GIS-Facilitated Germination of Stored Seeds from Five Wild-Growing Populations of Campanula pelviformis Lam. and Fertilization Effects on Growth, Nutrients, Phenol Content and Antioxidant Potential

Abstract

This study was designed to bridge extant research gaps regarding the vulnerable and protected local endemic Campanula pelviformis, a wild edible green traditionally consumed in Crete (Greece) with agro-alimentary and medicinal interest as well as ornamental value. The C. pelviformis ecological profile was generated using the climate and temperature conditions prevailing in its wild habitats through mapping of natural distribution linked with online bioclimatic databases in geographical information systems. We tested the germination of seeds from five wild-growing populations at four different temperatures (10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) and under different light conditions (light/dark and darkness), and we performed fertilization trails [integrated nutrient management (INF), chemical fertilization (ChFe), control] examining morphological and physiological characteristics, above- and below-ground macro- and micronutrients and phenol contents, as well as their antioxidant capacity. We found population and temperature effects on seed germination with their interaction being statistically significant. Campanula pelviformis germinated better at 10 and 15 °C (>85% for all populations) with no preference on light conditions (98.75% and 95% in light and dark conditions). The INF application increased root dry mass, chlorophyll content index and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to other treatments and was beneficial for macro- and micronutrient concentrations in above-ground parts compared to previously studied wild-growing material, while below-ground parts were positively impacted by both fertilization types. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both increased by ChFe fertilization. The data furnished herein permitted the re-evaluation and upgrade of its sustainable exploitation potential in different economic sectors.

GIS-Facilitated Germination of Stored Seeds from Four Wild-Growing Populations of Petromarula pinnata (L.) A. DC.—A Valuable, yet Vulnerable Local Endemic Plant of Crete (Greece)

“…The seeds were collected using a special collection permit (182336/879 of 16 May 2019 and 64886/2959 of 6 July 2020) issued by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy. Seed storage conditions (three years' storage) followed those described in previous studies [17].…”

“…In response to this need, propagation and cultivation practices for NUPs must first be developed and established [3,14]. To this end, sexual propagation constitutes a highly effective and low-cost solution for the production of many plant species [15], as well as an appropriate propagation method for conservation-oriented research due to maintenance of high genetic diversity in the species of concern [16,17]. Seed-germination tests provide detailed and species-specific information on the range of environmental conditions required for the germination of fresh or stored mature seeds, thus shedding light on how target species adapt to their natural environment during this critical phase of their life cycle, e.g., [3,[16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

“…As a support for seed-germination studies, species-specific ecological profiles provide comprehensive information on the autecology of the species of concern, including insight into the prevailing climatic conditions at the natural distribution sites of the species throughout the year, which may facilitate the design of seed-germination experiments [16,17]. To this end, identifying and confirming through experimentation the temperature range that favors high percentages of seed germination of a certain species can effectively enhance their reproduction potential, thus facilitating conservation actions or ensuring the production of seedlings for further development of cultivation protocols.…”

“…In this context, an analytical seed-germination protocol has been developed for a threatened, range-restricted, local Cretan endemic NUP, C. pelviformis, which is of ornamental, medicinal, and agro-alimentary interest [17]. Additional research has also confirmed the presence of various isolated compounds with notable pharmaceutical properties in C. pelviformis [10], paving the way for the sustainable exploitation of this NUP as part of a newly launched national research project employing pilot cultivation in Crete (N. Krigas, pers.…”

A Polysaccharide-Based Integrated Nutrient Management System Enhances the Antioxidant Properties in Origanum dictamnus (Lamiaceae), a Valuable Local Endemic Plant of Crete

“…Such combinations may often lead to an early harvesting period, achieving the highest yield and quality of products; these are able to control the biological nitrogen transformations in soils and additionally may contribute to an exceptional strengthening of plants, which can become more resistant to cold and UV sunburns [10]. Numerous recent publications on polysaccharide-based INM fertilization schemes have shown to date that the paybacks of EEFs as a result of evaded social costs of nitrogen losses, may substantially overshadow their costs, and thus, they are highly recommended for integration in fertilizer strategies (e.g., [9][10][11][12][13]).…”