Endangered Plant Species Research Articles

WILDLIFE BEHAVIOR AT CULVERTS IN EAST TEXAS

Knowledge of regional Texas floras is crucial for understanding species distributions. In addition, such knowledge is important for the management and preservation of individual plant species and ecosystems across the state. Floristic data for Mills and San Saba counties (Figure 1) is poorly known. Having an updated list of vascular plants is important for documenting changes in species distributions over time. This knowledge can be used in management plans for conserving endangered species, documenting the spread of invasive plants, and to improve the use of native species in restoration projects. While conducting community ecology studies at Colorado Bend State Park, Timberlake Biological Field Station, and near the town of Regency, Texas (Figure 1), voucher specimens were collected and included 20 species that had not been documented for Mills or San Saba counties nor included in other field investigations over the last five years (Gamez et al. 2016; Sheik & Nelson 2019).Vascular plant specimens from the Tarleton State University Herbarium were examined from Mills and San Saba counties. Each specimen was classified as native, endemic, or introduced using Shinners and Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (Diggs et al. 1999). Plants were compared to those which occur on the Texas state-listed noxious weeds list (USDA 2019), state threatened and endangered plant species list (TPWD 2010), and rare plants of Texas (Poole et al. 2007). Distributions of taxa were compared to those published in the Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Texas (Turner et al. 2003a, 2003b). Based on data from the atlas, we categorized our specimens as documenting major range extensions (taxa collected in Mills and San Saba counties but not known from adjacent counties) or county records (taxa that have been reported from adjacent counties).Results & Discussion.–Twenty species representing 15 families were identified as new records from Mills and San Saba counties (Table 1). Sixteen taxa are native and four are introduced species. No species were found that were included on the state noxious weeds list (USDA 2019). There were no rare (Poole et al. 2007), threatened, endangered, or state-listed plant species (TPWD 2010).Conium maculatum L. (poison hemlock) is an introduced species from Asia and Europe that is extremely poisonous (Diggs et al. 1999), which is mainly known from south and east of San Saba County (Turner et al. 2003a). Our specimen extends its range north and west with a collection from Colorado Bend State Park (CBSP).Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl subsp. jamaicense (Crantz) Kük. (Jamaican saw-grass) is a native species (Diggs et al. 1999), previously known only from south and east of San Saba County (Turner et al. 2003b). Our specimen extends its range north and west with a collection from CBSP.Ranunculus abortivus L. (little-leaf buttercup) is a native buttercup (Diggs et al. 1999), which is found north and east of San Saba County (Turner et al. 2003b). A collection from CBSP extends its range south and west.

Endangered plant species of Nature park "Hutovo blato"

Hutovo Blato Nature Park (NP Hutovo blato) is one of the most important natural rarities on a national and international level. The diverse vascular flora also occupies a special value within the Hutovo blato Nature Park. According to the available literature data and our own field research in the area of NP Hutovo blato, there are over 750 plant species of vascular flora. Within this paper, an overview of plant species that exist in the area of NP Hutovo blato, which are on the Red List of Flora of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is given.

Effect of aging and geographical variations in the content of guggulsterones and metabolomic profiling of oleogum resins of commiphora wightii: The Indian bdellium

Background: The oleo-gum resin of Commiphora wightii has been utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Ruthless exploitation of this species with negligible conservation efforts has led to its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature assemblage of endangered plant species. Objectives: In this paper, the impact of plant aging and geographical variations of guggulsterone (GS) content in oleo-gum resin collected from different geographical regions of India has been examined. Materials and Methods: The oleo-gum resin samples of different age groups and geographical regions of India (Kutch, Morena, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Pakistan border of Kutch) were collected directly from the site and examined to check the concentration of GS-E and Z by high-performance liquid chromatography. Comprehensive metabolomic profiling of samples was done through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: The data showed that there is no significant variation was found in the concentration of GS-E and Z with the change in the age of C. wightti plant. The oleo-gum resin samples of Morena showed a high percentage range of GSs (0.88%–2.17% w/w), whereas Jaipur samples showed a lower percentage of GSs (0.56%–0.89% w/w). From metabolomics profiling, 11 high-intensity metabolites were identified in samples of all major regions of India. Conclusion: This study indicates that there is no impact of plant aging on the GS contents. The Indian regions such as Morena, Kutch, and Pakistan border near Kutch regions can be used as a potential source for mass multiplication of guggul plants to get the good quality of the oleo-gum resin.

