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Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s

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A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 9705

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Dr. Mario A. Pagnotta

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Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Tuscia University, Via S. C. de Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: plant population genetics; plant evolution and domestication; in situ and ex situ conservation of plant germplasm; molecular characterization; molecular markers; molecular evolution; plant breeding
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Dear Colleagues,

The convention on biodiversity was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and was entered into force on 29 December 1993, almost thirty years ago. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) was entered into force twenty years ago (June 2004). The first Diversity issue was published in 2009; we are now proud to celebrate our 15th anniversary. To mark this occasion, a Special Issue named “Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s” is being prepared to highlight the state of plant diversity in the 20s of the XXI century.

This Special Issue deals with all topics concerning plant diversity, from the evaluation of plant diversity to its conservation as well as genotypic and phenotypic assessments; aspects of population genetics and genotype via environmental interactions from evolution to phylogeny and adaptation; from the species up to community interactions with ecosystems, not excluding plant breeding aspects related to plant diversity. As we navigate the complex landscape of the 2020s, questions about the future of these vital ecosystems loom at large. How have these hotspots evolved, and what factors contribute to their endurance? How do they adapt to shifting climatic conditions, pervasive air pollution, and human impacts? The aims of this Special Issue are to answer all these questions and to have a full picture of the state of plant diversity. We welcome the submission of high-quality papers to this Special Issue.

Dr. Mario A. Pagnotta
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

genetic diversity and conservation
fragmentation effects
conservation management
population genetics and ecology
global and local change effects on plant biodiversity
evolution and ecology
community and ecosystem ecology
tolerance/resistance to biotic and abiotic factors
restoration ecology
phylogenetic analyses
theoretical methods
computational methods
germplasm inventory
genotype x environment interaction

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Orchid Conservation Between China and Other Countries

by Shixing Li, Cuiyi Liang, Shuwen Deng, Chen Chen, Liangchen Yuan, Zhen Liu, Shasha Wu, Siren Lan, Ziang Tang, Zhongjian Liu and Junwen Zhai

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110692 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Global attention is highly focused on biodiversity conservation. Various countries are actively implementing relevant conservation measures. To advance these efforts in China, it is essential to understand global conservation actions. The orchid family, one of the most diverse groups of flowering plants, has become a “flagship” group for plant conservation. In this study, we summarized 3418 policies and regulations related to orchid conservation in 45 countries. We found that orchid conservation actions in various countries have focused on in situ conservation, with 1469 policies and regulations issued for nature reserves, while ex situ conservation has been seriously neglected, with only seven relevant regulations. Most developing countries have experienced an increase in orchid conservation actions, while developed countries have plateaued. We amassed 370 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for orchid conservation. At present, the total number of policies and regulations for orchid protection in China is approximately 84, with 67 issued since 2000. Two non-governmental organizations have been established for orchid conservation. Although the benefit of orchid conservation in China is significant, it still requires continuous improvement compared to many other countries. We recommend that the Chinese government draws on the experiences of the United States, Canada, and Australia in areas such as policy and regulation formulation, optimization of non-governmental organizations, and implementation of related conservation projects. Through learning and collaboration, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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16 pages, 2810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Plant Biodiversity and the Floristic Composition in the Black Irtysh River Valley (Kazakhstan)

by Aliya Abitay, Elmira Imanova and Aidar Sumbembayev

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100641 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 654

Abstract

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the current state of its plant communities. To compile expedition routes and a preliminary floristic list, a critical revision of more than 1000 herbarium sheets was carried out in the herbarium collections of Kazakhstan (Altai Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction). During the field season, a study of plant biodiversity was carried out along the entire coastline of the Black Irtysh. As a result, 217 species of higher vascular plants were identified (55% of those previously found in herbarium archives) from 139 genera and 43 families. The habitats of two Red Book species were discovered: Tulipa patens and Tulipa uniflora. It was found that the flora of the Black Irtysh is similar to the flora of the entire Zaisan depression, and families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae are predominant. Geobotanical surveys revealed that the species composition of plant communities is poor and similar among survey points. Only the western part of the river delta is characterized by high rates of projective cover and reserves of forage plants. The main factors of anthropogenic influence are fires, livestock grazing, and deforestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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12 pages, 1838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Begets Diversity: Structural Heterogeneity Determines Fine-Scale Epiphyte Community Structure in a Temperate Rainforest

by Kaela M. Hamilton and Carrie L. Woods

Diversity 2024, 16(8), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16080484 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 633

