Collection ofAvena Macrostachya Bal. Ex Coss. et Dur. (Poaceae) germplasm in algeria

Abstract

Avena macrostachya Bal. ex Coss. et Dur. is narrowly endemic to two mountain chains in northeastern Algeria, the Aures and the Djurdjura, where it is found at high altitudes. It is taxonomically isolated within the genus, showing a number of primitive features, including perennial habit. There is interest in the possibility of gene exchange with cultivated oats, particularly as regards tolerance of low temperatures, but the availability of germplasm was limited to material from one site. The first systematic attempt to collect germplasm of the species throughout its range was made recently, during which observations were also made on its ecology and conservation status.Avena macrostachya seems to require open conditions above about 1300–1400 m in the Mediterranean region of Algeria. For the first time, germplasm was collected in the Aures, an area where the species seems to be rare and decreasing.