Anna Scoppola

Recovery of Viable Germplasm from Herbarium Specimens of Osmunda regalis L.

Abstract The conservation of pteridophytes presents a demanding challenge because many species in the world are thought to be threatened with extinction, as they are very sensitive to environmental disturbance. Ex situ actions provide an important conservation strategy, so the Germplasm Bank of Tuscia Botanic Garden, with the Herbarium UTV (Tuscia University, Viterbo–Italy), has undertaken a project for the conservation of threatened pteridophytes of the Italian flora, like Osmunda regalis, the Royal Fern, a species with chlorophyllous spores that is declining in Italy because it is linked to vulnerable habitats. As a part of the project, this work presents first results of in vitro reproduction of the Royal Fern using spores from exsiccata (UTV samples collected and dried in 1989 and 2001). Our results also highlight the value of herbarium specimens in biodiversity conservation, providing a useful method to reproduce species that are threatened or extinct in the wild, at least at a local level, so as to plan eventual reintroductions using the native germplasm.

First results from conservation studies of chlorophyllous spores of the Royal fern (Osmunda regalis, Osmundaceae).

Pteridophytes spore banks are a promising ex situ conservation tool used to increase the chances of survival of ferns, in fact that large quantities of germplasm with high genetic variation can be conserved in a small space with low economic and technical costs. However, methods to maintain the viability of chlorophyllous spores during storage are less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long term storage on the viability of Royal Fern spores, which were stored under different conditions derived from various combinations of temperature and degrees of hydration. Survival and germination tests were performed after 1 and 28 months of storage. Our results showed the highest survival percentages for spores stored under Normal humidity at subzero temperatures (T=⩽-20°C). These spores received no pre-treatment, dehydration, or cryoprotectants, which resulted in fast germination and gametophyte development which seemed to be stimulated by low temperatures.

Viola section Melanium (Violaceae) in Italy. New data on morphology of Viola tricolor-Group

Summary Italian species of the Viola tricolor group, Sect. Melanium are examined from the morphological view-point. Additional diagnostic characters have been highlighted on the basis of in situ and ex situ experimental data, direct analysis of exsiccata and high resolution digital images of several Herbaria, check of previous international literature. Measures have been taken on well developed flowers after a given vegetative period. Diagnostic features of stigma, labellum, position of opening to the stigmatic chamber and detailed photos are provided. Scanned images of stipules and corresponding leaves taken from the lower, median and upper part of the stem are also provided. These images provide clearer discrimination and correct identification of this difficult group. A synoptic table with the essential features of V. kitaibeliana, V. hymettia, V. parvula, V. arvensis subsp. arvensis and V. tricolor subsp. tricolor has been framed. Exsiccata are checked whilst some of them are revised. Therefore the Italian distribution area has been updated. The occurrence of V. hymettia has been verified in the Tyrrhenian Antiapennine sector (Lazio), where it is widespread mainly in the Viterbo environments, and in the Murge tarantine (Puglia). Extreme morphological variants of V. arvensis/V. tricolor and apparent hybrids between them have been reported for Central Italy, giving evidence of the great variability of the group. Up to now the occurrence of V. arvensis subsp. megalantha in our territory has not been confirmed.

Variability of pollen aperture heteromorphism in annual pansies (Viola Section Melanium)

Abstract Pollen heteromorphism is frequent in the section Melanium of the genus Viola, in which over 80% of the species produces pollen morphs with 3 to 6 apertures. Some authors have pointed out that many factors can affect the proportion of the different pollen types in perennial species, and that this proportion can change among populations. This work focuses on the study of the polymorphic pollen assemblage of three annual pansies: Viola arvensis, V. kitaibeliana, and V. hymettia, and on the assessment of its variability both within a population and within the same plant. In all the species, with both large and small flowers, 3-, 4- and 5-aperturate pollen grains were observed, with a large prevalence of 4-aperturate types. No pollen grains with 6 apertures were found. No significant variability of the pollen assemblage among flowers of the same plant was observed. In addition, in these three Viola species the frequencies of the various pollen morphs are also fairly constant among plants of the same population.

A comparative study of the seed germination capabilities of Anacamptis palustris (Orchidaceae), a threatened terrestrial orchid, and other more common Anacamptis species, by asymbiotic culture in vitro

The increasing emphasis on terrestrial orchid conservation has led to conservation actions for a wide range of threatened Mediterranean species. Many terrestrial orchids are currently at great risk for extinction as a result of a multiplicity of threatening processes. We focus on orchid seed germination capabilities in vitro, specifically germination capability of a threatened species, Anacamptis palustris, compared to three other more common species (A. laxiflora, A. morio, and A. papilionacea), and also discuss its potential impact on orchid distribution and conservation. Asymbiotic germination tests were performed with mature seeds using BM-1 medium. In vitro seed germination and protocorm developmental stages were evaluated up to 20 weeks after sowing. Significant differences in seedling development were detected among the species, and a correlation was evident between the rarity of the species and their germinability. Thus, the presence of intrinsic, biological factors that affect and limit the distribution of A. palustris may exist.