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As socio-ecological systems of high conservation value, sacred groves are subject to intense competing interests worldwide. Hong Kong's fung shui woodlands (FSW) are an ancient form of sacred grove derived from old-growth forest fragments protected for geomantic beliefs relating to their proximity to traditional villages and subsequently modified through planting, exploitation, and natural succession. Today, they contain approximately 30% of the territory's native flora and are the only remaining localities for many rare plants, but inconsistent government policy and declining community involvement have led to mismatched expectations whereby biodiversity suffers by default. To identify common ground for better management, we interviewed residents of nine villages to quantify self-stated degree of connectedness and the relative importance of five shared social values in relation to the FSW at each location. One-third of respondents claimed no knowledge of the FSW in their village and more than two-thirds had never even visited it, but most expressed positive attachment particularly with respect to perceived health/social and historical/cultural value. Connectedness was a strong predictor of importance attributed to all values and was correlated with gender, education level, and protected status: women were significantly less connected with FSW than men, more educated respondents exhibited greater FSW connectedness, and residents at protected sites expressed greater connectedness than those at unprotected ones. Importance varied significantly with indigeneity and age group, but not species richness or conservation value. We infer that biodiversity could benefit from nuanced policy that promotes connectedness through emphasis of wider societal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of rare plants to environmental stressors will determine their potential to adapt to a rapidly changing climate. We used a common garden approach to evaluate how six populations of the annual San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia Lamiaceae; listed as endangered in the state of California and as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service) from across the species range respond in terms of growth (biomass, height, and width) and reproduction (seed production, floral production, and next generation seed viability) to experimental differences in water availability. We found a significant irrigation-by-population interaction on the aboveground growth, wherein the differences in the magnitude and direction of treatment did not correlate directly with climate variables in natural populations. With respect to reproduction, the low-irrigation treatment produced more seeds per plant, more reproductive individuals, and a larger proportion of viable seed in most, but not all, populations. The seed production and the effect of irrigation on seed production correlated positively with rainfall at wild source populations. These results suggest that Acanthomintha ilicifolia responds to water limitation by creating more and higher-quality seed, and that plants locally adapted to a higher annual rainfall show a greater plasticity to differences in water availability than plants adapted to a lower annual rainfall, a finding that can inform the in situ demographic management and ex situ collection strategy for Acanthomintha ilicifolia and other rare California annuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialist ecosystems have developed on small areas (< 1 ha) of alkaline (pH 7–10) soil-free disturbed substrates in semiarid areas of southern New Zealand, where rare endemic plants are being outcompeted by adventive species as soil develops. We have conducted a pilot study for soil and weed removal at seven sites to increasing habitat availability for the rare plants. Six sites are on impermeable clay-altered schist where evaporation of marine aerosols in rain has formed localised NaCl-rich encrustations. These bare substrates host endemic salt-tolerant plants (halophytes), especially where electrical conductivity (EC) exceeds 1 mS/cm and excludes most weeds. One site is on limestone and associated erosional residues, where endemic calciflora have evolved on substrates that have pH of 7–8 and variable EC. Soil and weeds were removed to a depth of ~ 0.5 m, and the study plots were monitored for changes in substrate salinity, pH and plant colonisation for up to 1.5 years. The most successful saline plot, an abandoned mining area, had initial halophyte colonisation after 4 months, and after a year, the halophytes had achieved > 50% substrate coverage. The other saline plots also had lesser halophyte colonisation and more weed incursion. Bare limestone talus that had weeds allowed successful calciphyte germination. Parts of the limestone site where weeds and soil were removed had no calciphyte colonisation but significant weed development after 6 months. Our results suggest that soil removal is a viable management option for enhancing ecosystems that require bare substrates, preferably with deeper (~ 1 m) excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of plant species distribution and abundance at different landscape scales and management‐induced degradation is essential for the conservation, planning, and enhancement of the biodiversity of rangelands. In this study, additive partitioning of species diversity based on contribution diversity was used to analyze the interaction of landscape scale and grazing intensity factor to better understand the distribution of rare and common species. A total of 64 units (quadrats) were sampled by using a nested hierarchical sampling design at three scales of two regions (semi‐arid vs. Mediterranean), four sites, and four quadrats in both exclosure and grazing areas. The regional‐scale species richness (γs(q)) was calculated by the sum of the quadrat (αs(q)) and site (βs(q)) scale contributions to the region. The calculated rank of αs(q) indicated that an abundance of rare species for exclosures (α < 0.05) and the Mediterranean area (α < 0.01) was significantly greater than for grazing and the arid area, respectively. The highly palatable plants significantly correlated (α < 0.01) with the contribution diversity components (alpha/beta) in the exclosure areas but not in grazed areas. Furthermore, of the measured explanatory variables, the electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil was significantly negatively related to γs(q) which shows a sensitivity of rare species to the variable environmental conditions that are related to human influences interacting with soil and climatic conditions. The vegetation attributes of biomass and vegetation cover were significantly (α < 0.01) higher for managed exclosure sites than the grazed areas. The findings of this investigation demonstrate an increasing trend for rare species in managed and better environmental conditions. In conclusion, the protection and restoration of plant species diversity in semi‐arid and Mediterranean grasslands in western Iran are possible through the application of sustainable management practices by decision‐makers and managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Many plant communities across the world are undergoing changes due to climate change, human disturbance, and other threats. These community‐level changes are often tracked with the use of permanent vegetative plots, but this approach is not always feasible. As an alternative, we propose using photogrammetry, specifically photograph‐based digital surface models (DSMs) developed using structure‐from‐motion, to establish virtual permanent plots in plant communities where the use of permanent structures may not be possible. Methods: In 2021 and 2022, we took iPhone photographs to record species presence in 1‐m2 plots distributed across alpine communities in the northeastern United States. We then compared field estimates of percent coverage with coverage estimated using DSMs. Results: Digital surface models can provide effective, minimally invasive, and permanent records of plant species presence and percent coverage, while also allowing managers to mark survey locations virtually for long‐term monitoring. We found that percent coverage estimated from DSMs did not differ from field estimates for most species and substrates. Discussion: In order to continue surveying efforts in areas where permanent structures or other surveying methods are not feasible, photogrammetry and structure‐from‐motion methods can provide a low‐cost approach that allows agencies to accurately survey and record sensitive plant communities through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal dune restoration often focuses on weed removal to reestablish native vegetation communities. Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) initiated large‐scale dune restoration after becoming concerned about loss of dune and rare species habitat from spread of non‐native Ammophila arenaria (European beachgrass). Two projects removed beachgrass from 146 ha of heavily invaded dunes using either mechanical removal or herbicide treatment. PRNS conducted pre‐ and post‐restoration vegetation monitoring for 10 years post‐implementation, evaluating success in (1) eradicating beachgrass and (2) reestablishing vegetation communities similar to native dunes in cover, diversity, and species composition. Both methods eradicated beachgrass with annual retreatment. However, they were less successful in rebuilding vegetation communities with comparable native species cover and/or richness. Mechanical removal areas remained largely barren expanses of sand that struggled to support native plants except for a rare perennial, Tidestrom's lupine (Lupinus tidestromii). Tidestrom's lupine and other rare plants now number in the hundreds of thousands. Conversely, herbicide‐treated backdunes were dominated by standing dead beachgrass that resisted decomposition even after 7 years, which hampered native and rare plant establishment. Delayed decomposition was less of an issue in herbicide‐treated foredunes, because sand overwash buried necromass. Restored areas also contended with subsequent invasion by secondary plant invaders. By 2021, only older herbicide‐treated backdunes, and to a lesser extent, mechanical backdunes, showed signs of convergence with native dunes. Successful convergence may be hindered by lingering physical and microbial legacy effects of beachgrass invasion and treatment method. Adaptive restoration may be needed to counter effects and improve project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare plant species are suggested to be less resistant to herbivores than common species. Their lower apparency and the fact that they often live in isolated populations, resulting in fewer herbivore encounters, might have led to the evolution of reduced defences. Moreover, their frequent lower levels of genetic diversity compared with common species could negatively affect their resistance against enemies. However, the hypothesis that plant resistance depends on plant regional and local rarity, independently of habitat and competitive and growth strategy, lacks evidence. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the performance and preference of one belowground and three aboveground generalist invertebrate herbivores from different taxonomic groups as indicators of plant resistance. Herbivores were fed a total of 62 regionally and locally rare and common plant species from Switzerland. We accounted for differences in a plant's growth and competitive strategy and habitat resource availability. We found that regionally and locally rare and common plant species did not generally differ in their resistance to most generalist herbivores. However, one herbivore species even performed better and preferred locally and regionally common plant species over rarer ones, indicating that common species are not more resistant, but tend to be less resistant. We also found that all herbivore species consistently performed better on competitive and large plant species, although different herbivore species generally preferred and performed better on different plant species. The latter indicates that the use of generalist herbivores as indicators of plant‐resistance levels can be misleading. Synthesis: Our results show that rare plant species are not inherently less resistant than common ones to herbivores. Instead, our results suggest that the ability of plants to allocate resources away from defence towards enhancing their competitive ability might have allowed plants to tolerate herbivory, and to become locally and regionally common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When working with rare plant species, applying morphometric techniques is one of the main ways to obtain a representative data set on plant individuals and the state of particular populations growing in different ecological conditions and experiencing different degrees of anthropogenic load. Zygophyllum pinnatum, an understudied species growing on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Orenburg region, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, is referred as a rare species. The purpose of the work is to study morphometric parameters and reveal the vitality structure of the Z. pinnatum coenopopulations in two regions of the Russian Federation (the Republic of Bashkortostan and Orenburg region) and in the north-west of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the Aktobe Region). Applying standard morphometric techniques, we analyzed the state of 16 coenopopulations of the species. Judging by most morphometric parameters, the leadership belongs to the individuals from the "Troitsk Cretaceous Mountains" coenopopulation located in the Sol-Iletsky District of Orenburg oblast, where, apparently, the most optimal plant conditions are formed (the absence of human impact and low projective cover of the grass stand to have a favorable effect). The minimum values for most parameters are recorded in the coenopopulations located on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, resulting from arid growing conditions. The variability of most characters is within the normal range of the species response (Cv--5.0-44.6%). The discriminant function analysis revealed the morphostructural similarity of individuals from most coenopopulations. Regarding vitality, eight coenopopulations are prosperous, and another eight are depressed. The condition of the species coenopopulations is stable; however, the species is not provided with proper protection measures. Therefore, further monitoring of its habitats and improvement of environmental measures are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether ex situ populations constructed in the limited nursery resources of botanical gardens can preserve enough genetic diversity of endangered plants in the wild remains uncertain. Here, a case study was conducted with Camellia tunghinensis, which is one of the species with the lowest natural distribution area in the sect. Chrysantha (golden camellia) of the family Theaceae. We investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 229 samples from wild and ex situ populations using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Core germplasm was constructed from these samples. The results showed that wild C. tunghinensis exhibited high genetic diversity, with observed heterozygosity of 0.257–0.293 and expected heterozygosity of 0.247–0.262. Compared with wild populations, the genetic diversity of ex situ populations established by transplanting wild seedlings was close to or even higher. However, the genetic diversity of those established by seed or cuttings of a few superior trees was lower. The Admixture analysis revealed that the structure of the ex situ populations derived from seeds and cuttings was relatively simple compared with the ex situ populations derived from transplanted wild seedlings and wild populations. These results suggested that direct transplanting of wild seedlings was more conducive to preserving the genetic diversity of endangered plants in the wild. In addition, wild populations demonstrated a small differentiation (mean FST = 0.044) among themselves, possibly due to long‐term and frequent gene flow between the wild populations. In contrast, moderate differentiation (mean FST > 0.05) was detected