Overcoming sexual sterility in conservation of endangered species: the prominent role of biotechnology in the multiplication of Zelkova sicula (Ulmaceae), a relict tree at the brink of extinction

Carra, Angela; Catalano, Caterina; Badalamenti, Ornella; Carimi, Francesco; Pasta, Salvatore; Motisi, Antonio; Abbate, Loredana; La Bella, Francesca; Fazan, Laurence; Kozlowski, Gregor; Garfì, Giuseppe

doi:10.1007/s11240-019-01558-x

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Journal article

Overcoming sexual sterility in conservation of endangered species: the prominent role of biotechnology in the multiplication of Zelkova sicula (Ulmaceae), a relict tree at the brink of extinction

Carra, Angela Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Catalano, Caterina Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Badalamenti, Ornella Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Carimi, Francesco Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Pasta, Salvatore Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy - Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, Unit of Ecology and Evolution, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Motisi, Antonio Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Abbate, Loredana Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
La Bella, Francesca Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Fazan, Laurence Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, Unit of Ecology and Evolution, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Kozlowski, Gregor Department of Biology and Botanic Garden, Unit of Ecology and Evolution, University of Fribourg, Switzerland - Natural History Museum Fribourg, Switzerland
Garfì, Giuseppe Institute of Biosciences and Bio, Resources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy

01.04.2019

Published in:

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC). - 2019, vol. 137, no. 1, p. 139–148

English Biotechnology provides valuable tools to support conservation of plant species, especially in case of threatened taxa or when dealing with seed unavailability, low viability or sterility. However, plant cell culture methods have often to face problems associated with tissue recalcitrance to in vitro systems. Recalcitrance can be related to a variety of triggering factors, involving many efforts and manipulations within one or more of the micropropagation stages before obtaining successful results. An in vitro propagation protocol was developed for Zelkova sicula, a very rare and endangered relict tree, endemic to Sicily (Southern Italy). The species revealed extremely recalcitrant to in vitro culture approaches, but after many trials throughout a number of years an effective micropropagation protocol was completed. The rooting rate was about 84% of the treated explants, 8% of which were successfully acclimatized outdoor and reintroduced in the wild within a comprehensive conservation project. The technique allowed to overcome the problems of sexual sterility of this species, hence contributing concretely to contrast the problems connected with its conservation. However, additional efforts need to be carried out in order to refine the acclimatization step and further improve the whole process effectiveness.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Biologie

Language