Correction to: Towards the conservation of the Mesozoic relict fern Christensenia: a fern species with extremely small populations in China

Journal of Plant Research - In the original publication of the article, one of the author names     

Correction to: Towards the conservation of the Mesozoic relict fern Christensenia: a fern species with extremely small populations in China

Journal of Plant Research - In the original publication of the article, one of the author names, “Tao Fuijwara” was published incorrectly. The correct name is Tao Fujiwara.     

Towards the conservation of the Mesozoic relict fern Christensenia: a fern species with extremely small populations in China

The Chinese occurrences of the marattioid fern genus Christensenia have been considered as requiring protection because of its extreme rarity and very small population size. Here, we explored different biological aspects to enable protection of these rare ferns, well known as Mesozoic living fossils. Firstly, we documented the cytology of the Chinese occurrences for the first time. This is the second tetraploid record of Christensenia worth for further studies to confirm its taxonomic status. Secondly, we obtained the first complete plastid genome of this genus, which confirmed the proposed conservatism of the plastid genome structure in marattioid ferns. By comparing the chloroplast genome with other marattioids, we identified several candidate regions to develop highly variable markers to investigate the intra-species diversity of marattioid ferns. Thirdly, phylogenetic analyses of rbcL sequences implied that there are at least two distinct species of Christensenia. Finally, we re-assessed the conservation status of Christensenia in the context of its local and global distribution by assessing specimen information extracted from publications and digitized voucher information. This assessment confirmed the need to obtain more accurate information about the distribution of this genus to assess the status incorporating the disjunct distribution from southern China and India in the North towards the Solomon Islands in the South.

     

论极小种群野生植物的研究及科学保护

<正>近年来,中国在生物多样性保护方面取得了一系列成就,但由于人类对自然资源的不断索取和全球变化,一些野生植物仍面临灭绝的风险。目前,仅有1999年国务院批准的《国家重点保护野生植物名录(第一批)》所列种类受到法律的保护。早在20世纪80年代,我国就引入国际自然保护联盟(IUCN)红色名录的评估体系开展了受威胁物种的评估工作,先后出版了《中国植物红皮书:稀有濒危植物》(第一册)(傅立国,1991)和《中国物种红色名录》(汪     

Conserving plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) in China

Over the past decades, biodiversity conservation in China has achieved a number of successes. However, due to inadequate conservation policies, poor implementation and lack of financial support, wild plant species that are extremely small in population size and therefore seriously threatened have not had the attention they require. But the new concept of plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP), first promulgated in Yunnan Province, is becoming more widely accepted in China. Several national and regional-level conservation strategies and actions for conserving China’s PSESP are being implemented over the next 5 years. With this new policy framework leading the way, plant conservation in China is set to make important new advances.     

极小种群野生植物抢救性保护面临的机遇与挑战

<正>过去50年,中国在生物多样性保护方面取得了一系列成就。但是,国家层面立法保护的植物仅有1999年国务院批准的《国家重点保护野生植物名录(第一批)》,之后并没有根据全国普查与各地调查报道的结果进行相应的更新。目前,最突出和最具有争议性的一个问题是,哪些物种才是最需要优先保护的?一些研究机构基于物种保护生物学的研究,认为应参考国际自然保护联盟(IUCN)对受威胁物种的等级划分标准来确定,但这些标准是基于全球尺度,并且大部分标准是依赖于对未来若干年的物     

Plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) in China: A seed and spore biology perspective

Approximately one fifth of the world's plants are at risk of extinction. Of these, a significant number exist as populations of few individuals, with limited distribution ranges and under enormous pressure due to habitat destruction. In China, these most-at-risk species are described as ‘plant species with extremely small populations’ (PSESP). Implementing conservation action for such listed species is urgent. Storing seeds is one of the main means of ex situ conservation for flowering plants. Spore storage could provide a simple and economical method for fern ex situ conservation. Seed and spore germination in nature is a critical step in species regeneration and thus in situ conservation. But what is known about the seed and spore biology (storage and germination) of at-risk species? We have used China's PSESP (the first group listing) as a case study to understand the gaps in knowledge on propagule biology of threatened plant species. We found that whilst germination information is available for 28 species (23% of PSESP), storage characteristics are only known for 8% of PSESP (10 species). Moreover, we estimate that 60% of the listed species may require cryopreservation for long-term storage. We conclude that comparative biology studies are urgently needed on the world's most threatened taxa so that conservation action can progress beyond species listing.     