among ex situ populations and between ex situ and wild populations. This may be the combined result of the absence of gene flow pathways and strong selection pressure in various ex situ environments. Finally, 77 core germplasms were extracted from 229, likely representing the genetic diversity of C. tunghinensis. This study provides future strategies for the ex situ conservation and management of the golden camellia species and other rare and endangered plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widespread autotoxicity is an important obstacle to natural regeneration of many plants. The rare relict plant Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a difficult to natural regeneration and is affected by litter allelopathy. However, little is known about the potential influence of autotoxic substances on different regeneration stages of M. glyptostroboides. We identified multiple chemical compounds of aqueous extracts from fresh (recently accumulated) and natural litter (mixture of litter different phases of decomposition), to evaluate the autotoxic effects of the four most important detected compounds applied individually on seed germination and seedling growth of M. glyptostroboides. Results found that the 28 chemical compounds were identified in the aqueous extracts of M. glyptostroboides litter. The Jaccard similarity coefficient of chemical compounds in aqueous extracts of fresh and natural litter of M. glyptostroboides reached 50%. The number of chemical compounds in fresh litter was 5.56% more than that in natural litter. Catechol, trifluoroacetamide, benzoic acid and D-(+)-arabitol significantly affected seed germination rate, seed germination index, vigor index, shoot length and main root length of M. glyptostroboides. Specifically, benzoic acid had the strongest inhibitory effect, followed by catechol, trifluoroacetamide and D-(+)-arabitol. The autotoxic effect was concentration dependent, low concentrations were positive and neutral, high and extremely high concentrations were negative for all the chemical compounds. Moreover, catechol, trifluoroacetamide, benzoic acid and D-(+)-arabitol were autotoxic substances affecting the natural regeneration of M. glyptostroboides, as well as strongly inhibited at the shoot growth stage. This study confirms that natural regeneration of M. glyptostroboides is restricted by a large amount of litter coverage under the forest, highlighting how the chemical compounds responsible for the autotoxic characteristics of M. glyptostroboides affect the different regeneration stages of M. glyptostroboides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With thousands of performed cases, conservation translocation is now widely used to restore rare and threatened plant populations worldwide. While we begin to understand from previous mistakes and best practices what makes translocations successful, we realize also how complex the process of performing a translocation is, from the very initial planning phases to the final monitoring phase. Conservation biologists and practitioners met in Rome at the Roma Tre University in June 2022 for the 1st International Plant Translocation Conference, a conference fully dedicated to the most recent advances in plant translocations. This special issue, containing eight articles on different aspects of plant translocation, is a tangible output of the efforts by all attendees to sharing knowledge and establishing plant translocation best practices. Besides reviews and species-specific apsects of translocation, the special issue highlights the importance of the community of scientists and practictioners and the multidisciplinarity of conservation translocations to achieve succesful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnolia wufengensis is a newly discovered rare and endangered species endemic to China. The primary objective of this study is to find the most suitable species distribution models (SDMs) by comparing the different SDMs to predict their habitat distribution for protection and introduction in China under climate change. SDMs are important tools for studying species distribution patterns under climate change, and different SDMs have different simulation effects. Thus, to identify the potential habitat for M. wufengensis currently and in the 2050s (2041–2060) and 2070s (2061–2080) under different climate change scenarios (representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) in China, four SDMs, Maxent, GARP, Bioclim, and Domain, were first used to compare the predicted habitat and explore the dominant environmental factors. The four SDMs predicted that the potential habitats were mainly south of 40° N and east of 97° E in China, with a high distribution potential under current climate conditions. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) (0.9479 ± 0.0080) was the highest, and the Kappa value (0.8113 ± 0.0228) of the consistency test and its performance in predicting the potential suitable habitat were the best in the Maxent model. The minimum temperature of the coldest month (−13.36–9.84 °C), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (−6.06–12.66 °C), annual mean temperature (≥4.49 °C), and elevation (0–2803.93 m), were the dominant factors. In the current climate scenario, areas of 46.60 × 104 km2 (4.85%), 122.82 × 104 km2 (12.79%), and 96.36 × 104 km2 (10.03%), which were mainly in central and southeastern China, were predicted to be potential suitable habitats of high, moderate, and low suitability, respectively. The predicted suitable habitats will significantly change by the 2050s (2040–2060) and 2070s (2060–2080), suggesting that M. wufengensis will increase in high-elevation areas and shift northeast with future climate change. The comparison of current and future suitable habitats revealed declines of approximately 4.53%–29.98% in highly suitable habitats and increases of approximately 6.45%–27.09% and 0.77%–21.86% in moderately and lowly suitable habitats, respectively. In summary, these results provide a theoretical basis for the response to climate change, protection, precise introduction, cultivation, and rational site selection of M. wufengensis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daphne mezereum of the Thymelaeaceae family is a medicinal shrub occurring naturally in Europe and under legal protection in Poland. In the present study, a protocol developed for mass propagation of February daphne from nodal explants is presented. Micropropagation is one of the in vitro techniques that allow the preservation of rare and valuable plants by developing efficient methods for their propagation. In the proliferation stage, explants were cultured in the Woody Plant Medium (WPM) with different cytokinins, and in the rooting stage on the semi-solid WPM medium with perlite, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in various concentrations was used. The maximum proliferation rate (five shoots per explant) was observed on the medium containing 4.14 μM of meta-Topolin (mT). When the regenerated shoots were rooted in vitro in the presence of IBA in various concentrations, that of 19.68 μM induced the highest number of roots per shoot (6.63) and the maximal root length (2.15 cm). It is also worth remembering that plants are often colonized by different groups of microorganisms, which also affect the diversity of the ecosystem. The endophytic bacteria inhabiting the D. mezereum shoots are Mycobacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Thermogenesis – the ability to generate metabolic heat – is much more common in animals than in plants, but it has been documented in several plant families, most prominently the Araceae. Metabolic heat is produced in floral organs during the flowering time (anthesis), with the hypothesised primary functions being to increase scent volatilisation for pollinator attraction, and/or to provide a heat reward for invertebrate pollinators. Despite in‐depth studies on the thermogenesis of single species, no attempts have yet been made to examine plant thermogenesis across an entire clade. Here, we apply time‐series clustering algorithms to 119 measurements of the full thermogenic patterns in inflorescences of 80 Amorphophallus