Plant Conservation Research Articles

Does a whole plant conservation gradient exist within a subtropical broadleaved evergreen forest?

The coordination between leaf and root traits is crucial for plants to synchronize their strategies for acquiring and utilizing above- and belowground resources. Nevertheless, the generality of a whole plant conservation gradient is still controversial. Such testing has been conducted mainly among communities at large spatial scales, and thus evidence is lacking within communities. This is noteworthy because factors that influence leaf and root trait variation differ across scales. Here, we measured pairs of analogous leaf and first-order root traits, including morphological (leaf thickness (LT) and root diameter (RD), leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and specific root length (SRL), and leaf and root tissue density (LTD and RTD)) and chemical traits (carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in leaf and root tissues), on the same plants from 60 woody species within a subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest. The trade-off patterns in and correlations between leaf and root traits were examined using (phylogenetic) principal component analysis and correlation analysis. Our results revealed two dominant dimensions of leaf trait variation, the leaf economics spectrum (LES) and the LT-LTD trade-off axis. Variations in root traits were mainly accounted for by a two-dimensional root economics space (RES) (i.e., root conservation gradient (RTD-RN) and root collaboration gradient (RD-SRL)). The LES and root conservation gradient were correlated and could be integrated into one whole plant conservation gradient, independent of the root collaboration gradient and the leaf LT-LTD trade-off dimension. Leaf and root N concentrations correlated positively, independent of phylogeny, whereas analogous leaf and root morphological traits varied independently of each other. These results support the existence of a whole plant conservation gradient, but also highlight a complex integration of multiple above- and belowground adaptive strategies of plants within a forest community, which offer new insight into ecological trade-offs, species coexistence and community assembly in the forest ecosystem.

Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants by The Magar Community of Pokhara Metropolitan City

Most people still widely use medicinal plants for their primary health care needs in Nepal. Ethnomedicinal studies play a key role in conserving traditional knowledge and its use. This current research was conducted to document the medicinal plants used by the Magar community for various disease ailments among the selected wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City. This study uses both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected through field visits, group discussions, and interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Altogether 101 medicinal plant species belonging to 55 families and 89 genera have been recorded. The dominant family was Asteraceae having 9 species. Herbs (37 species) were the most used life form of the plant while rhizomes (33 species), were the most used plant part.The most favored mode of drug preparation was found to be paste form (31 species). The highest number of plants were used for gastrointestinal disorders. The indigenous knowledge of lesser-known plants is rapidly decreasing. Therefore, necessary efforts should be taken by the federal, provincial, and local governments for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants.

KEPONG BOTANICAL GARDEN: THE ROLE AND CHALLENGE TOWARDS CONSERVATION PLANT DIVERSITY

The rapid loss of plant diversity poses a critical global environmental challenge, particularly in biodiverse regions like Malaysia, encompassing diverse ecosystems from underwater realms to mountain forests. This study explores the pivotal role of botanic gardens as environmental stewards amidst this crisis, focusing on their efforts in plant conservation. This research identifies key findings through a documentation analysis of Npark Singapore Botanic Garden and Bogor Botanic Garden and semi-structured interviews with experts from Kepong Botanical Garden and Landscape Architects. Both case studies highlight the success of botanical gardens in collecting, preserving, and conserving the diversity of tropical plant species. They provide essential facilities and employ management strategies such as ex-situ conservation programs. Interviews underscore the significance of these activities in advancing plant taxonomy and habitat exploration. These findings serve as a critical reference for ongoing conservation initiatives, emphasising the potential of Kepong Botanic Garden to mitigate biodiversity loss in Malaysia.

Persisting plant blindness in conservation efforts

AbstractPlants receive significantly less attention in conservation efforts than other groups. Conservation and funding are often directed towards more charismatic animal groups. Considering that two out of every five plant species face the risk of extinction, the limited expenditure on plant conservation is particularly concerning. An unbiased distribution of funding across conservation priorities is urgently needed.