Reproductive biology of Magnolia sinica (Magnoliaecea), a threatened species with extremely small populations in Yunnan,China

Magnolia sinica is one of the most threatened trees endemic to Southeast Yunnan. Based on our investigations, only 52 individuals and eight populations are found in the wild. M. sinica has been categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and identified as a “Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP)”. Its fruit/seed set is very low and seedlings are rarely found in the wild. It is hypothesized that it may encounter obstacles to reproductive success. This study, therefore, focuses on its reproductive biology, knowledge of which is essential for effective conservation. Flowers of this species are protogynous and nocturnal, and possess a two-day rhythm of sexual presentation. For the first night of anthesis, the flowers are in the pistillate stage during which tepals open at dusk and close approx. 1 h later (except for the open outer ones). They remain closed until the next afternoon, when flowers, now in the staminate stage, re-open and remain so until the tepals drop. Nocturnal beetles enter into the flowers and remain trapped throughout the night as the flower closes, during which time they feed on tepals. Pollen-gathering bees are found to visit the re-opened flowers and the beetles are released during this stage. Two species of Pleocomidae and Curculionidae beetles appear to be effective pollinators.M. sinica is a self-compatible, pollinator-dependent species, and its fruit/seed set can be significantly increased by hand-pollination. No functional seed dispersers have been found in its extant natural habitats. These findings suggest that it may face both pollination and seed disperser insufficiencies in its current fragmented habitats, which may account for its low regeneration. Here we propose conservation strategies based on our findings.     

A sophisticated species conservation strategy for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nyssa yunnanensis</Emphasis>, a species with extremely small populations in China

Conservation of plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) is a focus of wild plant conservation in China at present. A relevant strategy for PSESP conservation requires improvement from previous programs for rare and endangered plants and national key protected plants. An integrated strategy for PSESP conservation of the Nyssa yunnanensis was initiated and applied over a 7-year period (2009–2015). Here, we reviewed the processes to implement the strategy: resource inventory, formulation of conservation action plan (CAP), in situ conservation, seedling propagation, near situ conservation, ex situ conservation and scientific research. Major concerns and technical requirements for each action are described and further analyzed within a broad scope to conserve PSESPs. A detailed resource inventory that highlights both the change in population status and the participation of local residents is recommended before the formulation of the CAP. Techniques for determination of the area of a mini-reserve is developed for in situ conservation of N. yunnanensis. Near situ conservation is a novel approach whereby establishing new viable population in contiguous areas with a similar climate, habitat and community, in which techniques for seedling preparation, soil preparation, and early management are introduced. A population-based species conservation strategy for N. yunnanensis may aid additional PSESP conservation, so as to contribute to overall wild plant conservation.     

Genetic diversity and structure of Rhododendron meddianum,a plant species with extremely small populations

Rhododendron meddianum is a critically endangered species with important ornamental value and is also a plant species with extremely small populations. In this study, we used double digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) technology to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and demographic history of the three extant populations of R. meddianum. Analysis of SNPs indicated that R. meddianum populations have a high genetic diversity (π = 0.0772 ± 0.0024, H_E = 0.0742 ± 0.002). Both F_ST values (0.1582–0.2388) and AMOVA showed a moderate genetic differentiation among the R. meddianum populations. Meanwhile, STRUCTURE, PCoA and NJ trees indicated that the R. meddianum samples were clustered into three distinct genetic groups. Using the stairway plot, we found that R. meddianum underwent a population bottleneck about 70,000 years ago. Furthermore, demographic models of R. meddianum and its relative, Rhododendron cyanocarpum, revealed that these species diverged about 3.05 (2.21–5.03) million years ago. This divergence may have been caused by environmental changes that occurred after the late Pliocene, e.g., the Asian winter monsoon intensified, leading to a drier climate. Based on these findings, we recommend that R. meddianum be conserved through in situ, ex situ approaches and that its seeds be collected for germplasm.     