Abstract

A foundational concept in ecology is the positive relationship between habitat heterogeneity and species diversity. Epiphytes demonstrate microhabitat specialization to particular areas within a tree; thus, epiphyte communities are potentially influenced by the structural heterogeneity of host trees. We evaluated the relationship between structural features of Acer macrophyllum and epiphyte distributions and abundance in a temperate rainforest in Washington, USA. Epiphytes and structural features of three Acer macrophyllum trees were systematically surveyed using the point-intercept method from the base to the crown and on three branches for each tree. Rarefied species richness increased with structural richness. Species richness along the trunk differed significantly among types of structural features (i.e., broken branches, burls, holes, rivets, branches, and trunks); broken branches had the highest species richness and branches had the lowest, followed by trunks. Rarefied species richness increased with height and peaked at 12 m, but the relationship between structural diversity and height was not significant. The species that occurred on branches were different to those that occurred on trunks, and species composition varied significantly among trunk features. The high structural diversity in northern temperate rainforest trees influenced the fine-scale distribution of nonvascular epiphytes and may explain their coexistence in tree crowns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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16 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variation among Rare Florida Endemic Hymenocallis henryae Populations and the Implication for Conservation and Management

by Maria Therese Vogel, Richard C. Moore and Vivian Negrón-Ortiz

Diversity 2024, 16(8), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16080465 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 620

Abstract

Hymenocallis henryae is a rare, charismatic spider lily endemic to the Florida panhandle. Currently under review to determine if listing under the Endangered Species Act is warranted, this species has undescribed genetic diversity, information crucial to the listing process. We conducted field observations of 21 historic populations across the species’ geographical range and performed genomic analyses of 279 individuals from 19 extant populations. Most populations had fewer than 40 individuals, while populations with >100 individuals were found exclusively on managed lands. Genetic diversity was uniformly low within populations (H_E: 0.074–0.093), with low to moderate inbreeding coefficients (F_IS: 0.068–0.431). Genetic differentiation was relatively low among most populations (F_ST: 0–0.098), although there was statistical support for isolation by distance. In addition, we found high genetic similarity and lack of population structure across the species range. Clonal propagation through fused bulbs is a common reproductive strategy. We confirmed current threats (habitat change, residential development, fire suppression) and identified several coastal populations threatened by sea level rise. It is recommended to continue with in situ protection and management as well as the establishment of ex situ living collections to preserve populations most at risk of extirpation from habitat loss and degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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14 pages, 1232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Distribution of Monocot Understory Herbs during Tropical Forest Succession in Northeastern Costa Rica

by Jennifer W. C. Sun, Robin L. Chazdon and Philip W. Rundel

Diversity 2024, 16(8), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16080439 - 24 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1791

Abstract

Broad-leaved monocot herbs form one of the most common and diverse growth forms of Neotropical plants. Their significance and frequency of occurrence is particularly notable in the understories of tropical rainforests, where they form a dominant element. We assessed and quantified changes in the cover and diversity of understory herb communities in a chronosequence of 1 ha permanent plots established as part of a multidisciplinary study on tropical forest regeneration in the Atlantic lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. Sampled were two young stands cleared 12 years ago, two secondary forests with 21 and 39 of years of recovery since clearance, and two stands in old-growth primary forest. Changes in species composition during succession were assessed using Chao’s Jaccard similarity index. Observed species richness ranged from 15 to 26 species in individual plots, with the greatest number of species in the 21-year intermediate-age and fewest in the young 12-year plots. Herb species sampled represented 6 families, 15 genera, and 39 species, with the Araceae contributing the largest number of species. Ten species were sampled in all six stands, while fourteen species were found exclusively in one plot. Herb density (ramets m⁻²) showed a hump-shade trend, with peak density in the intermediate stands and a lower level in mature and young secondary forests. Mean herb cover in 25 m² quadrats ranged from 2.0% (young stand) to 22.7% (intermediate-age stand) and differed significantly both among stand types and among sites. Both observed and estimated species richness increased along the chronosequence as a whole, with the highest number of species in primary forest, although only slightly higher than in intermediate-age stands. Over half of the species exhibited some degree of clonal growth, with the extent of clonal spread varying among species and forest stands. Although we did not find a clear pattern between clonality and forest age, we observed a greater number of clonal patches in secondary over primary forest stands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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12 pages, 1956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Characterization of the Canarian Endemic Palm (Phoenix canariensis) by Simple Sequence Repeats and Chloroplast Markers: A Tool for the Molecular Traceability of Phoenix Hybridization

by Isabel Saro, Priscila Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Diego Rivera, Concepción Obón, Fredérique Aberlenc, Antonio Díaz-Pérez, Salwa Zehdi-Azouzi, Leticia Curbelo and Pedro A. Sosa

Diversity 2024, 16(7), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16070411 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754

