Seed germination in the Sicilian subspecies ofDianthus rupicolaBiv. (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract Five populations belonging to three subspecies of Dianthus rupicola Biv. (D. rupicola subsp. rupicola, D. rupicola subsp. aeolicus, and D. rupicola subsp. lopadusanus) and growing in different geographical areas of Sicily were tested for seed germination at various temperatures. All populations showed high germination rates with an optimum temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Efficient seed germination might contribute significantly to the preservation of these subspecies which are currently exposed to several environmental threats.

Ex situ conservation of Sicilian endemic species in the Botanical garden of Catania University

Seed germination of endemic species from Sicily

Seed germination in Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach from South-Eastern Sicily

Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach is a nanophanerophyte whose presence in Sicily is limited to the South-East of the island. A study on seed germination behaviour of seeds collected from some populations indicates low viability of seedlings which could seriously put the long-term survival of these populations at risk.

Il complesso delle Latomie a Siracusa: un bene culturale e ambientale da salvaguardare.

Il progetto ECONET-COHAST: Strategie per la conservazione degli habitat costieri di Torre Manfria (Sicilia merid.)

The coexistence of several lithological substrata, together with particular geomorphologic and climatic features, are determining the exceptional floristic and faunistic interest of the coastal trait between Gela and Torre Manfria. In order to preserve and enhance coastal habitats, such area has been chosen as case-study in the Interreg project ECONET-COHAST, which involves six partners from four EU countries (Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta). In this paper, the main features of the area are described and the approach followed in order to implement conservation strategies accounting for the local development exigencies is illustrated. © Società Italiana di Scienza della Vegetazione.

Italian case study II: the NATURA 2000 site “Torre Manfria ITA 050011”

Pollen morphology and seed germination studies onRetama raetamssp.gussonei, endemic subspecies from Sicily

A study on pollen morphology and seed germination behaviour of Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb ssp. gussonei (Webb) Greuter, endemic subspecies from Sicily and Calabria, is herein presented, aiming to preserve these populations strongly affected by anthropic pressure.