The significance of ex situ seed conservation to reintroduction of threatened plants

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 356 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Cochrane ◽  
A. D. Crawford ◽  
L. T. Monks
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Material ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Degree Of Protection ◽  
Seed Conservation ◽  
Term Insurance ◽  
In The Wild

Ex situ seed conservation aims to support species survival in the wild. This can be achieved by contributing genetic material for reintroduction. The goals of reintroduction are to increase both plant and population numbers, create self-sustaining populations and ultimately remove a species from its threatened listing. Quality seed collections with a broad genetic base are required to achieve this goal. Storage conditions that minimise deterioration of seeds will maximise the quality of seeds available for future use. Additionally, ex situ seed conservation provides long-term insurance against species or genotype loss until actual or potential threats can be removed. As threats to biodiversity escalate the most judicious conservation strategies will be ones that combine available resources to provide the highest possible degree of protection. Banked seeds are available irrespective of season and periods of low fecundity. Forward planning of reintroduction projects can be achieved with knowledge of the quantity and quality of banked seed. This paper discusses the challenges facing ex situ seed conservation while highlighting the benefits of integrating ex situ seed storage and plant reintroduction to help provide for better conservation outcomes.

High seed viability recorded in an endangered endemic species, 'Isoplexis isabelliana' (Scrophulariaceae), after more than 30 years of storage in a conservation seed bank

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e69341
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel González Pérez ◽  
Nereida Cabrera-García ◽  
Isabel Cayon-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ

Conservation seed banks are essential for ex-situ conservation of genetic biodiversity. These institutions are especially relevant for threatened species and play a vital role in their conservation by preserving genetic material. However, samples deposited in the seed banks must germinate when necessary to use them (i.e., recovery plans, etc.). This study uses four accessions of the endemic endangered species from Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands), Isoplexis isabelliana (Webb & Berthel.) Masf. (Scrophulariaceae). Germination tests were carried out to measure seed viability through time and the possible impact of seed storage on their viability. These accessions have been kept in the seed bank for four months to thirty years under different storage conditions. Germination results differed for seeds after 45 days of exposition using 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness at 17 °C. Accessions kept in the seed bank, independently of storage, showed a high germination percentage (89%). Whereas the accessions with rough storage conditions showed a 0% germination rate. The results highlighted the good state of conservation of the material deposited in the Seed Bank of the Botanical Garden "Viera y Clavijo" and the reliability of the temperature and humidity conditions in which the seeds of I. isabelliana have been stored. We consider these results as momentous since several natural populations of I. isabelliana has been affected by the last forest fire on the island.

scholarly journals Seed Longevity of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Oliveira Torres ◽  
Robério Anastácio Ferreira ◽  
Laura Catharine Dória Prata ◽  
Renata Silva-Mann
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Embryonic Axes ◽  
Storage Chamber ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Dry Conditions

Abstract: Seed storage under controlled temperature and humidity maintains the viability and the vigor of seeds for a long time while preserving their longevity. Ex situ conservation in a seed storage chamber is perfect for simulating the cool dry conditions that are associated with long-term seed storage. This helps to preserve the availability of seeds for the recovery of degraded areas and to ensure a supply of propagating material for various purposes in silvicultural production, or as raw materials for biotechnological use. The present work evaluated the physical and physiological quality of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong seeds from an ex situ collection that was kept in a seed storage chamber at 6 °C ± 3 °C and with 60% ± 5% of RH in waterproof packaging. The water content, the physical quality by X-ray tests, germination, electrical conductivity, and the integrity and quality of RNA that was extracted from the embryonic axes were all determined. It was possible to identify full, damaged, malformed, translucent, and empty seeds. The seeds that had been stored for 1, 5, 9, and 10 years presented 78, 82, 42, and 38% of normal seedlings, respectively, while the lots of 6 and 7 years presented 0 and 6%. The seed storage conditions were the same for all of the lots. A water content higher than 6% influenced the quality of the seeds. The E. contortisiliquum seeds demonstrated high longevity. They could be stored for up to 10 years under controlled conditions.

scholarly journals Optimal long-term seed storage conditions for the endangered seagrass Zostera japonica: implications for habitat conservation and restoration

Plant Methods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shidong Yue ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Shaochun Xu ◽  
Shuai Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Zostera Japonica ◽  
Storage Method ◽  
Seagrass Meadows ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Term Storage

Abstract Background Seagrass meadows are recognized as critical and among the most vulnerable habitats on the planet. The alarming rates of decline in seagrass meadows have attracted the attention globally. There is an urgent need to develop techniques to restore and preserve these vital coastal ecosystems. So far little work has been done to develop effective long-term storage method for seagrass seeds. The seagrass Zostera japonica Asch. & Graebn is an endangered species in its native range. Here we utilized combinations of different storage times, salinities, and temperature to determine the most appropriate conditions for optimal seed storage. Results Zostera japonica seeds were strongly desiccation sensitive, with a complete loss of viability after 24 h of desiccation. Therefore, long periods of exposure to air should be avoided to minimize seed mortality. In addition, Z. japonica seeds could not endure freezing conditions such as – 5 °C. However, our results indicated that reduced storage temperature to 0 °C could effectively prolong the duration of dormancy of Z. japonica seeds. Seeds stored at 0 °C under a salinity of 40–60 psu showed relatively low seed loss, high seed vigor and fast seed germination, suggesting these to be optimal seed storage conditions. For example, after storage for 540 days (ca. 600 days since the seed collection from reproductive shoots in early October, 2016) at 0 °C under a salinity of 50 psu, seeds still had a considerable vigor, i.e. 57.8 ± 16.8%. Conclusion Our experiments demonstrated that seeds stored at 0 °C under a salinity of 40–60 psu could effectively prolong the duration of dormancy of Z. japonica seeds. The proposed technique is a simple and effective long-term storage method for Z. japonica seeds, which can then be used to aid future conservation, restoration and management of these sensitive and ecologically important habitat formers. The findings may also serve as useful reference for seed storage of other threatened seagrass species and facilitate their ex situ conservation and habitat restoration.

A Look at the Future of Public Gardens

2020 ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Donald A. Rakow ◽  
Meghan Z. Gough ◽  
Sharon A. Lee
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Public Gardens ◽  
The Future ◽  
Public Garden ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Or Gene

The final chapter provides a detailed analysis of strategies for successful partnerships and how they can be evaluated. It talks about the American Public Gardens Association's vision to make public gardens an indispensable part of communities. The APGA defines public gardens as institutions that maintain “collections of plants for the purposes of public education and enjoyment, in addition to research, conservation, and higher learning.” Gardens can best lead the way by establishing and demonstrating effective biodiversity conservation strategies in the midst of rapidly changing natural landscapes. One strategy is to preserve locally, regionally, or globally endangered species in their native habitats, which is known as in situ conservation. A second strategy is for public gardens to establish ex situ seed banks or gene banks at their sites that will preserve the genetic identities of species threatened or extirpated in the wild. Public gardens also need to be paragons of sustainable behavior, whether through LEED-certified buildings, SITES-approved landscapes, the use of solar panels and windmills, reduction or elimination of pesticides, or the use of electric vehicles. The public garden of the future will need to partner with architects, urban planners, and progressive corporations to produce a new generation of green buildings and urban gardens, so that cities will become centers of clean air and renewable energy and provide all their residents with easy access to nature.

One-step fitting of seed viability constants for two Australian plant species, Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Myrtaceae) and Xanthorrhoea preissii (Xanthorrhoeacea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Crawford ◽  
F. R. Hay ◽  
J. A. Plummer ◽  
R. J. Probert ◽  
K. J. Steadman
Keyword(s):  
Survival Data ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Gene Bank ◽  
Seed Longevity ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
One Step

Long-term ex-situ seed storage under controlled conditions in gene banks has become an important tool for conserving threatened Australian plants; however, there is scant information about the seed longevity of most species. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the seed longevity of two contrasting Australian species could be modelled using the seed viability equation, and whether the universal temperature constants are applicable to these species. Seeds of Eucalyptus erythrocorys F.Muell. (Myrtaceae) and Xanthorrhoea preissii Endl. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were aged at moisture contents ranging from 3.9 to 15.7% and temperatures between –20 and 60°C. Survival data were fitted to the seed viability equation in one step and the species constants for each species determined. Both E. erythrocorys and X. preissii seeds exhibited orthodox seed storage behaviour whose longevity could be modelled using the seed viability equation. The viability constants were KE = 8.81, CW = 4.97, CH = 0.0412 and CQ = 0.000379 for E. erythrocorys and KE = 8.77, CW = 5.29, CH = 0.0382 and CQ = 0.000473 for X. preissii. The universal temperature constants could not be used without a significant increase in error. The storage behaviour of these two Australian species is in keeping with that of orthodox species from around the world. Predictions are that E. erythrocorys will be long-lived under gene bank conditions, whereas X. preissii would be moderately long-lived. Current long-term gene bank storage conditions appear suitable for storage of these species; however, recommendations for short-term storage need to be re-evaluated.

scholarly journals Seed desiccation tolerance and dormancy of three endangered New Zealand species: Carmichaelia williamsii, Clianthus puniceus and Hibiscus diversifolius

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
M.J. Park ◽  
C.R. Mcgill ◽  
W.M. Williams ◽  
B.R. Mackay
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Desiccation Tolerance ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Dormancy Breaking ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Seed Desiccation

At least one third of New Zealand's indigenous plant species are threatened with extinction and strategies for conserving endangered flora are urgently required. One strategy is to use ex situ seed storage as a complement to in situ conservation. Successful ex situ storage of seed requires knowledge of the seed storage behaviour, optimal storage conditions and germination requirements of the species being stored. For many threatened species, however, this information is either incomplete or unavailable. In this study, preliminary experiments were conducted with three threatened species, Carmichaelia williamsii, Clianthus puniceus and Hibiscus diversifolius, to determine their desiccation tolerance and dormancy status. Seeds were tested for germination following desiccation and dormancy-breaking treatment. Seeds of all three species could be dried to moisture contents of 2.9-3.7% without losing viability. All three species became predominantly hardseeded at approximately 10% moisture content. However, C. puniceus became permeable to water again at moisture contents below 6%. In all species, manual scarification of seeds improved germination to 96-100% compared with 5-20% in untreated seeds. Dormancy in these species is a function of the seed coat preventing water uptake by the dry seed. While seeds of these species are most likely desiccation tolerant and thus can potentially be stored for long periods under conventional conditions, the loss of dormancy of C. puniceus at very low moisture contents is of concern. More work is needed to confirm the long-term storage behaviour of these species. Keywords: ex situ conservation, seed storage behaviour, New Zealand flora

scholarly journals Field Screening of European Avena Genetic Resources Collections

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Danela Murariu
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Human Nutrition ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Field Screening ◽  
Days To Heading ◽  
Wide Variability

Abstract Oat is a crop with an important European history and tradition. The high value of oat in human nutrition, which is unique among cereals, is widely recognized and confirmed by health claims issued in various countries. It is based on a high content and quality of proteins, considerable content of fat with high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, high contents of dietary fiber, especially the soluble, highly viscous mixed linked (1->3)(1->4)-ß-D-glucans, which hypocholesterolemic effects, minerals and antioxidants, especially tocopherols, tocotrienols and avenanthramides. The main goal of this paper is on characterization and evaluation of accessions from European ex situ collections for different traits, which are important for the quality of oats in human nutrition. All field experiments carried out in experimental field of Suceava Genebank, during 2014-2016. Field screening of genetic material was performed by using several IPGRI descriptors: days to heading; growth habit; lodging at immature and mature stages; shape of panicle; lemma color; length of panicle; panicle numbers/m2; plant height; productivity; (g/m2); seed weight (g) and test weight (kg/hl). A wide variability was observed for all used descriptors, and some genotypes potentially interesting for breeding programs were identified (landraces and obsolete cultivars).