species. We infer a new time‐calibrated phylogeny of this genus and use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the evolutionary determinants of thermogenesis. We find striking phenotypic variation across the phylogeny, with heat production in multiple clades reaching up to 15°C, and in one case 21.7°C above ambient temperature. Our results show that the thermogenic capacity is phylogenetically conserved and is also associated with inflorescence thickness. Our study paves the way for further investigations of the eco‐evolutionary benefits of thermogenesis in plants. Significance Statement: Metabolic heat production is a common phenomenon in two important animal groups (birds and mammals), but rare in plants. Here, we investigat the thermogenic patterns in the genus Amorphophallus (Araceae). This is the first study to provide a detailed assessment of thermogenic patterns of a plant genus on a large scale and our methodological approach to investigate thermogenic patterns in an evolutionary context is unprecedented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbidium goeringii Reichb. fil., locally known as the spring orchid in the Republic of Korea, is one of the most important and popular horticultural species in the family Orchidaceae. C. goeringii cultivars originated from plants with rare phenotypes in wild mountains where pine trees commonly grow. This study aimed to determine the cultivar-specific combined genotypes (CGs) of short sequence repeats (SSRs) by analyzing multiple samples per cultivar of C. goeringii. In this study, we collected more than 4000 samples from 67 cultivars and determined the genotypes of 12 SSRs. Based on the most frequent combined genotypes (CG1s), the average observed allele number and combined matching probability were 11.8 per marker and 3.118 × 10−11, respectively. Frequencies of the CG1 in 50 cultivars (n ≥ 10) ranged from 40.9% to 100.0%, with an average of 70.1%. Assuming that individuals with the CG1 are genuine in the corresponding cultivars, approximately 30% of C. goeringii on the farms and markets may be not genuine. The dendrogram of the phylogenetic tree and principal coordinate analysis largely divided the cultivars into three groups according to their countries of origin; however, the genetic distances were not great among the cultivars. In conclusion, this dataset of C. goeringii cultivar-specific SSR profiles could be used for ecogenetic studies and forensic authentication. This study suggests that genetic authentication should be introduced for the sale of expensive C. goeringii cultivars. We believe that this study will help establish a genetic method for the forensic authentication of C. goeringii cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of rare plants is dependent on identifying mechanisms that limit their population or persistence. Successful pollination of flowers is one life history trait that is often limiting in plants occurring in fragmented land¬scapes. We studied pollinator associates and seed production in Astragalus packardiae (=A. cusickii var. packardiae, Packard's milkvetch), a narrow endemic that is imperiled as a result of nonnative annual grasses, increased wildfire, recrea¬tional off-highway vehicle use, and livestock use. We used pollinator exclusion bags to examine the breeding system of Packard's milkvetch. We collected and videotaped floral visitors to determine the makeup of the associates and the visita¬tion rate to flowers. Our study demonstrates that Packard's milkvetch is highly dependent on pollinators for reproductive success. Plants that were excluded from pollinator visitation produced a mean of 0.05 seeds/fruit (SD = 0.21), while plants open to pollinator visitation produced 2.44 seeds/fruit (SD = 1.03) (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: n = 23, P < 0.001). We collected a total of 203 floral visitors of A. packardiae. The order Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) made up 86% of the visitors, of which wasps were merely 1% of the collected insects. Lepidoptera (butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), and Diptera (flies) accounted for the remaining 7%, 4.4%, and 2.5% of visitors, respectively. The bee associates were markedly com-posed of Osmia bee species. Visitation rate for Packard's milkvetch was 3.8 visits/flower per hour, which is within the range of other studied Astragalus species. Because seed production in Packard's milkvetch is highly dependent on native bees, future conservation of Packard's milkvetch is reliant on the conservation of native bee habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palms (Arecaceae) contribute remarkable economic and environmental values to human life. However, many elite and commercial palm species are becoming critically endangered and demand immediate action to preserve their genetic resources. Cryopreservation has established itself as the definitive in vitro conservation method for recalcitrant-seeded species, such as those within the Arecaceae. Progress in this area has moved steadily forward over the last three decades with the development of various techniques for different explants and palm genotypes and for molecular testing methods to ensure genetic fidelity is maintained in the regenerants. There remains a key challenge to properly identify the components that will enable the long-term conservation of palms using cryopreservation. This review methodically analyzes the state-of-the-art cryopreservation techniques developed for palms and places them within a practical framework. This framework encompasses four underlying components, namely the tissue culture approaches required, the recalcitrant nature of the palm seed, the cryobiology and cryogenic techniques required, and fidelity assessment after cryopreservation. Through a critical analysis of this framework, further optimization of palm cryopreservation protocols and more fundamental studies on the physiological and molecular changes in cryopreserved palm tissues are recommended. The present review helps to showcase a multi-decade global attempt to preserve these mostly recalcitrant species through ex situ collections. From a conservationist's perspective, this review hopes to stimulate awareness for further concerted efforts in the conservation of rare and endangered plant families. Meanwhile, from a managerial perspective, this work serves to inform decision-makers of the global research effort underway to improve key components of the cryopreservation program for palm species and to encourage funding bodies to appropriately allocate resources to these much-needed research areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessments of the state of rare endangered plant species are based on the results of the analysis of their individuals and populations. The article is devoted to the assessment of the state of populations of rare plant species based on a complex population analysis. The most informative is the complex population analysis, which involves the combination of several methods of population assessment and is based on the accounting of not one, but a set of significant biological and ecological features characterizing the population. But the methodology and techniques of such analysis are poorly developed so far. Research in this direction is relevant. We are tasked with identifying the main components of a complex population analysis and showing their informativeness for the comparative assessment of phyto-populations. Using the example of five populations of L. martagon and P. patens, it is shown that populations of one plant species are similar in structure of the individuals forming them, but can differ significantly in terms of population characteristics, and vice versa. Morphological variability of vegetative and generative organs is pronounced in this species. It was established that the scale of this variability varies in different ecological and phytocenotic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in semi-natural grasslands has resulted from reduced traditional use, leading to a marked decrease in their overall area. Despite being located within Japan's core protected area system, the effectiveness of