Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit and a specific PTB-DTT protocol on to two different plant genera (Xanthium L. and Salix L.). The included herbarium material covered about two centuries of plant collections. A selected subset of samples was used for a standard library preparation as well as a target enrichment approach. The results revealed that PTB-PTT resulted in higher quantity and quality regarding DNA yield. Despite the lower overall yield of DNA, the Qiagen Kit resulted in better sequencing results regarding the number of filtered and mapped reads. We were able to successfully sequence a sample from 1820 and conclude that it is possible to include old herbarium specimens in NGS approaches. This opens a treasure box in phylogenomic research.

Sex identification in Nepenthes adrianii from Baturraden Botanical Garden: Genetic analysis using RAPD Markers

Nepenthes adrianii is one of pitcher plant species that grows endemically in Mount Slamet, Central Java. At present, it is one of pitcher plant collections of Baturraden Botanical Garden. Since N. adrianii is dioecious and both sexes are difficult to distinguish morphologically, early sex determination supporting its conservation at Baturraden Botanical Garden is needed. One approach can be performed with the use of RAPD molecular markers. Hence, this study aims to know whether differences in RAPD pattern between male and female N. adrianii exist or not and also to find out what the differences are. Genomic DNAs were extracted from leaves of 4 males, 2 females, and 2 sexually unidentified individuals. The extracted DNAs were then used to analyze DNA variation between male and female N. adrianii employing RAPD technique. As many as five oligonucleotide primers (OPA-15, OPK-16, OPP-15, OPP-08, and OPO-08) were used to amplify N. adrianii DNA. The results showed that one primer, i.e. OPK-16 (5’-GAGCGTCGAA-3’), produces a specific band of approximately 290 bp which is only found in female plants. It is assumed that this band is related to gene(s) controlling sex determination in N. adrianii. The RAPD marker can be used for the sex determination of young N. adrianii seedlings.

Analysis of Interface & Information Content of LIPI Botanical Gardens Website Based on Scanmic Model

Background of the study: Website is an online media institution to promote and disseminate the information services to the public. The LIPI botanical garden website has interesting information to study, such as information of plant collections, library services, and website content. The Scanmic model can be used to analyze the appearance and information content of the botanical garden website. Purposes: to know the plant collections, library services, and website analysis results at LIPI botanical gardens, namely KR Bogor, KR Cibodas, KR Purwodadi, and KR Eka Karya Bali. Method: This type of research is descriptive – qualitative, data sources by: information retrieval on the LIPI botanical garden website, literature study, and documentation. Analysis of the website appearance and content by Scanmic model criteria, namely: screen design, content, accessibility, navigation, media use, interactivity, and consistency. Findings: The results of this study indicate that the plant collection in each botanical garden is different, and the information can be accessed through library services. The results of the Scanmic model analysis showed that of the 7 criterias of 21 indicators only 15 indicators were fulfill by the LIPI botanical garden website. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop the features and content of the LIPI botanical garden website continuosly to be more user friendly and interactive.

Can horticulturists save the world?: A reflection on the curation of plant collections

Having worked with plant collections for 30 years perspectives change, particularly as we face increasing environmental challenges. Collections celebrate plant diversity whether it’s grown for science, conservation, education or for joy. These all remain strong and valid reasons, whilst the increasing awareness of environmental issues and notably the challenges of a changing climate bring a new emphasis. Horticulturists have been at the forefront of recognising these impacts, adapting our management and noting the changing behaviour of plants. In our collections, cultivated plants will be increasingly important as we adapt and mitigate, placing a new emphasis on conserving and utilising them. Connected is the increased recognition of the value of plants and green spaces to our well-being. These challenges raise the importance and relevance of plant diversity and horticulture to the wider society. So can horticulturists save the World? We will certainly have a major contribution to make.

Candide and Botanical Software: technology cultivating garden visitation and collection management

It is clear that the biodiversity crisis and overarching threat of climate change are having a fundamental impact on the biology of the planet. Botanic gardens, and related institutions, are uniquely positioned as centres of expertise in plant biodiversity. Their efforts in the exploration and documentation of biodiversity are also a fundamental prerequisite for the conservation of plants. The systematised and structured documentation of a garden’s collection of plant material, together with the collection policy and overall mission, characterises an institution as a botanic garden. However, the currently available tools and processes are not cost-effective, accessible at a global level, and do not provide the necessary efficiency for the needs and workflows of botanic gardens and plant collection management. In the context of gardens and visitation, there is also a growing disconnection between people and plants, particularly in an increasingly urbanised world. Here, we present numerous innovative initiatives towards tackling these challenges, assisted by technology. We discuss the application of machine-learning in the automatic identification of plants (including composite tools such as Augmented Reality), and digital engagement through mobile-based complementations to visitors’ experiences. We also explore the documentation of quality data for botanical collections, and how advancements in collection management systems will play a major role in the efforts of the botanic garden community, and use of their richly-diverse plant collections in the vanguard of research, conservation, education, and visitation. Thus, ongoing technological developments in tools for botanic gardens and their visitors, present positive and influential contributions in tackling global challenges associated with plant conservation and engaging the broadest and most diverse audiences.