A Chemometry of Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Waterwheel, Droseraceae) Populations.

The genus Aldrovanda is a Palaeogene element containing a single extant species, Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. This aquatic carnivorous herb has a very wide range of distribution, natively covering four continents; however, it is a critically endangered aquatic plant species worldwide. Previous studies revealed that A. vesiculosa had an extremely low genetic variation. The main aim of the present paper is to explore, using chemometric tools, the diversity of 16 A. vesiculosa populations from various sites from four continents (Eurasia, Africa, Australia). Using chemometric data as markers for genetic diversity, we show the relationships of 16 A. vesiculosa populations from various sites, including four continents. Phytochemical markers allowed the identification of five well-supported (bootstrap > 90%) groups among the 16 populations sampled. The principal component analysis data support the idea that the strongly related African (Botswana) and Australian (Kimberley, NT, NW Australia) populations are the most distant ones, separated from the European and Asian ones. However, considering the five Australian populations sampled, three are nested within the Eurasian group. The chemometric data are correlated positively with the geographical distances between the samples, which suggests a tendency toward isolation for the most distant populations.

Induction, Multiplication, and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Polyalthia bullata Callus, a Woody Medicinal Plant.

Polyalthia bullata is an endangered medicinal plant species. Hence, establishment of P. bullata callus culture is hoped to assist in mass production of secondary metabolites. Leaf and midrib were explants for callus induction. Both of them were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Woody Plant Medium (WPM) containing different types and concentrations of auxins (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), picloram, and dicamba). The callus produced was further multiplied on MS and WPM supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D, NAA, picloram, dicamba, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) media. The quantification of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant capacity was further carried out on P. bullata callus, and the results were subjected to correlation analysis. Among the media, the WPM + 16.56 µM picloram (53.33 ± 22.06%) was the best for callus induction while MS + 30 µM dicamba was the best for callus multiplication. The TPC, TFC, and EC50 of DPPH scavenging activity were determined at 0.657 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g FW, 0.491 ± 0.03 mg QE/g, and 85.59 ± 6.09 µg/mL in P. bullata callus, respectively. The positive correlation between DPPH scavenging activity with TPC was determined at r = 0.869, and that of TFC was at r = 0.904. Hence, the P. bullata callus has an ability to accumulate antioxidants. It therefore can be a medium for secondary metabolites production.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Placement of Rosa arabica Crép. (Rosaceae), a Critically Endangered Plant Species.

The Egyptian narrowly endemic and critically endangered plant species Rosa arabica Crép. was studied employing a taxonomic and molecular approach. Morphological investigations, distance analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that R. arabica is a distinct species with great affinity to R. canina and differentiated from R. rubiginosa. Molecular identification based on the sequences of multiple markers single or in combination ITS, matK, rbcL, and trnL-F succeeded in identifying R. arabica at genus and species levels. We evaluated the potential of each marker and a combination of the nuclear ITS -Internal Transcribed Spacer- with one of the plastid markers, matK, rbcL, or trnL-F, to accurately identify Rosa species. All of them were successful in identifying R. arabica. Classification based on DNA sequences shows that R. arabica is placed within section Caninae in a clade comprising R. canina and R. rubiginosa. Moreover, R. arabica is closely related to other European Rosa species. In conclusion, our results indicate that the four DNA markers can provide species resolution in the context of the genus Rosa and relatives, aiming to characterize morphology and genetic diversity in the ecological and economically important genus Rosa.

Recent Development in Micropropagation Techniques for Rare Plant Species.

The current investigation aimed to present an overview of the conservation of biological diversity of rare and endangered plant species. Methods of biodiversity conservation as well as several overview recommendations for the preservation of various rare species have been considered. An overview of the taxa included in the red book has been presented on the example of the Russian Federation. Global and local codes and classifiers of plant rarity were also presented. Future prospects for the conservation of biological diversity and the creation and development of bioresource collections have been considered.

Подходы европейских экологов к типологии и картографированию местообитаний

Подходы европейских экологов к типологии и картографированию местообитаний

Creation of specially protected natural territories as a factor of sustainable development of the territory

The article considers the issues of a comprehensive environmental survey of a territory promising for the creation of a regional nature monument “Batutinka River Valley and Lowland Marshes in its Basin”. Giving the territory the status of specially protected natural territory (SPNT) will make it possible to carry out measures for its protection, conduct research and environmental monitoring, as well as prevent unauthorized use of natural resources. The rationale for the concept is due to the presence of rare and endangered species of plants, mushrooms and animals (at least 23 objects of flora and fauna listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, Red Book of the Novgorod Region) and their places of growth (habitat). The profile of SPNT can be assessed as integrated (landscape), designed to preserve and restore natural landscapes; hydrological, designed to preserve and restore valuable water bodies and ecological systems, especially swamp massifs; biological, designed to preserve and restore rare and endangered species. Obviously, the listed groups of objects are diverse, interconnected, large-scale, have independent value, but their combined value is higher. They are components of a single natural-territorial complex, the preservation of which requires a systematic approach.

A STUDY OF SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL MODEL AS ENERGY SOURCE CONSIDERING THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, ENVIROMENTAL AND SECURITY BALANCE VARIABLES

As energy source, palm oil has become a serious concern for various palm oil stakeholders because it is related to the vegetable oil needs for 7.7 billion people in the world. Nagan Raya District is a central of palm oil in the western region of Aceh and inseparable from the issue of sustainability. This study is designed using quantitative approach. The data collected by self-administered questionnaire to 300 palm stakeholders. The results indicated that the social variable has strong contribution to sustain the palm oil as one of primary energy source. Also, the economic, environmental and security variables have moderate strength in sustainable palm oil. In addition, the sustainable palm oil model which is built from 20 indicators depicts that the concern of plantation companies in fostering smallholders and communities around the plantation is the strongest indicator, while the indicator of protecting endangered plant and animal species and predatory animals in the natural cycle is the weakest indicator of variables in influencing sustainable palm oil in Nagan Raya Regency.

Low Cost Tissue Culture Technologies in Vegetables: A Review

The demand of vegetable crops is increasing day by day due to changes in consumption patterns, so the need of the hour is to develop technologies that enhance the vegetable production at a rapid rate. Plant Tissue culture is one such remarkable biotechnological tool that has its application in vegetable propagation and improvement, disease elimination, herbicide resistance, salinity tolerance, incorporation of high nutrient content, genetically improved plants and conservation of endangered plant species and in the near future usage of this technology is going to increase further manifold. It is used for production of disease free quality planting material and development of varieties through direct regeneration, anther/ovule culture, somatic embryogenesis etc. or for creation of new variation (organogenesis via callus formation, soma-clonal variation and in vitro mutagenesis). In spite of being a very important and viable non-conventional biotechnological tool, high cost of production of seedlings in vitro remains a major impediment in popularization of this technology. High cost of producing seedlings is due to availability of limited resources, high recurrent costs of consumables for media and lack of awareness, which limits its application only to a few institutions and rich farmers especially in developing countries. Therefore, in order to make this technology a successful and viable option for the farmers, future thrust must be on cost reduction of in vitro seedlings. The components of tissue culture technology such as culture media components, glassware, lighting and water for media preparation can be replaced with low cost alternatives to reduce the overall cost of tissue culture. The usage of alternatives for gelling agent’s like isabgol (potato, tomato, cassava, turmeric, ginger), sago (potato, tomato, turmeric, ginger) cassava starch (potato, cassava, sweet potato) barley starch, phytagel etc. and for carbon sources like table sugar (potato, turmeric, ginger), jaggery, sugarcane juice, cube sugar (bittergord), brown sugar etc have already been documented worldwide. The present paper reviews the work done by researchers around the globe in developing various low cost alternative technologies with focus on vegetable crops.

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo: A Critically Endangered Perennial Orchid from the North-West Himalayas.

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Orchidaceae) is a perennial herb inhabiting sub-alpine to alpine regions, ranging at elevations between 2500 and 5000 m.a.s.l. With palmately lobed rhizome and lanceolate leaves having a sheathing leaf base, it bears pink flowers with purple-colored notches and a curved spur. It finds wide use in ayurveda, siddha, unani, and folk medicine in curing disorders of the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, skeletal, and reproductive systems, besides boosting the immune system to fight infectious diseases. Secondary metabolites such as dactylorhins A–E, dactyloses A–B, and others exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, and immune enhancing activities). Its use as a dietary supplement was found to be beneficial in increasing testosterone levels, resulting in improved sexual desire and arousal. Incessant overexploitation of this medicinally important herb has resulted in the dwindling of its populations in the wild, which has resulted in its classification as a critically endangered plant species. Efforts involving mass reproduction through in vitro (through tissue culture) and in vivo (by vegetative propagation) means are currently being made to maintain the germplasm of this critically endangered orchid. Holding immense significance in clinical research and drug discovery, work on the genomic front (transcriptomics) has recently been carried out to discover the wealth of unexplored genetic information for this perennial herb. The present study is aimed at reviewing different aspects of the orchid to present collective (summarized) information on this medicinally important herb in the present, particularly its botany, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacognosy, along with the strategies that need to be adopted to prevent its overexploitation in natural habitats.

