Conservation biology of plants

Aquatic plants fulfil a wide range of ecological roles, and make a substantial contribution to the structure, function and service provision of aquatic ecosystems. Given their well-documented importance in aquatic ecosystems, research into aquatic plants continues to blossom. The 14th International Symposium on Aquatic Plants, held in Edinburgh in September 2015, brought together 120 delegates from 28 countries and six continents. This special issue of Hydrobiologia includes a select number of papers on aspects of aquatic plants, covering a wide range of species, systems and issues. In this paper, we present an overview of current trends and future directions in aquatic plant research in the early twenty first century. Our understanding of aquatic plant biology, the range of scientific issues being addressed and the range of techniques available to researchers have all arguably never been greater; however, substantial challenges exist to the conservation and management of both aquatic plants and the ecosystems in which they are found. The range of countries and continents represented by conference delegates and authors of papers in the special issue illustrates the global relevance of aquatic plant research in the early twenty first century but also the many challenges that this burgeoning scientific discipline must address.

The germination requirements and the basis of the optimal water content before and after cryopreservation were studied for ten endangered Brazilian species of Bromeliaceae. Constant and alternating temperature regimes were used to determine the best conditions for seed germination. The relationship between seed water content and relative humidity was evaluated using water sorption isotherms at 15 °C. Seeds were cryostored at four water contents (3, 5, 7 and 9%) and three storage periods (0, 180 and 365 days), and loss in viability and vigour were estimated. Fresh seeds of all species showed maximum germination in < 30 days at temperatures between 20 and 30 °C, indicating the absence of a physical/morphological dormancy. A sigmoidal relationship between seed water content and relative humidity was observed with no apparent differences in sorption characteristics among the species. The optimum water content for cryopreservation of most of these species was c. 7%. Ultra-drying (3% seed water content) had a detrimental effect on seed viability and vigour. Our experiments suggested orthodox storage behaviour for all species of Bromeliaceae examined as they are able to survive desiccation and freezing. This study has shown the feasibility of ex situ conservation in seed cryobanks of endangered bromeliads from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to support future reintroduction of these species in nature.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/boj.12219/

The remarkable inflorescence of Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang (the giant corpse flower) has always attracted worldwide attention, especially from people involved in the plant sciences. However, the characteristics of its reproductive biology have challenged efforts to cultivate and domesticate the plant. The species rarely produces fruit/seeds because the male and female flowers do not mature simultaneously. The success of pollination, as indicated by subsequent fruit production, depends on the interaction between insects and the mature male and female flowers from different individual plants. Therefore this study on cross-hand pollination to produce seeds is very important to support the ex-situ conservation efforts of this species in collections. Based on observation, flowering of the species occurs at least once every three year. An inflorescence of A. titanum which opened in Bogor Botanic Gardens on 2 February 2012 was pollinated manually using (stored) pollen taken from another plant, which had bloomed on 29 November 2011. The hand cross-pollination was successful and the fruit (infructescence) produced on 22 February 2012 marked the first success for manual pollination of this giant aroid in Indonesia. In this research, the morphology of pollen of A. titanum was carefully observed and its quality of stored seeds was tested.

Premise of research. Tropical epiphytes are susceptible to climatic changes, as evidenced by documented population declines, range contractions, and range shifts; however, physiological changes in individual plants may also be indicative of deteriorating climate conditions. Consequently, physiological analyses of tropical epiphytes whose natural habitats are constrained by climatic conditions are warranted to evaluate their responses to potential changes in these conditions, to assess their vulnerability, and to guide conservation actions. Methodology. Here we investigate photosynthetic processes in Puerto Rican Lepanthes species, a group of Neotropical epiphytic orchids, as a model system to determine whether altered microclimate conditions elicit adverse physiological responses. We tested for differences in chlorophyll fluorescence, measured as F v /F m , as an indication of plant stress under modified temperature, humidity, and air vapor pressure deficit. Pivotal results. Mean F v /F m was positively correlated with mean relative humidity and negatively correlated with mean temperature and air vapor pressure deficit. Collectively, plants exposed to altered microclimate conditions had significantly lower mean F v /F m than plants in unaltered conditions. Plants in altered microclimate conditions were also more likely to exhibit declines in F v /F m over time, and they exhibited greater reductions in F v /F m over the course of the study. Conclusions. Epiphytic plant species such as Lepanthes could exhibit declines in F v /F m and experience greater stress in their natural habitats if current warming and drying trends continue as anticipated in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Declining F v /F m is a robust indicator of plant stress, and several studies show that increased stress can promote leaf loss, limit reproduction, and lower survival rates. Thus, analyses of F v /F m can be advantageous for monitoring epiphytic orchids and other vulnerable plant species by offering a valuable means for detecting adverse responses to climate change.