Species Distribution Models in plant conservation science: a comprehensive review with a focus on Iran

This review article thoroughly examines the role of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) in plant conservation science, with a specific focus on applications within Iran. Commencing with an extensive methodological approach, involving an exhaustive search across reputable academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, the review synthesizes a comprehensive set of studies. It offers deep insights into SDM principles, challenges, and transformative applications. Addressing these challenges, the review explores contemporary data collection methods, including the use of remote sensing, drones, and citizen science, which enhance the precision and scope of SDMs. A detailed examination of various modelling algorithms and approaches, including MaxEnt, Random Forest, Bayesian models, and others, highlights their specific applications and contributions to plant conservation. The review also integrates climate change data and various scenarios into SDMs, showcasing case studies that illustrate SDMs' potential to predict shifts in plant distributions in response to changing climate conditions and overexploitation. Emphasizing the importance of spatial scale, the review discusses its critical impact on the accuracy of modelling and conservation planning. The article concludes by underlining the indispensable role of SDMs in advancing plant conservation efforts, offering tailored recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners.

Forest Health Monitoring of Tree Collections in Bogor Botanical Garden: A Case Study of Plot V

Abstract Botanical Garden is an ex-situ plant conservation area with documented plant collections, especially species of scarce, endangered, and endemic species. Bogor Botanical Garden has 25 collection plots, and this research focused on collection plots V (V.A., V.B., and V.C.). The study aims to estimate the percentage of trees in healthy condition and the number and types of trees with severe tree damage. The method used is Forest Health Monitoring (FHM), which was done visually to identify the type and extent of tree damage. The results of the research showed that 234 trees fit into the healthy tree classification (86.67%) with NIK (damage index value) (0 ≤ 5) from the total number of trees observed, namely 270 trees in those collection plots. The tree classification for heavy damage was four trees (1.48%) (NIK 16 ≥ 21), including Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng., located in collection plot V.A.078a, Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f.) Alston., which is in plot V.A.129, and Syzygium polycephaloides (C.B.Rob.) Merr., which is in plot V.B.111 and 111a. Most trees in plot V were healthy, but the least were heavily damaged.

All together now: A mixed-planting experiment reveals adaptive drought tolerance in seedlings of 10 Eucalyptus species.

The negative impacts of drought on plant productivity and survival in natural and crop systems are increasing with global heating, yet our capacity to identify species capable of surviving drought remains limited. Here, we tested the use of a mixed-planting approach for assessing differences in seedling drought tolerance. To homogenize dehydration rates, we grew seedlings of ten species of Eucalyptus together in trays where roots of all individuals were overlapping in a common loam soil. These seedling combinations were dried down under cool and warm temperature conditions and seedling responses were quantified from measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm). The day of drought (T) associated with an 88% decline in Fv/Fm (TF88) varied significantly among species and was unrelated to seedling size. No significant differences in water potentials were detected among seedlings dehydrated under warm conditions prior to leaf wilt. The rank-order of species TF88 was consistent under both temperature treatments. Under cool conditions, seedling TF88 increased with decreasing cavitation vulnerability measured on adult foliage. Under both treatments, a quadratic function best fit the relationship between seedling TF88 and sampling site mean annual precipitation. These results provide evidence for adaptive selection of seedling drought tolerance. Our findings highlight the use of mixed-planting experiments for comparing seedling drought tolerance, with applications for improving plant breeding and conservation outcomes.