极小种群野生植物的概念及其对我国野生植物保护的影响

近年来我国提出极小种群野生植物(plant species with extremely small populations,PSESP)的概念并启动实施了全国极小种群野生植物拯救保护工程规划,然而PSESP概念自提出后就不断受到质疑,认为不确切的概念及其引领的保护工程难以取得显著成效。为了更好地理解PSESP概念和相应的保护对策,本文在回顾我国野生植物保护进程的基础上,通过梳理珍稀濒危植物、重点保护植物和极小种群植物等概念,提出从物种选列标准和极小种群临界值等角度理解PSESP概念的途径;并通过比较各个时期采取的保护策略措施,指出基于种群管理的PSESP保护能体现物种以种群形式得以维持和延续的本质,但急需完善传统的资源调查、就地保护、迁地保护方法,探索种群调查分析、近地保护和种群恢复重建等新方法。最后认为PSESP概念的提出及其拯救保护工程的实施在我国野生植物保护领域具有里程碑意义,能促进保护实践和科学研究的相互融合,实现二者共同发展。     

极小种群广东含笑野外资源现状

为掌握极小种群广东含笑(Michelia guangdongensis)的种质资源现状并评估其濒危等级, 本文对广东含笑原生地——广东石门台国家级自然保护区及其邻近地区进行了系统的野外调查。结果表明: (1)目前发现广东含笑有4个野外分布区, 其中广东石门台国家级自然保护区红珠岩段和英德上天堂为首次报道。(2)船底顶是广东含笑最集中的分布区, 种群数量最多, 约有1,100株; 英德上天堂种群数量最少, 只有20株。(3)依据IUCN全球物种濒危等级评估标准, 广东含笑应当被评为濒危(EN, B1a + B2a)。     

极小种群植物猪血木的种群现状及保护对策

猪血木(Euryodendron excelsum)是特产于中国的山茶科极危种, 但目前对导致猪血木种群结构改变的原因缺少相关的调查及研究, 保护策略不完善。该研究依据野外调查方法、编制标准生命表、存活曲线、致死力和寿命期望曲线, 利用德氏多度分析方法分析了广东省阳春市八甲镇极小种群野生植物猪血木种群的年龄结构和动态, 并与2007年的研究结果进行对比, 分析该种群近10年的变化情况及其原因。结果表明: (1)研究区域内野生猪血木种群的数量变化动态指数(V_pi和V′_pi)均小于0, 存活曲线趋于Deevey-III型, 种群结构属于衰退型, 幼树数量丰富, 但由于向小树发展过程受阻, 种群无法及时更新补充。(2)存活曲线、致死力和寿命期待曲线一致显示在幼树、小树2级、中龄树2级这3个阶段, 出现阻碍因素, 影响种群的自然更新。(3)三甲镇猪血木幼苗减少了39.3%, 八甲镇猪血木幼苗锐减了71.9%, 三甲镇幼苗转化率较八甲镇低了近1/2。人为干扰是导致猪血木野生种群衰退的主要驱动因素, 已实施的保护策略并不适合当前情况下的野生猪血木种群。     

Population status and conservation of an extremely small population species Euryodendron excelsum

猪血木(Euryodendron excelsum)是特产于中国的山茶科极危种, 但目前对导致猪血木种群结构改变的原因缺少相关的调查及研究, 保护策略不完善。该研究依据野外调查方法、编制标准生命表、存活曲线、致死力和寿命期望曲线, 利用德氏多度分析方法分析了广东省阳春市八甲镇极小种群野生植物猪血木种群的年龄结构和动态, 并与2007年的研究结果进行对比, 分析该种群近10年的变化情况及其原因。结果表明: (1)研究区域内野生猪血木种群的数量变化动态指数(V_pi和V′_pi)均小于0, 存活曲线趋于Deevey-III型, 种群结构属于衰退型, 幼树数量丰富, 但由于向小树发展过程受阻, 种群无法及时更新补充。(2)存活曲线、致死力和寿命期待曲线一致显示在幼树、小树2级、中龄树2级这3个阶段, 出现阻碍因素, 影响种群的自然更新。(3)三甲镇猪血木幼苗减少了39.3%, 八甲镇猪血木幼苗锐减了71.9%, 三甲镇幼苗转化率较八甲镇低了近1/2。人为干扰是导致猪血木野生种群衰退的主要驱动因素, 已实施的保护策略并不适合当前情况下的野生猪血木种群。     

