Towards ex situ conservation of the moss Campyliadelphus elodes (Amblistegiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract

The rare and threatened moss Campyliadelphus elodes (Amblysetgiaceae), whose population is in decline in Europe, was the subject of studies investigating its biological characteristics so as to establish a captive culture and an ex situ population. Herbarium material from Hungary was used to establish propagation from the vegetative parts under axenic laboratory conditions. Growth optimisation was tested by selecting the most suitable growth medium and evaluating the effects of plant growth regulators on rapid propagation and multiplication. The KNOP medium proved to be the most effective for the rapid propagation of the species when grown at a temperature of 18 ± 2°C, with 60-70% humidity, and a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle). The tested concentrations of auxin and cytokinin did not significantly improve the development and multiplication of C. elodes. Subsequently, the laboratorycultivated material was used to establish an ex situ population at the Belgrade Botanical Garden, thus contributing to the species’ sustainable preservation.