Diversity and conservation of medicinal plants in tropical East Africa

Diversity and conservation of medicinal plants in tropical East Africa

In vitro slow-growth conservation, acclimatization, and genetic stability of virus-free apple plants

In vitro slow-growth storage has long played an important role in maintaining valuable horticultural materials. It is particularly applicable to the conservation of virus-free materials recovered from meristem culture or shoot-tip cryotherapy. In this study, the apple cultivar ‘Yanfu-6’ and the rootstock genotype ‘Qingzhen-1’ obtained from a virus disinfection program were compared during the establishment of in vitro slow-growth storage programs. At room temperature (25℃), combining with 4.5% sucrose or 0.5% mannitol, extended the conservation period of ‘Yanfu-6’ and ‘Qingzhen-1’to 5 and 9 months, respectively. Decreasing the temperature to 12℃ led to further reduced shoot growth, extending the conservation period to 9 months for ‘Yanfu-6’, while more than 80% of ‘Qingzhen-1’ shoots could be recovered after one year of storage. Similarly, high rooting and acclimatization success levels were obtained for ‘Qingzhen-1’ after one-year storage at 12℃, as well as for the plants that underwent monthly subcultures, but not for ‘Yanfu-6’. The inability to root in ‘Yanfu-6’ was overcome by micrografting onto rootstock ‘Qingzhen-1’, which resulted in a rooting percentage of 83% and an acclimatization success of 77%. In the analysis of genetic stability by next-generation sequencing, reduced levels of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and insertions and deletions (InDels) were detected in ‘Qingzhen-1’ shoots recovered after one-year storage at 12℃, as compared with shoots that underwent regular subcultures. These results highlight the use of in vitro slow-growth program assisted with micrografting for the conservation of valuable horticultural species.

Planning eco-sensitive zones for promoting tree diversity and ecosystem services in urban academic landscapes: a case study from the North-western Indo-Gangetic plain

ABSTRACT Urban academic greenspaces provide a protective environment for the conservation of plants and animals and ecological health benefits to human beings. Several anthropogenic activities and landscape practices lead to patches of natural and built-up areas; therefore, a better understanding of campus tree diversity and ecosystem services among natural and built-up areas may help in biodiversity management. Considering this, we assessed how landscape heterogenicity (i.e. the proportion of natural and built-up/paved surface area) and planning principles influence tree density and diversity patterns in three zones (buffer zone: natural/remnant woodland; transition zone: mixed open grassland and woody plantation; core zone: paved/built-up, grassland, and scattered woody plantation) in the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali campus (Punjab) India. We found a total of 1,993 trees belonging to sixty-eight species, mostly native flora. We found that landscape planning principles significantly influenced tree diversity patterns, with the highest tree diversity in the B3 buffer zone (H: 2.9, PIE: 0.9), which integrated elements of the original landscape and new plantations to optimise ecological value and the lowest diversity in the B2 buffer zone (i.e. H: 0.4; PIE: 0.2) with a monoculture plantation of exotic agroforestry species. We also observed that tree density was negatively influenced by impervious surface area (r = -0.68, p < 0.05) in the core zones and by the plantation of exotic species in the natural areas. The campus diversity supports birds of different feeding guilds (insectivore: 41%, omnivore: 25%, carnivore: 25%, frugivore/nectarivore: 13%, graminivore: 4%, and piscivore: 2%). Additionally, academic buildings planned with high canopy cover and density (45% and 95 ha−1) had reduced the wall temperatures of academic buildings from 12°C to 6°C compared to neighbouring buildings without tree cover. This highlighted the importance of maintaining tree diversity in urban academic institutions to promote urban sustainability.

Discovery of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers in the Endemic Durian Kura-Kura (Durio testudinarius Becc.)

Durio testudinarius, known as Durian Kura-Kura, is a native Bornean durian species in the Malvaceae family with fruit at the base of the main stem. Recent advances in genomic-based next-generation sequencing are being used to conserve germplasm and enhance plant breeding. This method rapidly and cost-effectively sequences plant genomes, allowing for simple sequence repeat markers to be constructed in silico. This study aimed to design and evaluate novel, simple sequence repeat markers utilizing next-generation sequencing microsatellite data of D. testudinarius. A total of 20 sequences containing di-, tri-, tetra-, and penta-nucleotide motif repeats were selected and designed to generate primers using Primer3 online software. The PCR results of the twenty primers tested on D. testudinarius and 19 genomic DNA samples of species from the Malvales order showed successful amplification. These newly developed simple sequence repeat markers are crucial for genetic population analyses, determining population structure, and enhancing plant breeding programs and conservation strategies for D. testudinarius and its relative's germplasm resources.