极小种群野生植物保护研究进展与未来工作的思考

生物多样性保护是全球的热点问题之一。极小种群野生植物(plant species with extremely small populations,PSESP)是为了“抢救性保护”我国濒临高度灭绝风险的野生植物、指导我国生物多样性保护、服务于国家生态文明建设而提出来的保护生物学领域的新概念,该概念的提出引起了国际保护生物学领域的广泛关注。国家在“十三五”期间启动实施了极小种群野生植物拯救保护工程,并在《中华人民共和国国民经济和社会发展第十四个五年规划和2035年远景目标纲要》中,明确把极小种群野生植物专项拯救纳入重要生态系统保护和修复工程。极小种群野生植物的拯救保护是一项科学性强、技术性和专业性要求高、周期长的系统工程,“抢救性保护”与“系统研究”并重是科学拯救保护极小种群野生植物的途径。开展极小种群野生植物保护的系统研究,是指导或支撑其有效保护的重要工作。该文重点从极小种群野生植物的调查与评估、生态生物学特性、繁殖技术、遗传多样性方面对近年来极小种群野生植物保护的研究工作进行系统综述,以期为极小种群野生植物的拯救保护奠定新的理论基础。该文还基于极小种群野生植物保护研究现状及其未来拯救保护工作需求,对我国极小种群野生植物未来的保护研究重点提出了三个方面的思考。该文可为极小种群野生植物保护的系统研究提供参考。     

孑遗植物桫椤种群遗传变异的RAPD分析

应用 RAPD标记分析了桫椤分布在海南尖峰岭及霸王岭 ,广东塘朗山、黑石顶及大西山孑遗种群的遗传变异。 2 8个引物共检测到 1 1 8个位点 ,其中多态位点 33个 ,多态位点比率 2 7.97%。Shannon多样性、Nei遗传分化和分子方差分析 ( AMOVA)结果一致显示尖峰岭种群遗传多样性最大 ,霸王岭种群次之、塘郎山种群第三 ,黑石顶种群第四 ,而大西山种群最小。种群的遗传变异主要发生在种群间 ;Shannon指数测出的种群间遗传多样性所占比率为 79.1 0 % (基于表型频率 )和 77.85 % (基于基因频率 ) ,Nei基因分化系数 ( Gst)达 80 .69% ,分子方差分析也表明种群分化极为显著 ( Φst=0 .82 86,P<0 .0 0 1 )。桫椤的种内遗传多样性水平很低 ,种内 Shannon多样性仅为 0 .0 641 (基于表型频率 )和 0 .1 1 2 4 (基于基因频率 ) ,总基因多样性只有 0 .0 770。另外 ,Jaccard相似性系数的 UPGMA分析结果显示 5个种群分为两个分支 :尖峰岭种群和霸王岭种群组成一分支 ;黑石顶、塘郎山和大西山种群组成另一分支 ,并且三者中前两者的遗传关系更为密切。聚类分析结果还得到主成分分析的支持。根据桫椤种群的遗传变异特点 ,初步探讨了保护策略。     

Pollination and seed dispersal of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (Thymelaeaceae): An economic plant species with extremely small populations in China