Molecular characterization of endangered endemic plant Aloe pseudorubroviolacea using chloroplast matK and plastid rbcL gene

An endangered and rare species Aloe pseudorubroviolacea from the plant family Asphodelaceae which is presently recorded as endangered in Saudi Arabia collected from Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia its GPS Latitude and Longitude coordinates 19.8345, 41.5481. The chloroplast matK and rbcL gene was considered in this study based on molecular identification the size is about 571 and 664 bp respectively. From the sequence analysis the gene matK and rbcL confirm that this species is very much closely related with A. rubroviolacea and also inter related with the species Astroloba rubriflora, Chrysopogon gryllus, Chortolirion angolense shows about 98.7% sequence homology. The partial matK and rbcL gene sequence discriminate Aloe pseudorubroviolacea from the closely related plant species, A. rubroviolacea. The gene sequence of rbcL discriminates the species from Chrysopogon gryllus and Chortolirion angolense, demonstrates the nucleotide variations in 3 different sites (623C/T; 653C/T; 700C/A). This study showed that matK and rbcL sequence region of chloroplast gene used to authenticate the samples of A. pseudorubroviolacea and which provide to help in correct identification and conservation process of this medicinally valuable endangered plant species.

Effect of substrate formulations on seedlings of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntz, a critically endangered species from Southern Brazil

Araucaria angustifolia, vulgarmente conhecida como araucária ou pinheiro do Paraná, é uma espécie de planta ameaçada de extinção, nativa do sul do Brasil. O cultivo desta espécie é uma abordagem importante para reduzir o desmatamento assegurando a geração de renda. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes formulações de substrato no crescimento, qualidade e teores de clorofila de mudas de araucária em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, como uma abordagem para promover a propagação e o cultivo da espécie. As sementes foram semeadas em quatro composições diferentes de substrato: F73 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco, fertilizante de liberação lenta [FLL] e fertilizantes fosfatados), F55 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco [em maior proporção que em F73], FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados), T55 (casca de pínus, turfa nacional, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados) e CC55 (casca de pínus, turfa de esfagno, palha de arroz, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados). As mudas foram mantidas em uma área de viveiro em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, com irrigação manual. Após 180 dias da semeadura, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto à altura, diâmetro de coleto, áreas foliares e radiculares, massa seca de brotações e raízes e teores de clorofilas a, b e clorofilas totais. O quociente de robustez e o índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD) também foram calculados com base nas variáveis ​​biométricas. Os substratos F73 e CC55 promoveram maior crescimento de altura e diâmetro de coleto em comparação com outros substratos. Outras variáveis ​​relacionadas ao crescimento e qualidade das mudas e aos níveis de clorofila não diferiram em função dos substratos. A massa seca de raiz e massa seca total foram correlacionadas positivamente com o IQD. O diâmetro do coleto apresentou alta correlação positiva com a altura, a massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca total das mudas de A.angustifolia.

Cities in drylands as artificial protected areas for plants

Freshwater is not abundantly available in many parts of the planet. Drylands cover about 41.3% of the face of the earth and support more than 2 billion people. Drylands are susceptible to a wide variety of natural and/or human-driven disasters which could lead to human catastrophes such as famine and huge population displacements. Populated areas prioritize their interests by controlling and diverting the water resources available, consequently, they have negative effects on the delicate natural ecosystems in drylands. Moreover, global warming and desertification threaten the wildlife and force the remaining floral elements to face the dilemma of between migration and extinction. Cities, with their managed and irrigated green spaces are safe havens for many plants. In this paper, the necessity of turning cities in drylands to artificial protected areas is discussed and the various aspects of urban life to serve not only human population, but the endangered plant species are also addressed.