natural parks in conserving grasslands remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether natural parks successfully prevent the decline in grasslands. By analyzing historical changes in value perceptions toward grasslands in natural parks, natural parks' contribution to grassland conservation and the associated challenges were explored. The study focused on the Sengokuhara grassland in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and incorporated previous studies on other grasslands. It revealed that grasslands have been valued for their scenic views and recreational potential since the establishment of the national park. As grassland scarcity increased nationwide, attention shifted toward rare plants found exclusively on grasslands, along with grasslands' value as semi-natural landscapes. Consequently, natural-park-based grasslands have primarily been conserved based on these two values. However, conservation efforts within natural parks have mainly focused on regulating human activities, with limited measures to sustain nature, such as grasslands, through livelihoods. To enhance grassland conservation, it is essential to recognize their cultural value and develop mechanisms that ensure economic benefits are reinvested in conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The study describes 20-year experience of introducing into cultivation and studying 40 protected plant species listed in the Red Book of Ryazan region (2002, 2011, 2021). 4 of them are protected at the federal level (2008): Stipa pennata, Fritillaria ruthenica, Iris aphylla, Cotoneaster alaunicus. The purpose of the work is to correct the list of protected species, their rarity categories, essays in the third edition of the regional Red Book (2021), and clarify their types of life strategy basing on the study of their ontogenesis, annual cycles, behavior of selected plant species in natural habitats and under cultural conditions. Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out on the plots of the biostation of the Russian State University named after S.A. Yesenin (Ryazan) and on an experimental site in a small forest village in the north of the Ryazan region (Kasimovsky district). Results. The studies allowed us to exclude 6 species from the protected in the region: Anemone sylvestris, Corydalis marschalliana, Cerasus fruticosa, Potentilla recta, Astragalus arenarius, Veronica jacquinii, to update the rarity category of 16 protected species (Red Book, 2021). Most of the considered species belong to the forest-steppe floristic complex, implement the life strategy of patients, some species are characterized as violents. It is shown that the rarity of some species in Ryazan region is associated with the anthropogenic transformation of natural communities and with a change in the land use: a number of patients are found in regularly disturbed places (Astragalus arenarius), others began to restore their numbers after breaking of grazing and haymaking use (Serratula coronata). Conclusions. 20-year observations have shown that most of the studied forest-steppe species can successfully go through all stages of ontogenesis in culture. The soil is the main limiting factor for some of them, mostly for the patients needing in a carbonate or sandy soil. Deep study of the ontogenesis and life strategies provided an important information for understanding the reasons for the rarity and vulnerability of species. Not all rare species need in special protection measures and deserve to be included in the regional Red Data Book.

Seseli is a large genus of aromatic and economically important herbs of the Apiaceae family that includes eighty-seven taxa, mainly distributed in Europe and Asia. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various popular medicines and based on their traditional uses, much research concerning biological activities have been carried out. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli bocconei Guss., a rare plant endemic of Sicily, was analysed by GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on the essential oil of this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons whereas it was practically devoid of oxygenated terpenes. Main metabolites of the oil were germacrene D (18.48%) and sabinene (17.46%). Chemotaxonomic considerations with respect to other oils of Seseli taxa were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys is a large genus of economically important plants belonging to Lamiaceae family that includes about 300 species as annual or perennial herbs. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various traditional medicines. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr., a very rare plant, belonging to Section Candidae, endemic of South Greece and collected in the island of Kythira, was analysed by GC-MS. No one reports have been previously published on this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of diterpenoids with manoyl oxide (22.1%), as the most abundant component. Other metabolites present in high quantity were trans-nerolidol (18.5%), β-caryophyllene (11.0%) and germacrene D (8.1%). Chemotaxonomic considerations with respect all the other oils of Stachys taxa, belonging to the same section studied so far, were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swertia mussotii is the most authentic raw material used in Tibetan medicine in China for its various bioactivities. This natural medicine resource is at risk of being exhausted due to the double interference of climate change and anthropogenic over-collection. Little is known about habitat characteristics and the crucial environmental factors that influence the levels of active ingredients. The goal of this study is to understand the variability in the bioactive compound content of a wide range of wild S. mussotii as it adapts to changing environmental conditions. The target compound content of the whole plant material was analyzed with the environmental explanatory variables of the field sample sites using a constrained ordination method for their correlation analysis. The results show that 16.3 percent of the sampled wild S. mussotii populations with the highest bioactive content can be grouped into the elite type. The most prominent environmental variables affecting the content of major bioactive products include altitude, aspect, soil TK content, Fe content, and C/N and N/P ratios. Altitude and aspect put indirect effects that are mediated by plant height and density, N/P ratio puts a direct effect, while soil TK content, Fe content and C/N ratio have both direct and indirect effects on the bioactivity of S. mussotii. In addition to the total negative effects of altitude and C/N ratio, the remaining factors play a driving role. These findings demonstrate variation by geographical conditions across S. mussotii accessions for physiologic responses and secondary compounds in wild populations. The knowledge gained from this study can be used for environmental and plant physiology research, efficient collection of naturally active compounds, and conservation strategies for rare natural plant resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the ex-situ conservation of the rare plant species Teucrium santae (Lamiaceae), which is native to Algeria flora, we conducted this study under controlled conditions to determine the optimal circumstances for the germination of its seeds in terms of light, temperature, and water stress. The seeds showed a double dormancy that could be overcome using scarification with sulfuric acid combined with soaking in Gibberellic acid at 1,500 ppm. The seed's photosensitivity was tested afterward and found to be indifferent. The highest final germination percentage (75%) was obtained at a temperature of 20 °C. The temperature has no significant effect on the velocity coefficient, unlike the initial germination day and the mean germination time which decrease with increasing temperature. On the opposite of the velocity coefficient, water stress results in a tremendous depressive effect on the final germination percentage, initial germination time and mean germination time. The value of –1.2 MPa constitutes the water potential beyond which germination