Ex situ conservation of Dyckia distachya: an endangered bromeliad from South Brazil

M.F Pompelli,M.P Guerra

doi:10.12702/1984-7033.v04n03a02

Abstract

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome contains a high level of genetic diversity. Historically, several factors have contributed to the drastic reduction of its cover, today restricted to less than 7%. Large forest areas have been cut down in t he states of Santa Catarina and Parana to make way for hydroelectric power plant dams and many plant species are threatened to various degrees, especially the endemic. This is the case of the Dyckia distachya bromeliad, native to the rocky banks of the River Uruguay that is threatened with extinction because of the construction of a dam for the Ita Hydroelectric power plant. The present study describes the plant's most relevant characteristics and the results of ex situ and in vitro conservation. Plants and seeds were colleted and established ex situ in the bromeliad germplasm bank. Seeds were germinated in the laboratory and the resulting plants conserved in vitro using the growth reduction technique. Both methodologies were considered effective for germplasm conservation.

Highlights

The devastation of the Atlantic forest, power plant constructions, and sharp endemism have restricted the Dyckia distachya bromeliad to a few remaining populations on the rocky banks of the Uruguay River in the west of Santa Catarina (SC) State and the south of Paraná (PR) State, and in restricted areas in Paraguay and Argentina
Tissue culture techniques have been used for the germplasm conservation of a wide range of plant species (Martin et al 1998)
Dyckia distachya seeds are dispersed by wind forming dense clumps

Summary

Introduction

The devastation of the Atlantic forest, power plant constructions, and sharp endemism have restricted the Dyckia distachya bromeliad to a few remaining populations on the rocky banks of the Uruguay River in the west of Santa Catarina (SC) State and the south of Paraná (PR) State, and in restricted areas in Paraguay and Argentina. Dyckia distachya is on the official list of Brazilian plant species threatened with extinction (Ibama 1992). Tissue culture techniques have been used for the germplasm conservation of a wide range of plant species (Martin et al 1998).

Results

Conclusion