The Malvaceae Collection at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden: Ex Situ Conservation to Meet Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

Ex situ conservation of plants is a current and urgent issue, especially in the Brazilian context. While Brazil has the world’s highest plant diversity, few consistent initiatives are aimed at conserving the potential of our living collections toward reaching Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Objective II of GSPC calls for the conservation of plant diversity, with Target 8 specifying 75% of threatened plant species in ex situ collections. It was only after cataloging the collection of Malvaceae from the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) for scientific publication that we realized the potential of this collection for ex situ conservation. With this in mind, we carefully catalog the individuals present, updating the names of species and counting their individuals. We found that Malvaceae is represented by 63 species and 216 individuals in the arboretum, 45 species native to America, 11 from Africa, 10 from Asia, and 3 from Oceania. Using IUCN criteria, only two species are threatened and two are data-deficient, with one or two individuals each. Based on these data and the specific biology of this taxonomic group, we identified the main problems and listed recommendations to make this collection more representative of the endangered taxa of the Brazilian flora. Therefore, we expect this effort to be a solid contribution to Target 8 mandated by GSPC, as well as a replicable pilot project for other taxonomic groups of Brazilian flora.

Comparison of Orchid Conservation Between China and Other Countries

Global attention is highly focused on biodiversity conservation. Various countries are actively implementing relevant conservation measures. To advance these efforts in China, it is essential to understand global conservation actions. The orchid family, one of the most diverse groups of flowering plants, has become a “flagship” group for plant conservation. In this study, we summarized 3418 policies and regulations related to orchid conservation in 45 countries. We found that orchid conservation actions in various countries have focused on in situ conservation, with 1469 policies and regulations issued for nature reserves, while ex situ conservation has been seriously neglected, with only seven relevant regulations. Most developing countries have experienced an increase in orchid conservation actions, while developed countries have plateaued. We amassed 370 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for orchid conservation. At present, the total number of policies and regulations for orchid protection in China is approximately 84, with 67 issued since 2000. Two non-governmental organizations have been established for orchid conservation. Although the benefit of orchid conservation in China is significant, it still requires continuous improvement compared to many other countries. We recommend that the Chinese government draws on the experiences of the United States, Canada, and Australia in areas such as policy and regulation formulation, optimization of non-governmental organizations, and implementation of related conservation projects. Through learning and collaboration, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for development.

Masting ontogeny: the largest masting benefits accrue to the largest trees.

Both plants and animals display considerable variation in their phe- notypic traits as they grow. This variation helps organisms to adapt to specific challenges at different stages of development. Masting, the variable and synchronized seed production across years by a population of plants, is a common reproductive strategy in perennial plants that can enhance reproductive efficiency through increasing pollination efficiency and decreasing seed predation. Masting represents a population-level phenomenon generated from individual plant behaviors. While the developmental trajectory of individual plants influences their masting be- havior, the translation of such changes into benefits derived from masting remains unexplored. We used 43 years of seed production monitoring in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) to address that gap. The largest improvements in reproductive efficiency from masting happen in the largest trees. Masting leads to a 48-fold reduction in seed predation in large, compared to 28-fold in small trees. Masting yields an 6-fold increase in pollination efficiency in large, compared to 2.5-fold in small trees. Paradoxically, although the largest trees show the biggest reproductive efficiency benefits from masting, large trees mast less strongly than small trees. That apparently suboptimal allocation of effort across years by large plants may be a consequence of anatomical constraints or bet-hedging. Ontogenetic shifts in individual mast- ing behavior and associated variable benefits have implications for the reproductive potential of plant populations as their age distribution changes, with applications in plant conservation and management.

