Reproductive Biology in the Possible Last Healthy Population of Parodia rechensis (Cactaceae): Perspectives to Avoid Its Extinction.

ABSTRACT: All 32 Brazilian species of Parodia Speg (Cactaceae) occurring in Rio Grande do Sul State are considered threatened, according to the IUCN criteria. Until 2021, Parodia rechensis (CR) was known by only two small populations. However, a new population with over 400 individuals was discovered in 2021, prompting the study of its reproductive biology as a way to promote its conservation. Anthesis, breeding system, and natural pollination were studied in the field. The breeding system was studied by applying controlled pollination treatments to plants excluded from pollinators (bagged). Germination features were studied at the Seed Bank of the Porto Alegre Botanical Garden under controlled temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C). The anthesis is diurnal and lasts for up to four days. The

SUBMITTER: Becker R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11511417 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature