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Integrated Ex-Situ Conservation and Ornamental Evaluation of the Vulnerable and Protected Greek Endemic Campanula laciniata L.: A Multifaceted Approach

Authors :
Theodora-Nafsika Panagiotidou
Elias Pipinis
Ioannis Anestis
Stefanos Kostas
Parthena Tsoulpha
Eleftherios Karapatzak
Georgios Tsoktouridis
Stefanos Hatzilazarou
Nikos Krigas
Source :
Agronomy, Vol 14, Iss 8, p 1665 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20734395
Volume :
14
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Agronomy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2943f8d709464a999de520a63a80f53a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081665