becomes impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive ecology of rare plants is seldom studied, yet the persistence of plant populations depends on successful mutualisms with pollinators. As atmospheric temperatures rise, phenology of plants and pollinators may become mismatched. We investigated the reproduction of Trifolium barnebyi (Barneby's clover), a mat‐forming perennial endemic to central Wyoming, USA, that grows in the crevices of sandstone bedrock. Our objectives were to evaluate a method for monitoring changes in cover as well as assess the pollination and seed‐set of T. barnebyi. We established five monitoring transects using a divided frame to estimate percent cover. We conducted seed‐set experiments at three locations to measure self‐pollination and the degree to which pollinating insects limited seed production. We used vane traps and bee bowls to capture pollinators, and examined pollen carried on bees. Percent cover along transects declined over the four year period and was associated with spring precipitation. Trifolium barnebyi did not self‐pollinate and relied on pollinators to produce seeds. The number and mass of viable seeds per flower, and the number of bees captured increased as the season progressed, indicating that more and larger seeds were made when more pollinators were present. Blooming of T. barnebyi ranged between April and June, depending on the microhabitat the plant lived in, and we observed much higher seed production in later‐blooming plants. Pollen from T. barnebyi was primarily carried by Andrena bees, although we found smaller amounts of pollen on seven other bee genera. A mismatch in timing between blooming and pollinating insect emergence could limit seed production in T. barnebyi if plants bloom earlier over time and bee emergence does not follow the same phenology. Rare plants can be pollinated by rare pollinators showing that conserving these pollinators is crucial for rare plants and early blooming species may be higher at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species translocations are increasingly common in rare plant conservation. Wild populations can provide basic ecological knowledge to improve their chance of success. In the heavily fragmented Florida scrub, USA, many listed species require translocations to persist, including Dicerandra christmanii. In 1994, we began monitoring the only protected population of D. christmanii growing both in gaps (open areas) within the shrub matrix and on roadsides. In 2010, we augmented this population by adding plants and seeds to unoccupied gaps. In 2012, we introduced plants to a separate protected site to create a new population. We evaluated early translocation success using generalized linear mixed‐effect models of vital rate variation among habitat types. Survival probability increased with size, peaking at 0.6–0.8, and was lowest in augmentations and highest in introductions. Growth increased with plant size across all habitat types, except for the largest adults which experienced senescence. Naturally recruited plants in gaps showed the highest reproduction probability and fecundity at smaller sizes, but larger plants in translocations had the highest fecundity. Yearling recruitment was higher in translocated plants relative to naturally recruited plants in gaps during the initial years following outplanting. Experimental components of translocations also affected outplanting performance with positive effects of fire. These analyses suggest a high potential for translocations to become established and contribute to species recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocated populations often show vigorous initial dynamics but eventually collapse. Modeling tools that incorporate basic ecological knowledge and allow for propagation of uncertainty can help identify potential risks. Here, we use Bayesian Integral Projection Models to estimate population growth rates (λs), associated elasticities, and extinction risks for the endangered Dicerandra christmanii. Our study compared natural populations in gaps (open areas) within the shrub matrix and roadsides, unoccupied gaps augmented with transplants, and introduced populations. These populations experienced different management, including prescribed fires, and had different initial conditions. Augmented gaps showed lower means but similar variation in λs as natural gaps. Yet, simulations indicate that augmentations can delay quasi‐extinction (40% of simulations) by 4 years at the population level. Introduced populations showed higher means and variation in λs as wild gaps. While vital rate estimates suggested initial translocation success, time to quasi‐extinction was projected to be 7 years shorter for introductions in gaps than for natural gap populations. These contradictory results are partially explained by the lack of established seed banks in introduced populations, which affected the response of early life stage transitions to a prescribed fire. This study highlights the need to account for site‐specific information in models of population dynamics, including initial conditions and management history, and especially cryptic life stages such as dormant seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the sexual system of a rare plant species is complex, characterizing floral development, plant morphology, and subpopulation structure is essential for assessing reproductive potential. Availability of pollinator rewards and positioning of sexual morphs within inflorescences relates to outcrossing potential. We studied the complex sexual system of the recently discovered Euphorbia rosescens E.L. Bridges & Orzell, a rare species occurring in a single Florida county. Euphorbia rosescens has both monomorphic subpopulations of female plants and mixed subpopulations with male and andromonoecious plants. Most data on cyathia sex, inflorescence architecture, floral visitors, and fruit set came from one female subpopulation and one mixed subpopulation. Cyathia longevity, flowering phase, nectar secretion, pollen production, and viability were measured in female, male, and hermaphrodite cyathia. Female plants had fewer inflorescence levels and cyathia and significantly smaller cyathia than male and andromonoecious plants. Andromonoecious plants were larger and produced more cyathia relative to male plants. Within mixed populations, sex switching occurred in both directions between male and andromonoecious plants. Female plants did not switch sexes. Proximal to distal inflorescence levels transitioned from hermaphrodite to male cyathia on andromonoecious plants. Nectar secretion corresponded to initiation of staminate flowering, but in female cyathia stigmas were receptive approximately a day before nectar secretion. Pollen production and viability were similar in male and hermaphrodite cyathia. Fruit maturation was minimal, primarily observed on andromonoecious plants. Nectar availability, pollen rewards, trimorphic inequalities in inflorescence display, and low fruit set suggest high geitonogamy, thus limiting outcrossing potential for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris lacustris, a northern Great Lakes endemic, is a rare species known from 165 occurrences across Lakes Michigan and Huron in the United States and Canada. Due to multiple factors, including habitat loss, lack of seed dispersal, patterns of reproduction, and forest succession, the species is threatened. Early population genetic studies using isozymes and allozymes recovered no to limited genetic variation within the species. To better explore genetic variation across the geographic range of I. lacustris and to identify units for conservation, we used tunable Genotyping-by-Sequencing (tGBS) with 171 individuals across 24 populations from Michigan and Wisconsin, and because the species is polyploid, we filtered the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) matrices using polyRAD to recognize diploid and tetraploid loci. Based on multiple population genetic approaches, we resolved three to four population clusters that are geographically structured across the range of the species. The species migrated from west to east across its geographic range, and minimal genetic exchange has occurred among populations. Four units for conservation are recognized, but nine adaptive units were identified, providing evidence for local adaptation across the geographic range of the species. Population genetic analyses with all, diploid, and tetraploid loci recovered similar results, which suggests that methods may be robust to variation in ploidy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The wood-poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum (Michaux) Nuttall [Papaveraceae]) is listed as endangered under Canada's Species at Risk Act. Five extant populations are in Canada. One potential recovery strategy for S. diphyllum is to augment existing populations and (or) establish new populations via conservation translocation. While seeds are sold in the nursery trade, few studies have been published on ex situ germination and propagation. Predictions are that Canadian populations are genetically distinct from US populations, but no studies have tested for phenotypic differences between plants from these sources. We collected, stratified, and sowed seeds from 2 of the native Canadian populations and 3 commercial seed companies and grew them in a common garden. We achieved a germination rate of 53% for seed from Canadian populations and 44% for commercial seeds following 2 mo stratification at 25 °C (77 °F) and 2 mo at 4 °C (39 °F). Plants from 1 Canadian population grew faster, produced more leaves, differed in leaf and seed morphology, and had fewer trichomes than the plants of commercial origin. These results show that S. diphyllum can be propagated successfully from Canadian seed sources and that Canadian S. diphyllum populations are likely phenotypically distinct from commercial stock. Our findings will inform the development of a translocation strategy and set the stage for genetic analysis of these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland habitats in Bosnia and Herzegovina are usually small, fragmented and under numerous anthropogenic pressures. Therefore species confined to such habitats can be considered being among the most threatened plant species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus of this article is the distribution pattern and threatened status of five such plant species: Achillea ptarmica, Carex elongata, Carex strigosa, Comarum palustre and Prunus padus. While these taxa can be common in other parts of Europe, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they are rare and usually restricted to a small number of localities. Wetland flora can be found in the Dinaric mountains, where it is confined to the karst fields, mountain plateaus, spring areas and banks of glacial lakes, but as well in the lowlands in the north of the country, occupying the remnants of wetland habitats. Published, new and unpublished (herbarium) chorological data for Bosnia and Herzegovina, description of the habitat, population estimate, threats on habitats and species, and estimation of threatened status based on IUCN criteria are given for each studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epipactis purpurata Sm. and Leontodon saxatile Lam. are reported as new species in the flora of North Macedonia. The first one is found in the forest area near Bezgaštevo village, southwest of Berovo, and the latter in the central part of Kičevo, on the quay of the Sušica River. The collected specimens of L. saxatile are perennial plants with shortly beaked inner achenes, clearly belonging to subsp. saxatile. New localities are reported for the following eight rare plants: Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. neapolitanum (Ten.) Nyman, Bidens frondosus L., Carex tomentosa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Erysimum korabense Kümmerle & Jáv., Lactuca aurea (Vis. & Pančić) Stebbins, Phegopteris connectilis (Michx.) Watt, and Thymus oehmianus Ronniger & Soska. Data from the literature on their distribution in the country are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-natural products are used in several cosmetic applications as whitening agents. However, various Colchicum species rich in bioactive secondary metabolites that possess antioxidant and significant anti-tyrosinase activities. Nevertheless, there are few phytochemical investigations with no reports of biological assessment of Colchicum palaestinum (Baker) C. Archer (Colchicaceae). Consequently, the aqueous methanol (AM) extract of the whole plant of C. palaestinum has been subjected to relevant biological activities; antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-tyrosinase assays. Where AM extract showed DPPH radical scavenging inhibition at 71.8%, with an IC 50 of 66.0 µg/mL. The wound scratch assay revealed a migration rate 11.7% of the human normal fibroblast cell line (BJ-1) while, the anti-tyrosinase IC 50 activity value of the extract on the l -tyrosine substrate was 29.75±4.60 µg/mL compared to kojic acid (control) with IC 50 47.48±2.67 µg/mL. For inclusive phytochemical profiling of C. palaestinum whole plant, AM extract was fractionated using petroleum ether (PE) afforded, PE fraction, and defatted aqueous methanol (DAM) extract. PE fraction was investigated by GC/MS analysis and led to the detection of 35 compounds. Similarly, the UPLC-MS/MS analysis of DAM extract assisted with molecular networking through the GNPS platform, revealing the annotation of 65 metabolites. Besides, nine phenolics were isolated and identified from the DAM extract. Except for two compounds, all non-polar and polar constituents were reported for the first time in the investigated species. These findings imply that due to its chemical constituents, C. palaestinum meets the requirements as a competitive antioxidant andwound healing with anti-tyrosinase properties. [Display omitted] • About forty-two nonpolar and polar compounds were reported for the first time from Colchicum palaestinum. • Chemical constituents of C. palaestinum achieved requirements as a competitive antioxidant and wound healing with anti-tyrosinase properties. • The extract could be effective for many cosmetic formulations and to standardize Colchicum-based drugs. • The significant biological potential of this rare plant can induce large-scale cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 92/43/EEC Habitats Directive is the main European Union legal tool concerning nature conservation. The habitat types listed in Annex I to the Directive are phytosociology-based. It is widely acknowledged that phytosociological analysis is a crucial approach for habitats characterization and for monitoring their conservation status. Based on bibliographic investigations and new field survey campaigns, a list of habitat types neglected by the Habitats Directive is here presented and described for southern Italy. In this paper, 8 new habitat types and 13 subtypes are proposed. For each of these proposed new habitat types, a wide range of information, including ecology, chorology, species composition, syntaxonomy, threats, and conservation status, is here provided. To supply more detailed phytogeographical and coenological information about the proposed new habitat types, distribution maps based on 10 × 10 km reference grids and phytosociological tables including unpublished relevés were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study surveyed the vascular flora present in 455 forest wetlands in South Korea to provide baseline data for conservation, management and monitoring and to support preparation for climate change. The survey period was from April 2015 to November 2019. The vascular flora of 455 forest wetlands were identified and were found to consist of 143 families, 582 genera, 1,246 species, 26 subsp., 104 var., 12 f. and 1,388 individual taxa. Eight taxa were identified as Grade II endangered wild plants, 220 taxa were identified as northern lineage plants of the Korean Peninsula, 66 taxa were endemic to the Korean Peninsula and 94 taxa were rare plants as designated by the Korea Forest Service. Amongst them, eight taxa were Critically Endangered species, 10 taxa were Endangered species, 31 taxa were Vulnerable species, 31 taxa were Least Concern species and 14 taxa were Data Deficient species. Further, 411 taxa were floristic target plants, of which 17 taxa were classified as grade V, 70 taxa as grade IV, 110 taxa as grade III, 90 taxa as grade II and 29 taxa as grade I. There were 64 invasive alien plant taxa. Eighteen of these species were classed as Widespread species, nine taxa were Serious Spread species, 13 taxa were Spread Risk species, 18 taxa were Spread Concern species and six taxa were Continuing Spread species. According to wetland preference, 152 taxa (11.0%) were obligate wetland plants, 138 taxa (9.9%) were facultative wetland plants and 177 (12.77%) taxa were facultative plants. Additionally, 198 taxa (14.3%) were facultative upland plants and 723 taxa (52.1%) were obligate upland plants.

