Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Molano-Flores, Brenda [1], Johnson, Sara [2], Coons, Janice [3], Coutant, Nancy [4], Annis, Jenna [5].

Intraspecific and interspecific seed germination patterns for three rare Pinguicula species.

Over 100 species of Pinguicula can be found worldwide. In North America, Pinguicula are primarily distributed across the Southeastern US (6 of 9 species). Of these Southeastern species, 83% are listed as threatened or endangered in Florida and one species, P. ionantha, is also listed as federally threatened. In recent years, new information has emerged regarding the reproductive ecology, prey capture, and the impact of habitat change for these Southeastern species. However, one area that still needs additional research is seed germination, in particular, intraspecific and interspecific seed germination studies. We investigated intraspecific and interspecific seed germination patterns for three Pinguicula species, P. ionantha, P. lutea, and P. planifolia. Seeds from multiple populations per species were collected in April 2021 in the Florida Panhandle. Two seed germination trails separated by two months were conducted. All seeds received a Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment. Overall, significant differences were found in seed germination among species for both trials. However, intraspecific seed germination differences were only observed for P. planifolia and P. ionantha. This work provides the foundation for the development of seed germination protocols for these rare Pinguicula species. In addition, this work provides insight into the decision-making process of when to keep seed sources separate vs. pooling seed sources for conservation purposes. Our work has expanded knowledge of seed ecology for three rare Pinguicula species found in the Southeastern US and provides valuable information for conservation efforts of these at-risk species across the region.

1 - University Of Illinois, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
2 - Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 S. Oak St, MC 652, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
3 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences Department, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL, 61920.0, United States
4 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 1612 Reynolds Dr, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
5 - Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200C , Tallahassee, FL, 32303

Keywords:
Pinguicula
Germination
conservation
rare plants.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CB2001
Abstract ID:480
Candidate for Awards:None