Systematic review of ethnomedicinal knowledge: Documentation, evaluation, and conservation of medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications

This study shows that ethnomedicine and ethnobotany have gained great relevance for their role in preserving ancestral knowledge about the use of medicinal plants. Despite the benefits, such as cultural preservation and biodiversity, new challenges arise, such as the lack of standardization and scientific validation, which limits their integration into modern medicine. Therefore, this systematic review aims to assess the documentation, evaluation, and conservation of medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications across different cultures, using the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. The searches were conducted in electronic databases, such as Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science, following PRISMA protocol guidelines and focusing on studies published between 2007 and 2024. Research gaps were identified, and questions were developed to better understand ethnomedicinal practices, their validation, and conservation. A total of seventy studies were selected, documenting a wide diversity of medicinal plants, with a significant focus on the conservation of traditional knowledge. However, critical gaps were identified in the scientific validation and integration of this knowledge into conservation policies. The results of the thematic analysis highlight the need for standardized protocols and a multidisciplinary approach to validate and preserve ethnomedicinal knowledge, ensuring its relevance in modern medicine and its transmission to future generations.

Rhododendron diversity conservation in global botanic gardens: a case study of Maddenia species

Abstract Effective ex situ conservation of plants in botanic gardens requires sufficient wild accessions to represent wild diversity. In Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae), c. 64% of the taxa are threatened or require field investigation. As a case study of the analysis of ex situ conservation gaps we used ecogeographical representation as a proxy for genetic representation in ex situ collections of the 65 taxa of Rhododendron subsection Maddenia. We compiled the first list profiling both wild distributions and ex situ wild collections of all taxa in subsection Maddenia. Our results reveal that 55 Maddenia taxa are in cultivation. Of the 18 threatened taxa all are in cultivation but nine require further collection to capture adequate wild diversity. There are 12 Data Deficient taxa: these await further field investigation of wild populations and nine of them require wild collections to conserve genetic diversity. The UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and China are the top five countries holding ex situ collections of subsection Maddenia; in these countries nearly 66% of the ex situ sites hold &gt; 86% of the global living collections of subsection Maddenia. We recommend that wild collections of endemic species of subsection Maddenia should be established in all 10 countries of origin and that data should be shared internationally for metacollections. In addition to proposing priorities, our case study highlights the challenges facing data and collection management to help achieve effective ex situ conservation for Rhododendron species.

The global conservation status of plants growing on cliffs and rocky outcrops

Ecosystems that occur on cliffs and rocky outcrops are home to many plants that are specially adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These habitats are seeing increased pressure from development, recreational use, and invasive species, calling for a thorough evaluation of the endangerment of the taxa inhabiting them. However, the conservation status of these taxa is not well understood preventing effective conservation prioritization and action. In this study, we examine the conservation status of vascular plant taxa associated with these ecosystems, using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assessments, and compare these to their taxonomic status (families and genera) and range (realm, country, occupancy). We have assembled data highlighting regions where cliff and rocky outcrop taxa most frequently occur (Madagascar, Brazil, Spain) and found that plants growing in these habitats may be more endangered than expected given global plant endangerment, however, risk patterns do vary. Certain groups find refuge in cliffs or rocky outcrops environments (Euphorbiaceae, 18% less endangered), while others may be facing increased risk (Cactaceae, 19% more endangered). We have also found that taxa occurring in habitats with low mean elevation or narrow elevational ranges are more endangered. To assist future research, we have developed a dashboard summarizing available data that also allows for interactive analyses based on user-defined goals. We see the need for additional research on cliff and rocky outcrop plants to enhance the Red List assessment process and support overall plant conservation efforts.

