Conservation technologies for safeguarding and restoring threatened flora: case studies from Eastern Australia

Abstract

This paper highlights recent advances and improved scientific understanding of conservation technologies through selected case studies on threatened plant species indigenous to Eastern Australia. This includes investigations into seed desiccation, storage responses and cryopreservation in rainforest species, particularly the socio-economically important Australian native Citrus spp., Davidsonia spp. (Davidson's plum) and Syzygium spp. This work also (1) increases our understanding of ecological correlates of seed desiccation sensitivity for predictive use and (2) improves restoration practice through better understanding of seed storage and germination requirements. The use of in vitro conservation technologies in support of conservation actions for endangered species is outlined in case studies on Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi pine), epiphytic and terrestrial orchid species, and an endangered fern species.

Saving rainforests in the South Pacific: challenges in ex situ conservation

“…This is a long-term storage option that requires far less maintenance than tissue culture but can require a considerable investment of time and resources at the outset, both to develop suitable protocols for culturing the species, and to develop protocols for cryopreservation (Ashmore et al 2011). Though tissue culture and cryopreservation protocols have been developed for many economically important species (Reed 2008), relatively little work has been done on wild rainforest species in the South Pacific.…”

Biotechnology and Conservation of Plant Biodiversity

“…Biodiversity hotspots around the globe are at risk and in vitro propagation methods have been used for rescuing and conserving endangered plants [42], in many countries [9], including Australia [43], Malaysia [44] and South Africa [45]. Although standard in vitro propagation methods are, in general, accessible, endangered species may have unusual growth requirements and, thus, may need modified procedures for in vitro culture.…”

Cryoconservation of plant germplasm native to Brazil

“…Theres is lack of research on seed storage biology and germination, propagation and acclimatization protocols for Eastern Australian rainforest species, which have yet to be cryoconserved since few studies have applied in vitro and cryopreservation techniques to the conservation of these species (Ashmore et al, 2011). Research and projects are underway to improve the ex situ conservation of Eastern Australian rainforest species (Ashmore et al, 2011), as much as for most of the Brazilian flora.…”

“…Research and projects are underway to improve the ex situ conservation of Eastern Australian rainforest species (Ashmore et al, 2011), as much as for most of the Brazilian flora. South Africa is also progressing in cryostorage research and its application through major efforts made by the authorities to achieve cryoconservation of native plant species, endangered or of economic importance (Berjak et al, 2011).…”