Germination Strategies and Seed Quality of Colobanthus quitensis: Implications for Sustainable Antarctic Ecosystems and Ex Situ Plant Conservation

Yadiana Ontivero, Marely Cuba-Díaz (), Eduardo Fuentes-Lillo and Peter Convey
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Yadiana Ontivero: Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Estudios Ambientales, Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Campus Los Ángeles, Universidad de Concepción, Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, Los Ángeles 4440000, Chile
Marely Cuba-Díaz: Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Estudios Ambientales, Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Campus Los Ángeles, Universidad de Concepción, Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, Los Ángeles 4440000, Chile
Eduardo Fuentes-Lillo: Laboratorio de Invasiones Biológicas (LIB), Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción 4030000, Chile
Peter Convey: British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: The conservation of the Antarctic ecosystem is linked to scientific and tourism activities. The Colección Activa de Plantas Vasculares Antárticas at the Universidad de Concepción aims to help conserve the region’s vascular flora to support scientific research while minimizing anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. Colobanthus quitensis is the only native dicotyledonous plant native to Antarctica and, as an extremophilic plant, is capable of withstanding extreme abiotic conditions. This species has potentially important use as a biological model to study the physiological deterioration of dormant seeds and other traits, some of which may contribute to vegetation development in Antarctica. Although studies have addressed the reproduction and germination of C. quitensis , there is no recent synthesis of information regarding its reproductive biology and seed traits that could support its conservation. This work synthesizes and critically analyzes the current knowledge of C. quitensis reproduction in natural and controlled environments, identifying factors that contribute to the decline in seed quality. We propose that growth conditions, seed morphology, and interactions with endophytic fungi influence germination and seedling establishment. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to better understand the species’ phenology, the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on its development, strategies for seed conservation, and biotechnological applications.

Keywords: Antarctic ecosystem; extremophilic plant; reproduction; seed physiological quality; seed conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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