The book presents data on botanical value of areas in the Azov region
using international criteria for IPAs selection. The list of species of the region
for IPA selection (criterion A), the list of indicator species for EUNIS level
2 habitat B1 «coastal dunes and sandy shores» for Ukraine (criterion B), the
list of habitats of the region entered into Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention
(criterion C) are provided. The evaluation of distribution of these species
and habitats in Ukraine for the selection of the most valuable sites for their
conservation is performed. Information on 19 IPAs of the Azov region in state
borders of Ukraine is presented.

Astrocaryum perangustatum is an endemic palm of Peru, distributed in the interandean valleys of this country. The populations of this species are constantly threaten by farming and livestock activities carried out by the local citizens. In order to discuss the future of this species in one of their locations (Pozuzo, Pasco), it was prepared deterministic and stochastic matrix models (structured populations models). In each model, the deterministic population growth rate (λ) was found, along with the stable age structure and the sensitivity of the variables. In the case of the stochastic models, the stochastic growth rate (λst) and the probability of extinction were calculated.  Restoration scenarios (reintroduction and increase of seedlings and juvenile survival) were tested using the deterministic and stochastic models prepared. The results obtained show that the population grows in forest areas under deterministic and intermediate stochastic scenarios, but this changes with the increase of the stochasticity. The population in pasture areas has low viability with extinction probabilities even over the 30%. Simulations and sensitivity analyzes show that the best strategies to recover the population in pastures consist in increasing of the survival of the earlier stages (seedlings and juveniles 1) simultaneously, and the maintenance of adult survival. The feasibility of the proposed strategies and the future of these populations are discussed.

The remarkable inflorescence of Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang (the giant corpse flower) has always attracted worldwide attention, especially from people involved in the plant sciences. However, the characteristics of its reproductive biology have challenged efforts to cultivate and domesticate the plant. The species rarely produces fruit/seeds because the male and female flowers do not mature simultaneously. The success of pollination, as indicated by subsequent fruit production, depends on the interaction between insects and the mature male and female flowers from different individual plants. Therefore this study on cross-hand pollination to produce seeds is very important to support the ex-situ conservation efforts of this species in collections. Based on observation, flowering of the species occurs at least once every three year. An inflorescence of A. titanum which opened in Bogor Botanic Gardens on 2 February 2012 was pollinated manually using (stored) pollen t...

Nasturtium microphyllum is known from 12 locations in Poland, 9 of which still exist. Most sites are located in the western part of Poland but the species occurs also in S Poland in the Vistula Valley. At the extant localities N. microphyllum grows in clean, shallow, slowly flowing or standing waters, on the banks of streams and ditches, in the marsh vegetation of the order Phragmitetalia, which is mostly related to the alliance Sparganio-Glycerion and the association Nasturtietum officinalis. Local populations are usually numerous. The species is potentially threatened due to changes in habitat conditions and water management. There is a need for monitoring the sites of N. microphyllum. Cultivation of the plant in botanical gardens is also recommended.

Phytocoenotic  features  of  the  relictual  endemic  Caragana  scythica  (Kom.)  Pojark.
(Fabaceae  Lindl.)  in  the  Donetsko-Priazovsky  region  is  studied.  Ecotopic  and
phytocoenotic  characteristics  of  32  localities  is  given. Core  species  of  the  phytocoenoses
under  consideration  are  distinguished,  phytocoenotic  connections  of  the  species  are  also
revealed and analyzed. Basing on positive association with C. scythica, the species Festuca
valesiaca Gaudin, Galatella villosa Rchb.  f., Bromopsis riparia  (Rehmann) Holub, Salvia
nutans L., Euphorbia seguieriana Neck. have been pointed out as a floristic complex, i.e. a
biomarker of probable habitats for this species.

ABSTRACT The occurrence of Gentianella bohemica was confirmed at 3 localities situated in the central Sudetes (Stołowe Mountains and Orlickie Mountains in the western part of the Kłodzko Basin). The plant grows in a fresh mountain meadow, resembling meadows of the alliance Polygono-Trisetion, in grassland of the alliance Violion caninae in an old quarry and in dry grassland of the alliance Bromion erecti. The numbers of individuals strongly fluctuate from year to year but the population at the locality in the Stołowe Mountains goes down. G. bohemica is threatened mainly due to changes in land use, which lead the eutrophication of habitat and increasing density of the meadow sward, and reforestation. Conservation measures should be focused on creating open places in the meadows, which are important for germination and development of seedlings and improving the light conditions through removal of shrubs and young trees.