Predicting Changes in Potential Habitats of an Endemic Plant Species under SSP Scenarios: A Case Study of &amp;lt;italic&amp;gt;Eranthis byunsanensis&amp;lt;/italic&amp;gt;

Background and objective: Climate change significantly impacts the growth environments of organisms that have adapted to natural environments. Endemic plants, which are native to specific regions, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. The conservation of these plants is a crucial national task. Currently, there is a lack of research on the habitat characteristics and conservation measures of specific species in Korea. This indicates a need for systematic research on field surveys of habitats for valuable species, the establishment of environmental variables, and long-term changes in suitable habitat areas. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the geographical distribution characteristics and select the optimal environmental variables for Eranthis byunsanensis, an endemic plant in the Korean Peninsula.Methods: To achieve this, we utilized an ensemble model in the R package biomod2 to analyze the current potential habitat and understand its distribution characteristics. We then predicted the changes in potential habitats for the mid-future (2041-2070) and the long-term future (2071-2100) based on climate change scenarios (SSP 1-2.6 and SSP 5-8.5). Finally, we conducted a comparative analysis of the differences between the scenarios.Results: Long-term projections indicate that potential habitat area is larger under SSP1-2.6, a scenario with active climate change mitigation policies, than under SSP5-8.5. Under SSP1-2.6, habitat remained relatively stable with expansion observed in coastal Gangwon-do. In contrast, SSP5-8.5, characterized by extreme climate change, led to significant habitat decline in Jeollabuk-do. Inland Jeollabuk-do experienced rapid habitat loss with a northeastward shift, while habitat along the East Sea coast of Gangwon-do expanded.Conclusion: This study's analysis of habitat change can serve as a crucial foundation for the conservation and management of endemic plants. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to the development of response strategies to climate change and the identification of alternative habitats for endemic plants.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by diabetes patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The scope of this study is to describe the ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) among diabetic patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 388 patients attending the medical clinic of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed to generate the summary of the percentages using descriptive statistics. Family Important Value (FIV) and Related Frequency Citation (RFC) were calculated to quantitatively determine the common consent between the informants on the use of endemic medicinal plants in the division. A total of 59 species belonging to 33 families were reported by 329 diabetic patients with the response rate of 100%. Among them Moringa oleifera Lamk. (142) was stated as the species with the highest RFC value, followed by Gymnema sylvestre (105), Momordica charantia Linn. (104). Moringaceae was the most dominant family with FIV 43.16. The value of RFC of the plants mentioned in this survey varied from 0.003 to 0.432. Moringa oleifera Lamk. showed the highest RFC value (0.432). In this study, 29 plant species used for DM management were reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. Further, antidiabetic property of Achyranthus polygonoides, Argyreia pomacea Wall. ex Choisy and Cassia tomentosa are yet to be investigated. These findings facilitate the documentation and the conservation of medicinal plants used for DM by the patients in Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Moreover this study open doors for phytochemical screening and identification of new antidiabetic active compounds.

ISLAMIC BASED ECO-FRIENDLY CHARACTER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN BANJARMASIN

This study describes Islamic-based eco-friendly character education and its implications in elementary schools in Banjarmasin. This study used a qualitative approach, case study type with the research objects of the principal, teachers, and students. Research data were collected through observation, interviews and documentation. Data were analyzed by reducing data, presenting data and drawing conclusions. The researcher used technical triangulation and source triangulation to obtain data validity. The researcher found that Islamic-based eco-friendly character education was carried out through several activities, namely daily reports, GPS (trash collection movement), LISA (see trash pick up) habits, community service, waste banks, composting, nurseries, hydroponics planting, TOGA planting, water and energy conservation, eco-friendly behavioral innovation, environmental learning, formation of Adiwiyata cadres and coaching of Adiwiyata schools. The implications of Islamic-based eco-friendly character education in elementary schools in Banjarmasin refer to four components, namely environmentally aware school policies, implementation of environmentally based curriculum, participatory environmental activities and management of eco-friendly facilities and infrastructure