An inventory of crop wild relatives (CWR) and wild harvested plants (WHP) occurring in Tunisia, based on the integration of the last available floristic checklists, is presented. The taxa were ...prioritised according to economic value of the related crop, potential for crop improvement, threat status, endemism, inclusion in the ITPGRFA (Annex I) and average annual contributions to dietary energy (kilocalories) per capita per day by applying a scoring system based on 4 priority levels. Of a total of 2912 taxa belonging to the Tunisian Flora, 2504 CWR and/or WHP (86% of the total), from 143 families and 686 genera, were identified, 2445 of which are CWR and 847 are WHP. In detail, 1654 are solely CWR and 59 are WHP only, whereas 788 are both CWR and WHP. The final priority list for active conservation includes 1036 CWR (43% of the total CWR taxa), with 139 taxa rated as high priority, 660 medium priority and 237 low priority. The final priority list for WHP is composed of 344 taxa and includes eight high priority, 254 medium priority and 82 low priority taxa. Our results confirm Tunisia as a hotspot of CWR and WHP diversity in the Mediterranean area. The inventory here proposed provides the basis for the development and implementation of a more targeted national CWR/WHP conservation strategy for Tunisia.
This cytogenetic study attempts to shed light on the karyomorphological and asymmetry data of species in the subfamily Scilloideae previously included in Scilla, namely Hyacinthoides lingulata ...(Poir.) Rothm., Prospero autumnale (L.) Speta, Prospero obtusifolium (Poir.) Speta, Barnardia numidica (Poir.) Speta, and Oncostema elongata (Parl.) Speta. These taxa are predominantly from the Skikda region (northeastern Algeria). H. lingulata had a somatic chromosome number 2n=2x=16, P. autumnale 2n=2x=14, P. obtusifolium 2n=2x= 8, B. numidica 2n=2x=18, and O. elongata 2n=2x=16. The indices of intrachromosomal (MCA, A1, and AsI) and interchromosomal (CVCL, CVCI, and A2) asymmetry revealed that H. lingulata has the most asymmetrical karyotype (1C), while P. autumnale has the most symmetrical karyotype (3A). P. obtusifolium has a relatively symmetrical karyotype (4A), while B. numidica and O. elongata have both an asymmetrical karyotype (1B). These findings differ from those previously reported for the same taxa in Algeria, hence indicating the substantial genetic variation that exists within the country.
The chromosome number and karyomorphology of two subspecies of the Anthemis maritima complex collected from two different coastal localities in the Skikda region (northeastern Algeria) are reported ...in this study: Anthemis maritima subsp. maritima, which is common throughout the Mediterranean, and A. maritima subsp. bolosii, a strict Algerian endemic recently rediscovered after 100 years of disappearance. The Feulgen staining method indicated that Anthemis maritima subsp. maritima is a tetraploid with 2n=4x=36 chromosomes (2n=11m+3sm+4st), and Anthemis maritima subsp. bolosii is a diploid with 2n=2x=18 chromosomes (2n=4m+3sm+2st). Both taxa have symmetrical karyotypes, 2A and 1A, respectively, according to Stebbins classification. These findings are novel for both the subspecies Anthemis maritima subsp. bolosii and the Algerian population of Anthemis maritima subsp. maritima.
This study identified the most common poisonous and allergenic plants occurring in Sicilian gardens and parks. Based on a survey conducted at 100 sites, a list was drawn up that reports the main ...biological and toxicological characteristics and ornamental uses of these plants. A total of 137 taxa were recorded, of which 108 were poisonous and 32 were allergenic. The most represented families were the Solanaceae, Moraceae, Apocynaceae and Fabaceae. The most represented geographical contingents were the European and the Mediterranean. A large number of toxic and allergenic plants recorded in Sicilian parks and gardens cause gastrointestinal disorders, 21 of which are deadly poisonous. Based on the results, actions for the management of existing gardens and the construction of new ones are discussed. The importance of environmental education for the population starting from school age is stressed. These recommendations aim to preserve cultivated biodiversity and, at the same time, protect human and pet health.
Beek (2016) argued that Rubus aetnicus Cupani ex Weston was the correct name of the taxon that was then called R. canescens DC., and which was previously known as R. tomentosus Borkh. Moreover, R. ...canescens was stated to be not identical with R. aetnicus, but rather a form of R. × collinus DC. Matzke‐Hajek (2016) raised objections to both statements. Therefore, the aim of this study was to thoroughly analyse both names and support this analysis with field work at the type localities and by DNA data. Despite the correspondence at the investigated conservative DNA loci, the investigation showed that the two species are morphologically different and must be conceived as separate taxa. According to the rules of the ICN, R. aetnicus, as the earliest available legitimate name, must be accepted as the correct name for R. tomentosus auct. non Borkh. There is no reason not to use the name R. aetnicus, which has not been commonly used until now. It is unambiguous, while any other name could cause confusion if it would be conserved. Other scientific names clarified in this study are R. aetnaeus Tornab. (= R. ulmifolius Schott), R. aetnensis Tornab. (= R. aetnicus) and R. argenteus Gmel.