Pollination and seed dispersal in angiosperms have long been investigated in order to understand the coevolution of plants and animals. However, the signals from flowers and/or seeds to attract pollinators and/or seed dispersers have received comparatively little attention. In this study, the pollination biology and seed dispersal of the vulnerable agarwood plant Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, a traditional medicinal plant in China, was studied in its natural distribution range. The reproductive tactics of A. sinensis were studied in detail by employing various tests dealing with fruit set and also seed dispersal. Dynamic headspace extraction followed by GC-MS analysis was also performed in order to reveal the composition of floral scent. The results showed that noctuids and pyralids are the most effective pollinators of pollinator-dependent A. sinensis. The main compounds of the floral scent were (E, E)-α-Farnesene (61.9±3.2%), trans-Ocimene (16.6±1.2%), and Benzyl salicylate (4.6±1.1%). The results obtained from seed dispersal experiments indicate that hornets are effective seed dispersers and they may play an important role in long-distance seed dispersal of A. sinensis. Based on our findings, we recommend several protection methods for this threatened agarwood plant in China.     

Seed dormancy,germination and storage behavior of Magnolia sinica,a plant species with extremely small populations of MagnoliaceaeOA

Magnolia sinica is one of the most endangered Magnoliaceae species in China. Seed biology information concerning its long-term ex situ conservation and utilization is insufficient. This study investigated dormancy status, germination requirements and storage behavior of M. sinica. Freshly matured seeds germinated to ca. 86.5% at 25/15°C but poorly at 30°C; GA3 and moist chilling promoted germination significantly at 20°C. Embryos grew at temperatures(alternating or constant) between 20°C and 25°...     

Genetic structure and phylogeography of a relict tree fern,Sphaeropteris brunoniana (Cyatheaceae) from China and Laos inferred from cpDNA sequence variations: Implications for conservation

In this study, we analyzed the genetic structure and phylogeography of Sphaeropteris brunoniana from China and Laos. Combining cpDNA trnL-trnF and atpB-rbcL sequence variations, five haplotypes were identified from the 10 investigated populations. Moderate haplotype diversity (h= 0.66580) and low nucleotide diversity (π= 0.23 × 10⁻³) were detected. The S. brunoniana in Yunnan region had much higher genetic diversity (h= 0.60195, π= 0.35 × 10⁻³) than that of Hainan–Laos (h= 0.00000, π= 0.00). A high level of genetic differentiation (94.74%) between the two regions was revealed by amova. Nested clade analysis identified two major clusters of the five haplotypes, one clade in the Yunnan region and the other in Hainan–Laos. The analysis indicated that restricted gene flow with isolation by distance and allopatric fragmentation were likely the major processes that shaped the spatial distribution of the haplotypes. The isolated distribution of clades implied the emergence of independent refugia of this species in each region during Quaternary glaciations. The Yunnan populations frequently contained an ancestral haplotype, and most of them harbored other descendent haplotypes. Based on the distribution pattern of haplotypes and the nested clade analysis results, the Yunnan region potentially had several refugia of this species during glacial periods, whereas the Hainan populations were probable new colonizations.     

极小种群东北红豆杉所在群落特征及其环境解释

以东北红豆杉(Taxus cuspidata Sieb.et Zucc.)所在群落为对象,选择有东北红豆杉分布的21个样方进行群落调查,结合样方植物和环境数据,采用系统聚类、RDA分析、方差分解等方法研究东北红豆杉所在群落的特征及其主要影响因素。结果表明:(1)东北红豆杉所在群落共记录到48科90属107种植物,其物种组成丰富,可将群落划分为红松-紫椴林、红松-云杉-冷杉林、红松-槭树林、红松-风桦林4个林分类型;(2)温度、降水、林分类型和土壤pH等环境因子显著影响东北红豆杉的分布及其群落特征,整体上温度是最显著的影响因子,但在不同林型中各环境因子的主要作用不同;(3)气候因子、地形与土壤因子、生物因子三者对东北红豆杉所在群落分布的共同解释率为49.85%,地形与土壤因子的单独解释力最大(15.70%),其次为气候因子(14.96%)和生物因子(9.79%)。总之,由于自然和人为因素的干扰,东北红豆杉所处的群落类型多样,且东北红豆杉种群特征在不同的群落中各不相同,主要分布在红松-紫椴林和红松-云杉-冷杉林中,其他2种群落类型对回归保护地的选择具有很好的指示作用,应针对不同的分布群落采取不同的保护措施。