Diversità e conservazione di piante europee minacciate
Author(s)
Olmati, Cristina
Date Issued
March 8, 2011
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The key to preserve a rare species is to have a firm grasp of its ecology and distinctive
characteristics (sometimes called its natural history), and of its population biology, the dynamic
processes that affect population size and distribution. Armed with information about a species
natural history and population biology, we can more effectively identify factors that place that
species at risk and work effectively toward safeguarding it.
In this framework the present work is aimed at better understanding the genetic diversity and the
reproduction biology of endangered plant species of European flora. The study has been conducted
with particular attention to the analysis of population genetic structure and variability and the
evaluation of seed germination capacity.
Examined species are: (i) taxa of genus Santolina (Asteraceae) from Italy, Sardinia and Spain, all
vulnerable because they have a relict range and are represented by one or few populations; (ii) the
water violet, Hottonia palustris, that grows in wetlands (shallow, stagnant/slow flowing freshwater
systems) vulnerable because its habitat has been severely reduced; (iii) Palinuro primrose (Primula
palinuri), endemic species to the southern Tyrrhenian coast, vulnerable because the increasing
human activities and especially the expansion and exponential growth of beach tourism endanger its
narrow and discontinuous range.
The study of genetic diversity and variability as well as researches on seeds germination helped to
deepen the knowledge on the conservation status of the populations studied. Specifically, the
experiments have allowed us to highlight some of the examined populations while showing low
levels of genetic variability due to the small size still have a good germination ability. On the other
hand, the same experiments showed that the reduced size of the remaining populations determine
reduced genetic variability and reduced reproduction rates.
During the course of seed germination experiments, it was also possible to collect data on the stages
of plant development and on capability of individuals obtained to respond to the growth conditions
used. The excellent results obtained, allow us to affirm that the propagation from seed for all
species investigated may be a viable method for restoration projects (restocking/reintroduction) for
populations exhibiting genetic erosion and demographic decline.
Finally, the genetic analyses have provided new important data to understand the evolutionary
processes and the speciation mechanisms of studied species allowing to deepen their knowledge
even at the taxonomic level.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Evoluzione biologica e biochimica
Subjects
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