Abstract

The endemic palm from the Canary Islands, Phoenix canariensis, is one of the most distinctive elements of the Canarian vegetation landscape, contributing to cultural, economic and environmental aspects. One of the main conservation problems facing this iconic palm is anthropogenic hybridization with other Phoenix species, particularly Phoenix dactylifera, which has been introduced extensively throughout its geographical range. Therefore, it is important to obtain a genetic tool that addresses different issues that may have an impact on the protection of P. canariensis, including ornamental applications and wild population conservation purposes. Our main goals were to detect a molecular tracer that could reliably distinguish between Phoenix canariensis and P. dactylifera in the Canary archipelago and to characterize the presence and extent of genetic hybridization events between the two species. We used 19 nuclear microsatellites and 1 chloroplast minisatellite set and analysed a large sample size (N = 433) of plants using both Bayesian methods and ordination techniques. Our data showed that a set of 13 nuclear markers revealed diagnostic alleles for P. canariensis, which were defined as the Canarian nuclear genotype (CNG). Moreover, P. canariensis exhibited an exclusive chlorotype of 266 bp that together with the GNC serve as an indicator of genetic purity in the Canarian palm. These markers are sufficient to detect any hybrid, even if it is not related to morphological differences. The occurrence of a considerable number of specimens with different degrees of hybridization is discussed in terms of the existence of different generations of hybrids and different types of crosses. Thus, the genetic tracers represent an invaluable tool to address any proposal for the genetic conservation of Phoenix canariensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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42 pages, 15255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hilly, Semi-Mountainous and Mountainous Areas Harbor Landraces Diversity: The Case of Messinia (Peloponnese-Greece)

by Ricos Thanopoulos, Ioulia Drossinou, Iasonas Koutroumpelas, Tilemachos Chatzigeorgiou, Maritina Stavrakaki and Penelope J. Bebeli

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030151 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Landraces are identified for their genetic diversity and heritage value. Geographically isolated areas are gradually recognized for their agricultural diversity and importance in conservation. One of the consequences of agricultural intensification is an increase in crop uniformity and hence a reduction in the landraces’ genetic resources. Messinia, located in Southwest Peloponnese, Greece, is characterized by a diverse terrain and smallholdings. The geomorphological character of the area and farmers’ selections have led to new landraces (local varieties) with unique traits and specific adaptations. A total of 110 villages/settlements were visited between 2013–2016, aiming to explore the existing wealth of landraces and the degree of genetic erosion. The genetic material collected and the testimonies extracted from local communities were compared to data from past expeditions, gene banks, and portal databases. Of the 427 collected samples, the majority belonged to annual vegetable or pulse species, indicating the genetic diversity of the groups, which was likely related to their culinary value. Perennial crops are priced both as commercial and staple crops, with olive trees dominating the agricultural landscape. Genetic erosion and production decline were noticed for cereals. It is concluded that socio-cultural and agricultural trends have a strong influence on the survival of landraces. Without exhausting the agricultural wealth of the region, the present study suggests that Messinia is an agrobiodiversity hotspot that includes neglected crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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17 pages, 18804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity Distribution along an Urbanization Gradient and Relationships with Environmental Factors in Urban Agglomerations of Henan Province, China

by Rui Qi, Xiayan Zhou, Zihao Li, Yongzhong Ye, Zhiliang Yuan, Fengqin Liu, Yizhen Shao, Dongwei Wei and Yun Chen

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010053 - 15 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2051

Abstract

Urbanization induces rapid plant environmental modifications, leading to alterations in plant diversity distribution patterns and plant homogenization. However, how plant diversity is distributed along urbanization gradients in regional urban agglomerations and its relationship with environmental factors are not well defined. In three nearby Henan Province Chinese cities—Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, and Zhongmu—along an urbanization gradient, the distribution pattern of plant diversity was quantified. Both native and non-native plants found in urban green spaces were taken into consideration. A total of 176 plant quadrats were selected and separated into three urbanization gradient types using space-constrained hierarchical clustering: urban core, urban suburb, and urban outskirt. Polynomial fitting was used to characterize the spatial distribution patterns of plants along the urbanization gradient, and Pearson correlation and the Mantel test were employed to examine the effects of environmental factors, including longitude, latitude, altitude, distance from the urban center, temperature, and illumination, on plant diversity. A total of 313 vascular plant species, comprising 137 woody species and 176 herbaceous species, were examined. Along the three urbanization gradients, remarkable variations in plant diversity for woody and herbaceous species were observed. The spatial patterns of plant diversity were consistent across cities, whereas woody plants and herbaceous plants displayed the opposite behavior. Distance to the city center and temperature were the most substantial environmental effect factors for the diversity of woody plants, whereas light factors had a major impact on herbaceous plants. These findings show different life-type plants are affected differently by urbanization, and they offer managers and planners a recommendation for increasing urban plant diversity by executing various interventions throughout the urban gradient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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