Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.P002
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, P002 (2024)
Acclimatisation of Salix myrtilloides L. Key physiological indicators on the path to successful reintroduction
Michał Arciszewski1*, Magdalena Pogorzelec1
1 Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, Faculty of Environmental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, B. Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: michal.arciszewski@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The reintroduction of ex situ cultivated species into the environment is a multi-stage process requiring a thorough knowledge of the species biology and ecology. Salix myrtilloides L. is a relict species in Poland, recognized as particularly endangered, necessitating the implementation of active protective measures through reintroduction and population augmentation. The aim of the study was to test the capacity of S. myrtilloides plants obtained in in vitro cultures for effective acclimatization. Selected morpho-physiological traits of specimens and their variability in different environmental conditions were used as diagnostic indicators to follow the phenomena taking place along the path travelled by S. myrtilloides from the laboratory to the target habitat during the reintroduction process. In order to monitor the response of individual plants to environmental changes the efficiency of photosynthesis was assessed (chlorophyll a fluorescence, concentration of photosynthetic pigments in plant tissues), the plant responses to environmental stress (accumulation of reactive oxygen species, ROS) were examined and the variability of biometric traits during growth (daily stem growth rate). At each stage of acclimation process and the 12-month growth period in the natural habitat verification was conducted on the survival of S. myrtilloides plantlets. The results of the study showed that the physiological condition of acclimatized S. myrtilloides individuals depended on changes in the conditions of the plants’ environment. Indicators of oxidative stress and photosynthesis efficiency as well as the biometric traits of plants changed during each stage of their transition from laboratory conditions to the natural habitat. This is manifested in a decline in photosynthetic efficiency, but also accumulation of ROS in the leaf tissues, which on the one hand indicates increased oxidative stress, but on the other hand may be essential for efficient signalling and activation of numerous metabolic, physiological and developmental processes crucial to acclimatization. The intensive response of plants to stress factors during this period may allow the plants to activate mechanisms aimed at restoring homeostasis and to undertake growth and development processes. The values for the parameters noted during the study provide important pointers for optimizing the acclimatization process of S. myrtilloides individuals obtained in tissue cultures.
Keywords: swamp willow, ex situ conservation, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, ROS
How to cite
M. Arciszewski, M. Pogorzelec, 2024. Acclimatisation of Salix myrtilloides L. Key physiological indicators on the path to successful reintroduction. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.P002