The
Centaurea busambarensis
group is made up by eight species endemic to Sicily. We statistically evaluated a population found on the Nebrodi Mountain (NE Sicily) to verify if the observed ...morphological differences with the already known taxa justified the description of a new one. It resulted in being sufficiently distinct to deserve recognition at the species level.
Centaurea valdemonensis
, a new species endemic to Sicily is described and illustrated here. It is confined to the Nebrodi Mountains (NE Sicily). The distinction of this taxon from the others belonging to the
C. busambarensis
complex has been supported with the aid of statistical analyses on morphological characters. The differences with the related taxa are discussed.
subsp.
is a critically endangered endemic taxa of the Sicilian flora. It is a relict of the Tertiary period surviving on the cliffs of Monte Gallo (NW-Sicily). This research focused on finding the ...best protocols for seed germination and vegetative and
propagation to contribute to
conservation. Seed germination tests were carried out using constant temperatures of 15 °C, 20 °C and 25 °C in continuous darkness and an alternating temperature of 30/15 °C (16 h/8 h, light/dark). The seeds had no dormancy, and a high germination capacity (70-95%) was obtained at all tested thermoperiods. The possibility of vegetative propagation of the taxon was evaluated through the rooting capacity of stem cuttings treated or not treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). All cuttings were treated with IBA rooted within 2 months, while only 50% of the untreated cuttings were rooted within a longer time. An efficient protocol for rapid
propagation from leaf portions was developed. The response of explants was tested on hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium and MS enriched with different types of cytokinins: 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and meta-Topolin (mT) in combination with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at the same concentration. The combination of mT (2 mg L
) and 2,4-D (1 mg L
) in the medium was the most effective and showed the highest percentage of callus induction and the mean number of regenerated shoots. The maximum rate of root regeneration and the maximum number and length of roots were obtained on hormone-free MS and MS enriched with IBA at concentrations of 1 mg L
. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that
subsp.
can be successfully propagated using one of the tested techniques, subject to the availability of the material for reproduction.
We document new records of 11 vascular taxa. Some were found in the wild for the first time and, therefore, are new reports to terrestrial flora of Tunisia. One species,
Ranunculus acris
L., is ...reported for the first time for North Africa.
Parietaria cretica
L. is confirmed for North Africa. Details about the distribution and habitats of the 11 species are provided, and comments on their status and taxonomy are included.
The evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is considered one of the oldest trees in the world, cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean Basin, for its edible and high nutritional fruits, ...adapted to human and animal consumption. Spain is the main producer, followed by Italy, Portugal, Greece, Morocco, and Turkey. In Italy, the cultivation of carob is concentrated in a few provinces and insists on an area of more than 5,500 hectares. In this work 19 accessions, showing interesting fruit traits were analysed morphologically and genetically. Overall, 13 quantitative characters were considered regarding leaf (5 characters), pod (5) and seed (3). To investigate the genetic diversity 8 fluorescently labelled SSR primers were used, indicated as polymorphic in the literature. A UPGMA dendrogram was constructed to depict identity cases and relationships among the accessions. Clustering showed discrimination among accessions from Eastern and Western Sicily. The morphological characterisation does not clearly discriminate any of the cultivars recognized by the growers, similarly, the molecular analysis showed a reduced level of diversity. Since most of these local accessions are of unknown origin and that they are representative of the local germplasm they still warrant protection for their economic and environmental value.
We conducted a GIS spatial analysis with the aim of providing the first quantitative large-scale overview of the distribution patterns of 1536 type localities (loci classici) of 1216 Italian endemic ...vascular plants and their relationship with a set of descriptive variables. Whereas some variables were used to model the presence-absence distribution patterns of the type localities for the whole set of endemics as well as for the subset of narrow endemics, others (e.g., presence inside or outside protected areas and Italian Important Plant Areas) were considered with the purpose of assessing potential assets or risks for conservation.
The largest number of type localities was found within the Mediterranean biogeographic region (1134), followed by the Alpine region (306) and Continental region (96). A total of 670 locations are located on islands, whereas 866 are located on the Italian mainland (139 and 124 in the case of narrow endemics, respectively). A large number of type localities are located in mountainous areas and along the coastline, which can be seen as a potential risk for conservation. On the contrary, we detected a positive correlation with the distance from roads, which might be considered to be an asset. Importantly, 1030 type localities fall inside protected areas, whereas 506 localities fall outside protected areas, with 259 of these unprotected localities on islands.
We propose considering the results of the analysis of the distribution of type localities of Italian endemics to be a strategic tool for conservation planning and resource management. Application of plant micro-reserves and integration of diverse legislation tools are suggested to strengthen efforts and increase conservation success.
•We provide the first large sale study on the distribution of 1536 type localities of Italian endemic plant species•We highlight main drivers of distribution and major assets and for the conservation of type localities•The distribution of the type localities should be taken into account in conservation planning
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