Overcoming germination barriers in four native Malvaceae shrub species of Reunion island to improve restoration in arid habitats

Germination of shrub species from Chinese subtropical forests: implications for restoration

Incorporating native shrubs into restoration projects can improve biodiversity conservation and enhance the sustainability of ecosystem functions. Shrubs grow under different forest canopy structures, having varied microclimatic conditions according to forest type and composition. Currently, there is a lack of information on propagation from seed and planting material availability for the utilization of shrubs in forest restoration. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of temperature and light on germination of ten shrub species (Ardisia japonica, Callicarpa cathayana, Callicarpa giraldii var. subcanescens, Deutzia schneideriana, Fraxinus sieboldiana, Hydrangea chinensis, Maesa japonica, Rhododendron simsii, Spiraea japonica var. fortunei and Weigela japonica var. sinica) occurring in subtropical forests in China. No seeds of any species germinated in the coolest thermal regime (5/10 °C), while optimal temperature requirements varied from 10/20 °C to 25/35 °C. Seeds of small-seeded species had higher germination percentages in the light treatments, while larger seeds were not photoblastic. There was no relationship between germination in the light and the seed shape index. Our results may assist in identification of seed traits and suitable shrub species for restoration in specific forest types, thus aiding native forest recovery of structure and composition. Successful recovery leads to enhanced biodiversity, reestablishment of microhabitats and ecological interactions in the forest understorey.

Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying mangrove adaptations to intertidal environments

Mangroves are halophytic plants belonging to diverse angiosperm families that are adapted to highly stressful intertidal zones between land and sea. They are special, unique, and one of the most productive ecosystems that play enormous ecological roles and provide a large number of benefits to the coastal communities. To thrive under highly stressful conditions, mangroves have innovated several key morphological, anatomical, and physio-biochemical adaptations. The evolution of the unique adaptive modifications might have resulted from a host of genetic and molecular changes and to date we know little about the nature of these genetic and molecular changes. Although slow, new information has accumulated over the last few decades on the genetic and molecular regulation of the mangrove adaptations, a comprehensive review on it is not yet available. This review provides up-to-date consolidated information on the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular regulation of mangrove adaptive traits.