GERMPLASM CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the course, the student understands:

·         the importance of plant diversity and the necessity of ex situ germplasm conservation;

·         regulatory frameworks and standard guidelines governing germplasm preservation;

·         structure, protocols, and operational workflows of seed/germplasm banks in Italy and Europe;

·         the role of national and international conservation networks (RIBES, ENSCONET, GENMEDOC);

·         seed processing methodologies, short- and long-term storage conditions, and ecophysiological germination requirements.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to:

·         apply standard procedures for seed cleaning, processing, packaging, and storage;

·         perform germination and viability tests to monitor seed quality;

·         implement appropriate handling protocols tailored to specific plant species.

Making judgements

The student will be able to:

·         select optimal storage conditions and germination protocols based on target species traits;

·         evaluate germination test results to determine the quality and status of stored seed lots.

Communication skills

·         Effectively communicate concepts, technical workflows, and experimental results using proper botanical and technical terminology.

Learning skills

·         Independently access and utilize international protocols, technical manuals, and databases focused on seed conservation biology.

The course (3 + 3 CFU) will be held through lectures, accompanied by power point presentations that are made available to students, and by exercises in the laboratory, at the Germplasm Bank, and in the field.

Attendance at lectures and participation in practical laboratory and field activities is mandatory, in accordance with Article 30 of the University Regulations.

Importance of plants and the need for their conservation. normative references on the conservation of germplasm. The role of the germplasm bank. The germplasm bank operating in Europe and in Italy. Examples of conservation of germplasm in Italy. Examples of national and European coordination networks: RIBES (Italian Network Banks germplasm for ex-situ conservation of Italian spontaneous flora); ENSCONET (European Native Seed Conservation Network); GENMEDOC (Banques de semences de la Méditerranée). Techniques for seeds conservation. Treatment of germplasm before storing. Seed Conservation: short term and long term. Tests of germination and monitoring for the control of the quality of the seeds and of the ecophysiological needs.

All text books available on-line

1. ·         Manual for the collection, study, ex situ processing and conservation of germplasm (APAT, 2006). http://www.genmeda.net/uploads/attachments/42/1-EN-Manual_collection_etc_2006.pdf

   ·         Ex situ conservation of wild and cultivated plant species diversity in Italy. (https://www.cbd.int/iyb/doc/celebrations/iyb-Italy-ISPRA-article-it.pdf)

   ·         ENSCONET Seed Collecting Manual for Wild Species (ENSCONET, 2009). https://www.publicgardens.org/resource/ensconet-seed-collecting-manual-wild-species/

   ·         ENSCONET Curation Protocols & Recommendations (ENSCONET, 2009). https://www.luomus.fi/sites/default/files/files/curation_protocol_english.pdf

   ·         Guidelines for the translocation of wild plant species. (http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/biblioteca/protezione_natura/qcn_38_linee_guida_traslocazione_specie.pdf)

Assessment of learning outcomes and acquisition of expected skills is carried out through an integrated examination divided into two parts:

·         presentation and discussion of a project/case study - an oral presentation (supported by slides) of a report or project developed by the student (individually or in a group) based on practical laboratory and field activities. The presentation will be evaluated on the ability to apply operational protocols, the correctness of methodological and data analysis, independent judgement, and the quality of communication effectiveness.

·         oral examination - an individual discussion aimed at assessing mastery of the theoretical concepts of the course program. Evaluation will focus on the use of appropriate scientific terminology, analytical rigor, and the ability to critically link theoretical concepts with practical applications.

·         Ex Situ Conservation: describe the structure and main operational workflows of a germplasm bank (from field collection to long-term storage).

·         In Situ & Integrated Conservation: what is the difference between reintroduction, population reinforcement (restocking), and conservation introduction? Provide a practical example.

·         Seed Ecophysiology: what are the main dormancy mechanisms and requirements governing seed germination in native Mediterranean species?

·         Conservation Networks: what is the role of networks such as RIBES and ENSCONET in wild flora conservation?