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In the frame of exploring the local native biodiversity for new ornamental species, the current study frames pivotal efforts for the ex situ conservation of the vulnerable and protected local Greek endemic plant Campanula laciniata L. and presents its natural requirements, seed germination trial, and first cultivation–fertilization protocol. The temperature and precipitation requirements of C. laciniata prevailing in its natural habitats were explored by using high-spatial-resolution bioclimatic maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The germination of C. laciniata seeds was tested at 15 °C under alternating light and dark conditions as suggested for various Mediterranean Campanula species. However, the germination rate of C. laciniata seeds was low (35%), thus indicating the need for further research. The derived seedlings were used to study the effect of fertilization schemes on C. laciniata growth involving integrated nutrient management (INM), inorganic fertilization (ChF), and control (only water) using a substrate of soil:peat:perlite (4:3:1, v/v/v). After six months of plant growth, specific morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the plants receiving each fertilization treatment were measured. Fertilization significantly affected the morphological and physiological characteristics of the produced plants. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both affected by fertilization treatment but were lower in fertilized plants compared to control ones. After pivotal ex situ conservation, we performed a multifaceted evaluation for the ornamental-horticultural sector showing that C. laciniata holds a noteworthy ornamental potential (52.78%) with feasible value chain creation in the medium term for its sustainable utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of exploring the local native biodiversity for new ornamental species, the current study frames pivotal efforts for the ex situ conservation of the vulnerable and protected local Greek endemic plant Campanula laciniata L. and presents its natural requirements, seed germination trial, and first cultivation–fertilization protocol. The temperature and precipitation requirements of C. laciniata prevailing in its natural habitats were explored by using high-spatial-resolution bioclimatic maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The germination of C. laciniata seeds was tested at 15 °C under alternating light and dark conditions as suggested for various Mediterranean Campanula species. However, the germination rate of C. laciniata seeds was low (35%), thus indicating the need for further research. The derived seedlings were used to study the effect of fertilization schemes on C. laciniata growth involving integrated nutrient management (INM), inorganic fertilization (ChF), and control (only water) using a substrate of soil:peat:perlite (4:3:1, v/v/v). After six months of plant growth, specific morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the plants receiving each fertilization treatment were measured. Fertilization significantly affected the morphological and physiological characteristics of the produced plants. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both affected by fertilization treatment but were lower in fertilized plants compared to control ones. After pivotal ex situ conservation, we performed a multifaceted evaluation for the ornamental-horticultural sector showing that C. laciniata holds a noteworthy ornamental potential (52.78%) with feasible value chain creation in the medium term for its sustainable utilization.

ABSTRACT Kosteletzkya pentacarpos seashore mallow, is recognised as an important plant species for several industrial applications, especially in North America and Asia. In Europe, seashore mallow is highly threatened and subject of conservation actions (e.g. reintroduction). In order to define appropriate multipurpose cultivation protocols, suitable for biomass production and for conservation purposes, we investigated the effect of varying levels of soil salt content and nutrient availability on seashore mallow. As expected, seashore mallow had the best performance in terms of growth rate, flowering and fruit production when fertiliser was applied, while salt had only limited effects. Interestingly, seeds produced by fertilised plants showed a lower germination performance and higher mortality than seeds developed from non-fertilised plants. Our results highlight a trade-off between parental plant growth and seed performance, the former being enhanced and the latter being reduced by fertiliser application. The causes of this trade-off are related to a transgenerational maternal effect of fertiliser application that has important implications for seashore mallow cultivation. Biomass production benefits from fertiliser application but if the quality of seeds and the fitness of the next generation are major objectives (e.g. seed production and species conservation), fertiliser application is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major functions of granulosa cells (GCs) include the production of steroids, as well as a myriad of growth factors to interact with the oocyte during its development within the ovarian follicle. Also FSH stimulates GCs to convert androgens (coming from the thecal cells) to estradiol by aromatase. However, after ovulation the GCs produce progesterone that may maintain a potential pregnancy. Experiments with human GCs are mainly focused on the purification of GCs from ovarian follicular fluid followed by FACS analysis or short-term cultivation. The aim of our study was to cultivate GCs for a long period, to characterize their morphology and phenotype. Moreover, we have cultivated GCs under gonadotropin stimulation in order to simulate different pathological mechanisms during folliculogenesis (e.g. ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). GCs were harvested from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Complex oocyte-cumulus oophorus was dissociated by hyaluronidase. The best condition for transport of GCs was optimized as short transport in follicular fluid at 37 °C. GCs expansion medium consisted of DMEM/F12, 2 % FCS, ascorbic acid, dexamethasone, L-glutamine, gentamycine, penicillin, streptomycin and growth factors (EGF, bFGF). GCs transported in follicular fluid and cultivated in 2 % FCS containing DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with follicular fluid presented increased adhesion, proliferation, viability and decreased doubling time. Cell viability was 92 % and mean cell doubling time was 52 hrs. We have optimized transport and cultivation protocols for long-term cultivation of GCs.