The occurrence of Gentianella bohemica was confirmed at 3 localities situated in the central Sudetes (Stołowe Mountains and Orlickie Mountains in the western part of the Kłodzko Basin). The plant grows in a fresh mountain meadow, resembling meadows of the alliance Polygono-Trisetion, in grassland of the alliance Violion caninae in an old quarry and in dry grassland of the alliance Bromion erecti. The numbers of individuals strongly fluctuate from year to year but the population at the locality in the Stołowe Mountains goes down. G. bohemica is threatened mainly due to changes in land use, which lead the eutrophication of habitat and increasing density of the meadow sward, and reforestation. Conservation measures should be focused on creating open places in the meadows, which are important for germination and development of seedlings and improving the light conditions through removal of shrubs and young trees.

Current characteristics of the flora of one of the largest Ukrainian
steppe arrays, where the Karalarskiy Regional Landscape Park
was founded in 2007, are given. The main parameters of the flora
are analyzed. Rarity component of the park flora is characterized;
further steps in nature conservation in the Crimean Pryazovya
(Azov Sea area) are proposed

ABSTRACT Nasturtium microphyllum is known from 12 locations in Poland, 9 of which still exist. Most sites are located in the western part of Poland but the species occurs also in S Poland in the Vistula Valley. At the extant localities N. microphyllum grows in clean, shallow, slowly flowing or standing waters, on the banks of streams and ditches, in the marsh vegetation of the order Phragmitetalia, which is mostly related to the alliance Sparganio-Glycerion and the association Nasturtietum officinalis. Local populations are usually numerous. The species is potentially threatened due to changes in habitat conditions and water management. There is a need for monitoring the sites of M. microphyllum. Cultivation of the plant in botanical gardens is also recommended.

The thesis presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of phytodiversity of the Sea of Azov coastal zone. The history of botanical research of the Sea of Azov coastal zone is analyzed. It is established that the flora of vascular plants of the Sea of Azov includes 1924 species from 613 genera, 122 families and 4 departments. Various types of analysis have been performed, on the basis of which the flora charasteristics are elucidated. Synanthropic fraction of the Sea of Azov coastal zone flora is investigated, its analysis is made, the level and characteristics of its synanthropization is studied. Syntaxonomical composition of regional vegetation by dominant classification is established (7 types of vegetation, 149 formation and 517 associations). Syntaxonomical scheme of the vegetation is developed on the basis of floristic classification of Braun-Blanquet school, which includes 22 classes, 30 orders, 46 unions, 160 associations. Among these, 1 union and 5 associations are described for the first time. Natural and anthropogenic changes of the vegetation of the region are analyzed. The current status of taxa populations, which are protected at international, national and regional levels and plant communities of the “Green Book” is clarified. On the basis of sozological analysis it is offered to add 6 species of the Sea of Azov coastal zone flora to the 4th edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine, and 4 rare formations – to the 3rd edition of the Green Data Book of Ukraine. Measures and recommendations for protection and sustainable use of phytodiversity within the Sea of Azov coastal zone are proposed. The Red Data Book of Pryazov’ya region, ecological network and system of Important Plant Areas, which have been developed by us, will make it possible to improve nature conservation in Pryazov’ya.

Knowing the extent and structure of genetic variation in an endangered species is essential for establishing efficient conservation practices. However, proper use of this information requires understanding the role of habitat-specific selection in genetic structuring. We present a study of population differentiation in an endangered species that utilizes guidelines of recently proposed quasi in situ conservation approach. Following this approach, we examined the extent and structure of genetic (AFLP) and phenotypic variation and tested for adaptive significance of this variation in critically endangered Iris atrofusca growing in Israel and Jordan. From these results we propose a sampling design that would i) preserve species adaptive potential and ii) insure environmental match of the plant material for relocation, reintroduction or enhancement.

The paper presents a brief description of botanical research on the area of Zaporizhzhya region. The updated list
of regionally rare vascular plants of Zaporizhzhya region has been given on the grounds of the analyses of literary
sources, herbarium collections of Kyiv, Donetsk, Melitopol and author’s own research.