Monetary valuation of rare plant species in the specially protected natural areas by example of the Samara Region (Russia)

The approaches of assessing the ecosystem services are little implemented in Russia and are being developed recently at the regional level. Earlier, particular components of ecosystem services in the Samara Region have been evaluated. Here, an algorithm for monetary valuation of particular ecosystem services of specially protected natural areas is presented based on the data on rare and endangered plant species using the example of the Red List of the Samara Region. In total, 281 species of vascular plants have been analyzed, taking into account their spatial distribution in 27 municipal districts of the Samara Region. The ecosystem services were evaluated according to the formulas that took into account several parameters: (1) share of the area of specially protected natural areas; (2) number of tree and shrub species; (3) number of herbaceous plant species; (4) cost estimates; (4) expert assessments in the form of correction factors taking into account special value of relict and endemic species. The lower limit of the monetary value of ecosystem services, estimated by the only specially protected plant species, exceeds 50 million rubles. We suggest using this methodology for evaluating the ecosystem services in other territories, which will probably help to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of natural capital and natural ecosystems.

Using genetic evaluation to guide conservation of remnant Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae) populations

Many critically endangered plant species exist in small, genetically depauperate or inbred populations, making assisted gene flow interventions necessary for long-term population viability. However, before such interventions are implemented, conservation practitioners must consider the genetic and demographic status of extant populations, which are strongly affected by species' life-history traits. In northwestern Europe, Juniperus communis, a dioecious, wind-pollinated and bird-dispersed gymnosperm, has been declining for the past century and largely exists in small, isolated and senescent populations. To provide useful recommendations for a recovery plan involving translocation of plants, we investigated genetic diversity and structure of populations in Belgium using four microsatellite and five plastid single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We detected no clonality in the populations, suggesting predominantly sexual reproduction. Populations exhibited high genetic diversity (He =0.367-0.563) and low to moderate genetic differentiation (FST ≤0.133), with no clear geographic structure. Highly positive inbreeding coefficients (FIS =0.221-0.507) were explained by null alleles, population substructuring and biparental inbreeding. No isolation by distance was observed among distant populations, but isolation at close geographic proximity was found. Patterns were consistent with high historical gene flow through pollen and seed dispersal at both short and long distances. We also tested four pre-germination treatments among populations to improve germination rates; however, germination rates remained low and only cold-stratification treatments induced germination in some populations. To bolster population regeneration, introductions of cuttings from several source populations are recommended, in combination with in situ management practices that improve seedling survival and with ex situ propagation.

First Report of Root Rot Caused by Dactylonectria torresensis on Bletilla striata (Baiji) in Yunnan, China.

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f. (Orchidaceae family, known as Baiji in Chinese) is an endangered plant species with important medicinal value in China. Bletilla striata plants with symptoms of wilting, leaf yellowing and rotting on underground parts were found in Shizong (24.82822 N; 103.99084 E), Yunnan Province, China in July 2016. In the following years, this disease occurred and became prevalent when high temperature and high humidity prevailed in the fields from May to August. The incidence of the disease varied from 45 to 75%, with yield losses of 40 to 65% in different B. striata fields. To identify the causal agent of the disease, symptomatic vascular tissue fragments were soaked in 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, rinsed twice with sterile distilled water, and then placed on 4% (w/v) potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The plates were incubated at 26°C in 12h light/dark for three days. Mycelia grown from the edges of the plant fragments were transferred to PDA plates and incubated at 26°C in 12h light/dark. After three days, hyphal tips were isolated from the edge of the colonies to PDA plates. Three hyphal-tip isolates from different plants were further studied. The colonies of these three isolates were dark red, with cottony mycelia of moderate density. Hyphae were transparent and branched. Numerous hyphae anastomosed frequently and formed hyphal coils. For further morphological analysis, sporulation was induced as described by Cabral et al. (2012) and Lombard et al. (2014). Macroconidia were abundant, 37.2 to 44.0 µm × 5.2 to 8.7 µm based on the measurement of 20 conidia from each isolate. Ascospores divided into two cells of equal size, ellipsoid to oblong-ellipsoid, 12.5 to 14.8 µm × 4.8 to 5.9 µm based on the measurement of 20 spores from each isolate. Conidiophores simple or complex, sporodochial. Simple conidiophores arising laterally or terminally from aerial mycelium, solitary to loosely aggregated, unbranched or sparsely brached, more or less cylindrical. These morphological characteristics were consistent with the description of Dactylonectria spp. by Cabral et al. (2012) and Lombard et al. (2014). From one isolate, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA and the beta-tubulin (tub2) gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and T1/Bt-2b (Cabral et al. 2012), respectively. PCR products were sequenced and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MH458779 (ITS) and MH626485 (tub2). BLAST search revealed that both sequences showed 99 to 100% homology with the corresponding sequences of previously identified D. torresensis isolates. Specially, MH458779 shares 100% identity with the entire 463-base pair (bp) sequence of KP411806, the ITS sequence of a D. torresensis isolate identified from olive trees (Nigro et al. 2019); MH626485 shares 99% identity with the entire 320-bp sequence of KP411801, the tub2 sequence of the same olive tree isolate. In addition, the entire 609-bp sequence of MH626485 shares 99% identity with JF735478, the tub2 sequence of a D. torresensis isolate identified from grapevines (Cabral et al. 2012). To test the pathogenicity of the fungus, plants of B. striata in plastic pots filled with sterilized nursery soil were inoculated with each of the three isolates by placing a fungal-colonized wheat kernel adjacent to each health plant. Plants inoculated with noncolonized wheat kernels were used as controls. Plants in three pots (replicates), with one plant per pot, were inoculated by each isolate. The pots were maintained in a greenhouse with a 12h photoperiod at 25°C. Ten days after inoculation, black necrotic lesions identical to those observed in the field were evident on the roots of all inoculated plants. Using the same methods described above, fungi with identical morphologies as described above were isolated from lesions caused by each of the three isolates. The control plants remained healthy, and no fungus was re-isolated. This completed Koch's postulates. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular identification, the pathogen was determined to be D. torresensis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. torresensis causing root rot of B. striata in Yunnan, China. It is important to further study the impacts of this new disease on B. striata production in China.

Long-term effects of mechanical site preparation on understorey plant communities in lowland floodplain forests

The influence of site preparation on understorey plant diversity was assessed in the commercial floodplain forest in the Thaya River alluvium near Břeclav, Czech Republic. Phytosociological surveys were carried out during the summer of 2013 in 10–50 years old forest stands with and without mechanical site preparation (MSP). One hundred sixty relevés (eighty from Quercus robur stands and eighty from Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. danubialis stands) were selected for analyses. Phytocoenological relevés were analyzed using multidimensional statistics and plant community characteristics (fidelity, species richness, the percentage of non-native or endangered plant species). The results showed that mechanical site preparation significantly affects herbaceous species composition and richness, in the particular richness of non-native species and neophytes. We found a total richness of 231 herb and woody species, of which 49 (21.2 %) were non-native. Our results demonstrate that reforestation with the MSP decreased species richness of the understorey and increased the number of non-native species. The sites without MSP treatment contained significantly fewer non-native species. The invasive plants Aster lanceolatus and Acer negundo were more abundant in sites impacted by mechanical soil disturbance. Our results also show that a higher percentage of non-native plants survive longer in forest stands subjected to MSP. The abundance and cover of neophytes within MSP treatments are significantly higher in stands dominated by Fraxinus than Quercus stands.

Potential risk of interspecific hybridization in ex situ collections

Spontaneous hybridization in ex situ conservation facilities could potentially contaminate endangered plant species destined for the reintroduction into the wild. Despite the general recognition of the importance of such danger, studies exploring the consequences of hybridization including subsequent performance of the hybrids in comparison to the original species are rare. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential consequences of hybridization between the endangered endemic serpentinophyte species, Minuartia smejkalii, and its congener allopatric species, M. caespitosa. We performed controlled inter-specific crosses and compared seed production, germination, growth, seed morphology and dispersal ability between M. smejkalii and the hybrids. Our results showed that M. smejkalii and M. caespitosa can hybridize and produce viable seeds. Number of seeds per capsule produced by M. smejkalii and the hybrids did not differ but germination rates were higher in the hybrids. In addition, hybrids produced a higher number of flowers than M. smejkalii in open sites and serpentine soils, indicating that the hybrids perform better in the extreme serpentine conditions than the original serpentine species. Our simulation results showed a higher dispersal potential in hybrids compared to M. smejkalii despite their higher terminal velocity. Our results provide evidence that hybrid individuals from ex situ collections might outcompete the endemic M. smejkalii in the wild, if they are introduced by mistake. Therefore, for conservation and reintroduction purposes, ex situ hybridization events should be considered as a potential threat and treated carefully. We recommend establishing an adequate management of potentially crossable species and cautiously selecting individuals to be used for restoration.