Funding for rare plant conservation is limited. In addition, many aspects of the biology and ecology of rare plants are unknown. Therefore, low-cost data generation approaches to fill these gaps should be pursued. Herbarium specimens can be used as a low-cost alternative to learn about the basic biology and ecology of rare plant species. The information provided on herbarium labels has dramatically increased in recent decades to include precise locality (i.e., latitude/longitude), exact dates, habitat, associated species, and substrate. In addition, herbarium specimens are being digitized and the resulting images and data are available via clearinghouses such as GBIF and SEINet. Already, herbarium specimens of rare plants have been used to develop habitat suitability models, predict range shifts, and assess changes in flower phenology due to climate change. Herbarium specimens can also provide a wealth of information about the reproductive biology and biotic interactions of rare plants. In this paper, we will demonstrate how this information can be accessed and present a practical application for using this information to populate an important federal listing document in the USA, Species Status Assessments (SSA). We will provide examples from the literature, as well as case studies from our own research, to demonstrate how this information can be collected from herbarium specimens and how and where to incorporate this information into SSAs. More generally, data gleaned from herbarium specimens can become part of a conservationist’s tool kit to further our knowledge of past, present, and future trends for rare plants. Additional knowledge of a species’ biology and ecology allows land managers and conservationists to make more informed decisions and allows for greater protection of listed species.

Objective: Sidalcea is a genus of flowering plants restricted to the west coast of North America, commonly known as checkermallows. Remarkably, of the ~ 30 recognized species, 16 are of conservation concern (vulnerable, imperilled or critically imperilled). To facilitate biological studies in this genus, and in the wider Malvaceae, we have sequenced the whole plastid genome of Sidalcea hendersonii. This will allow us both to check those regions already developed as general Malvaceae markers in a previous study, and to search for new regions. Results: By comparing the Sidalcea genome to that of Althaea, we have identified a hypervariable circa 1 kb region in the short single copy region. This region shows promise for examining phylogeographic pattern, hybridization and haplotype diversity. Remarkably, considering the conservation of plastome architecture between Sidalcea and Althaea, the former has a 237 bp deletion in the otherwise highly conserved inverted repeat region. Newly designed primers provide a PCR assay to determine presence of this indel across the Malvaceae. Screening of previously designed chloroplast microsatellite markers indicates two markers with variation within S. hendersonii that would be useful in future population conservation genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus liliiflorus , endemic to the Indian Ocean island of Rodrigues, is one of the rarest plant species in the world; only 2 wild individuals remain. Previously, when 4 wild individuals remained, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) in Rodrigues propagated cuttings of them in their nursery, then planted seedlings produced in the nursery into 3 outplanted populations on the island. Our goals were to: 1) assess whether all 4 original wild genotypes are represented in the MWF nursery; 2) determine whether ex situ living collections at international botanical gardens maintain unique genotypes of H. liliiflorus ; 3) assess whether nursery individuals have crossed or self-fertilized to produce seed and quantify their relative contributions to outplanted populations; and 4) provide recommendations for future conservation actions. We used a 2b-RADseq approach to produce 2,711 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 98 samples. Genotype identity analysis, principal component analysis, and model-based clustering in STRUCTURE found 4 genotypes extant in Rodrigues but no unique genotypes in ex situ botanic garden collections. Only 3 genotypes are represented in the MWF nursery; the one remaining genotype is represented by an extant wild individual. Parentage analysis showed that seeds produced in the MWF nursery resulted from both self-fertilization and crossing between genotypes, a result supported by internal relatedness and hybrid index calculations. Each outplanted population is dominated by a subset of parental genotypes, and we propose actions to balance the parental contributions to outplanted populations. Our study highlights how genetic assessments of ex situ conservation projects help conserve critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean endemic Eranthis byunsanensis B.Y. Sun, 1993 (Ranunculaceae) is a rare plant distributed in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. byunsanensis was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using an Illumina HiSeq X platform. The cp genome of E. byunsanensis is 160,324 bp in length with 37.9% GC content. It showed a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 28,356 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC; 87,671 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC; 15,941 bp). The cp genome comprises 130 genes including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that E. byunsanensis is closely related to Eranthis stellata, both of which belong to the genus Eranthis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superfamily of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins mediates membrane fusion during vesicular transport between endosomes and the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells, playing a vital role in plant development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed crop worldwide that produces pods below ground, which is rare in flowering plants. To date, however, there has been no systematic study of SNARE family proteins in peanut. In this study, we identified 129 putative SNARE genes from cultivated peanut (A. hypogaea) and 127 from wild peanut (63 from Arachis duranensis, 64 from Arachis ipaensis). We sorted the encoded proteins into five subgroups (Qa-, Qb-, Qc-, Qb+c- and R-SNARE) based on their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis SNAREs. The genes were unevenly distributed on all 20 chromosomes, exhibiting a high rate of homolog retention from their two ancestors. We identified cis-acting elements associated with development, biotic and abiotic stresses in the promoters of peanut SNARE genes. Transcriptomic data showed that expression of SNARE genes is tissue-specific and stress inducible. We hypothesize that AhVTI13b plays an important role in the storage of lipid proteins, while AhSYP122a, AhSNAP33a and AhVAMP721a might play an important role in development and stress responses. Furthermore, we showed that three AhSNARE genes (AhSYP122a, AhSNAP33a and AhVAMP721) enhance cold and NaCl tolerance in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), especially AhSNAP33a. This systematic study provides valuable information about the functional characteristics of AhSNARE genes in the development and regulation of abiotic stress responses in peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]