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Aegilops species are important crop wild relatives (CWR) characterised by seed heteromorphism. Within each spikelet seeds differ in terms of size, colour, phenology, abiotic stress tolerance among others. although the seed heteromorphism in Aegilops has a genetic component, the level of plasticity of this character has been poorly investigated. To fill this gap, we measured the effect of fertilization on seed heteromorphism in nine Aegilops species, to understand if nutrient availability can affect the reproductive ecology in this important CWR genus. We measured the number of stems per plant, number spikelets per stem, total dry plant biomass, seed weight and germination percentage in fertilized and control (non-fertilized) plants. Fertilization did not affect heteromorphism but increased the biomass and the number of flowering stems (hence spikelets and seeds) in fertilized plants. However, seeds produced by fertilized plants showed significantly lower germination than control plants, in a sort of trade-off between seed quantity and seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbaria are an important source of data and material useful in many fields, including plant conservation. Seeds preserved in herbarium specimens may have the potential to germinate, although few studies focused on this topic. Here, the first systematic assessment of six techniques, including priming techniques and melatonin application, aimed at improving the germination of seeds from herbarium specimens is presented. Seed germination of 26 species common in Europe, some of which congeneric to extinct species, collected in herbaria and in the wild (20,549 seeds in total, including 19,509 from 297 herbarium specimens from 8 different herbaria) was tested with the following treatments: exogenous melatonin addition to the germination medium, priming with melatonin, osmopriming, hydropriming for 24 and 48 hours, standard soil, heat sterilization and gibberellins addition. More than 85% of the fresh seeds and 1% of the seeds collected in herbaria germinated, including seeds older than 50 years. Data show that treatment with exogenous melatonin had a positive effect on the germination of fresh seeds, but a negative effect on the germination of herbarium‐derived seeds. Furthermore, osmopriming treatment had a slightly positive effect on the germination of herbarium‐derived seeds. Osmopriming and exogenous melatonin addition seem to be promising techniques that need further investigation and improvement and might be useful for the development of an optimal germination protocol for old and herbarium‐derived seeds. The germination of seeds from herbaria could be an important tool in plant conservation, with the aim of reversing the extinction trend of many species through de‐extinction, safeguarding biodiversity, and genetic variability. This study provides preliminary data for the development of germination protocols, especially for old seeds of species of conservation interest, to maximise the chance of recovering lost genetic diversity and leading to the first de‐extinction ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU Forestry Strategy 2030 includes an ambitious reforestation/afforestation plan aimed at planting 3 billion trees that should lead the European Union toward carbon neutrality by 2050. We argue that important ecological aspects were not sufficiently considered in the Strategy. The consequences of large‐scale afforestation plans on biodiversity‐rich open areas were poorly considered. "Where to plant" is a key aspect, as one of the targets for planting trees may be biodiversity‐rich open areas, that are already declining due to natural shrub and tree encroachment. We suggested that urban areas and areas near linear infrastructures should be the main targets of afforestation. Concerning "What to plant" non‐native species should be avoided in all cases. Among native species, certain geno‐ecotypes may not equally perform under the effects of climate change. We therefore suggest a throughout revision of the EU Forestry Strategy 2030 with the inclusion of ecologically driven principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species listed as Extinct in the Wild (EW) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species consist of 84 plants and animals that have been lost from their indigenous range. EW species are therefore restricted to ex situ conservation facilities and often have populations founded with few individuals. Our analysis demonstrates that 60% of EW species are associated with ecoregions that have very low proportions of intact habitat. Furthermore, threats such as invasive species, pollution, and climate change affect just over half of EW species and compound the obstacles facing their reinstatement to the wild. Despite these bleak assessments, there are various options for EW recovery. We present five scenarios that encapsulate the circumstances facing EW species and suggest potential conservation action for each of these situations. We illustrate these scenarios using case studies of EW species that demonstrate how the various options of ex situ management, reintroduction, and assisted colonisation to new habitat can be used to address the very exacting requirements of EW species. Our aim is to present a broad review of the obstacles facing the recovery of EW species whilst inspiring action to prevent the extinction of the most imperilled species on the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant translocations have been performed and are ongoing, aimed at establishing long-term resilient and self-sustaining populations. Nevertheless, some of them have not succeeded because of failure in pre- and post-translocation phases such as erroneous site selection and lack of long-term monitoring and adaptive management (i.e. aftercare). This study focused on the relative importance of site suitability and aftercare on the performance of reintroduced populations of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos. This species was studied in two sites representing opposite ends of its ecological niche (freshwater and brackish sites), in the presence of the local vegetation (Phragmites australis and Juncus sp. pl.) and in its absence. Data on environmental variables, plant growth, ecophysiology and reproductive performance were obtained. Kosteletzkya pentacarpos performed better in the brackish site, exhibiting higher performance especially in the presence of the local vegetation. Conversely, plants growing in the freshwater site had lower performance, despite the removal of the local vegetation. Environmental features of the sites affected species performance more than interactions with co-existing species and site management, highlighting that selection of suitable recipient site is crucial to ensure successful translocation. Aftercare is unlikely to effectively counteract the effect of sub-optimal ecological conditions in terms of plant establishment and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]