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 Getting off to a good start? Genetic evaluation of the ex situ conservation project of the Critically Endangered Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi)

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio Valbuena-Ureña ◽  
Anna Soler-Membrives ◽  
Sebastian Steinfartz ◽  
Mònica Alonso ◽  
Francesc Carbonell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Morphological Differentiation ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In The Wild

Ex situ management strategies play an important role in the conservation of threatened species when the wild survival of the species cannot be ensured. Molecular markers have become an outstanding tool for the evaluation and management of captive breeding programs. Two main genetic objectives should be prioritized when planning breeding programs: the maintenance of maximum neutral genetic diversity, and to obtain “self-sustaining” captive populations. In this study, we use 24 microsatellite loci to analyze and evaluate the genetic representativity of the initial phases of the captive breeding program of the Montseny brook newt, Calotriton arnoldi, an Iberian endemic listed as Critically Endangered. The results show that the initial captive stock has 74–78% of the alleles present in the wild populations, and captures roughly 93–95% of their total genetic diversity as observed in a previous study on wild newts, although it does not reach the desired 97.5%. Moreover, the percentage of unrelatedness among individuals does not exceed 95%. Therefore, we conclude that the genetic diversity of the captive stock should be improved by incorporating genetic material from unrelated wild newts. In recognition of the previously described significant genetic and morphological differentiation between eastern and western wild populations of C. arnoldi, we suggest maintaining two distinct breeding lines, and we do not recommend outbreeding between these lines. Our comparisons of genetic diversity estimates between real and distinct sample-sized simulated populations corroborated that a minimum of 20 individuals are needed for each captive population, in order to match the level of genetic diversity present in the wild populations. Thus, the current initial stock should be reinforced by adding wild specimens. The captive stock and subsequent cohorts should be monitored in order to preserve genetic variation. In order to avoid genetic adaptation to captivity, occasionally incorporating previously genotyped individuals from the wild into the captive populations is recommended.

scholarly journals Prolonging the longevity of ex situ conserved seeds by storage under anoxia

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven P. C. Groot ◽  
Liesbeth de Groot ◽  
Jan Kodde ◽  
Rob van Treuren
Keyword(s):  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Anoxic Conditions ◽  
Seed Deterioration ◽  
Seed Harvest ◽  
Oxidative Processes

Plant genetic resources are conserved by genebanks mainly in the form of seeds. In most of the cases, the dried seeds can be stored for a considerable period of time, but eventually seed deterioration results in the inability to generate healthy seedlings. Prolonging seed longevity during storage reduces the frequency of regeneration, which is beneficial from a genetic as well as a management point of view. To reduce the rate of deterioration, cool and dry storage conditions are usually practised for long-term seed storage. In spite of the growing body of evidence that seed deterioration is predominantly caused by oxidative processes, the importance of seed storage under anoxic conditions has received little attention from the genebank community. Herein, we report on the effects of anoxia on seed viability, the oxygen uptake by dry seeds in closed containers and the permeability for oxygen of various seed storage containers. Our results confirm that the ageing of dry seeds is accelerated by the presence of oxygen in the storage environment. Therefore, we recommend that genebanks store dry seeds under anoxic conditions to prolong their longevity during ex situ conservation. To reduce the initial rate of viability loss, we further recommend that the period of temporary storage after seed harvest be minimized and also that the seeds are kept during this period under controlled conditions, including anoxia.

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