Seed Germination and Vegetative Propagation of Promising Decorative Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.), Introduced into the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

Seed germination (in laboratory and field conditions) and vegetative reproduction (by cuttings) of a promising decorative species—Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.) was studied for the first time in the conditions of introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden of Uzbekistan. Thus, the optimal temperature for germination of L. tatarica seeds in laboratory conditions is +20°C + 22°C, at which germination was 73%. The germination rate of seeds sown in autumn in the field was 62%, and the germination rate of seeds sown in spring was 71%. It was noted that in greenhouse conditions at an air temperature of 20°C - 22°C and a relative humidity of 49% - 53%, the rootability of cuttings was 75%. It was revealed that the studied species adapted well to the conditions of introduction. Taking into account the effectiveness of vegetative reproduction of L. tatarica, it can be recommended for improving the aesthetic condition and landscaping of cities, landscaping and landscape design.

Former Botanical Garden of ORSTOM(Côte d’Ivoire):What Remain after Thirty Years of Abandonment and Forest Restoration

Botanical gardens represent important places for ex situ conservation.One of these botanical gardens has been abandoned in Côte d’Ivoire for 30 years.This is the former botanical garden of ORSTOM.This study was conducted to determine the level of diversity of this former garden in order to assess the opportunity for its rehabilitation.The authors carried out inventories in 18 quadrats of 500 m2 through the vegetation to collect woody species.Dendrometric measurements(height,diameter)were also recorded to assess the structure of the site.A total of 190 species have been identified.They belong to 141 genera and 47 families.This former botanical garden contains important species because of their origin,status or particularity(threatened,endemic,rarity,etc.).A total of 19 threatened species including 2 endangered and west African endemic(Chrysophyllum azaguieanum J.Miège,Placodiscus pseudostipularis)were found at the site.Also,Chrysophyllum azaguieanum is declared extinct from Côte d’Ivoire.Four species are rare in the flora of Côte d’Ivoire:Balanites wilsoniana,Chrysophyllum azaguieanum,Gilletiodendron kisantuense and Loesenera kalantha.The most abundant species is Hopea odorata.Although this introduced species is considered globally vulnerable,it presents a risk of invasion in the forest of Côte d’Ivoire.The diameter and height structures show that all the stages of development are presented indicating a good regeneration on the site.Ultimately,this botanical garden deserves to be rehabilitated and especially urgent management of Hopea odorata is needed to prevent an invasion of this species.

Fifty Years of Botanical Gardens in China

The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized in this paper. The contributions to the social and economic development in the early stage of Chinese BGs with the researches of economic plant (tobacco), medicinal plant (yam) and wild fruit tree resources are evaluated. The theoretical and applied achievements in recent years in seed science, plant conservation, economic plant introduction, acclimatization and breeding are also described. A general scope of living plant collections in Chinese BGs is presented and the outstanding ones, including Magnoliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cycadaceae, medicinal plants, Actinidia and Rhododendron are particularly mentioned. With special reference to Chinese penjing art garden and silicified wood garden, the development of scientific popularization and tourism in BGs is reviewed.

The role of botanical gardens in scientific research, conservation, and citizen science

Plant diversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate, resulting in an associated decrease in ecosystem services. About a third of the world＇s vascular plant species face the threat of extinction due to a variety of devastating activities, including, over-harvesting and over exploitation, destructive agricul- tural and forestry practices, urbanization, environmental pollution, land-use changes, exotic invasive species, global climate change, and more. We therefore need to increase our efforts to develop integrative conservation approaches for plant species conservation. Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of plants, as well as making the world＇s plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens also play a central role in meeting human needs and providing well-being. In this minireview, a framework for the integrated missions of botanical gardens, including scientific research, inJex situ conservation, plant resource utilization, and citizen science are cataloged. By reviewing the history of the development of Kunming Botanical Garden, we illustrate successful species conservation approaches （among others, projects involving Camellia, Rhododendron, Magnolia, Begonia, Alliurn, Ne- penthes, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and Plant Species with Extreme Small Populations）, as well as citizen science, and scientific research at Kunming Botanical Garden over the past 80 years. We emphasize that Kunming Botanical Garden focuses largely on the ex situ conservation of plants from Southwest China, especially those endangered, endemic, and economically important plant species native to the Yunnan Plateau and the southern Hengduan Mountains. We also discuss the future chal- lenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens in a changing world, including： the negative effects of outbreeding and/or inbreeding depression; promoting awareness, study, and conservation of plant species diversity; accelerating global access to information about plant diversity; increasing capacity building and training activities. We hope this minireview can promote understanding of the role of botanical gardens.

Butterfly Species Diversity and Abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden, Nigeria

Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the butterfly species diversity and abundance and compare the relationship between physical factor and butterfly species. Line transect were used to survey three habitats around botanical garden with scooped-net between June and July, 2010. Diversity varied from habitat to habitat. A checklist was made comprising a total of 57 butterfly species that were surveyed belonging to 9 families. There was a relationship between temperature and butterfly species diversity and abundance. There was no correlation between physical factors (relative humidity and temperature) and the total number of species and families. Moreover, butterfly numbers were not related to relative humidity in any species and family. However, temperature was significantly correlated with species. Therefore, understanding of the factors that affect butterfly species diversity and abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden is important for conservation.

Adapting the botanical landscape of Melbourne Gardens(Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria)in response to climate change

Botanic gardens around the world maintain collections of living plants for science, conservation, education, beauty and more. These collections change over time-in scope and content-but the predicted impacts of climate change will require a more strategic approach to the succession of plant species and their landscapes. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has recently published a 'Landscape Succession Strategy'for its Melbourne Gardens, a spectacular botanical landscape established in 1846. The strategy recognizes that with 1.6 million visitors each year, responsibility for a heritage-listed landscape and the need to care for a collection of 8500 plant species of conservation and scientific importance, planting and planning must take into account anticipated changes to rainfall and temperature. The trees we plant today must be suitable for the climate of the twenty-second century. Specifically, the Strategy sets out the steps needed over the next twenty years to transition the botanic garden to one resilient to the climate modelled for2090. The document includes a range of practical measures and achievable(and at times somewhat aspirational) targets. Climate analogues will be used to identify places in Australia and elsewhere with conditions today similar to those predicted for Melbourne in 2090, to help select new species for the collection. Modelling of the natural and cultivated distribution of species will be used to help select suitable growth forms to replace existing species of high value or interest. Improved understanding of temperature gradients within the botanic garden, water holding capacity of soils and plant water use behaviour is already resulting in better targeted planting and irrigation. The goal is to retain a similar diversity of species but transition the collection so that by 2036 at least 75% of the species are suitable for the climate in 2090. Over the next few years we hope to provide 100% of irrigation water from sustainable water sources, and infrastructure will be improved to adapt to predicted higher temperatures and more climatic extremes. At all times there will be a strong focus on assisting the broader community in their response to climate change.

The Localization of UK Experience in Environmental Education in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen, China

In China, the environmental education （EE） is a brief new but popular topic in recent several years as a method to cope with the gap between nature and children. EE was started in UK with a long-term development and the useful experience can be utilized for the Chinese EE development. As a case study, the experiences of UK organizations were summarized and applied in the EE system in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in Shenzhen （SZBG）, China. The localization of UK’s experience in the EE development in SZBG in terms of EE program, course content and resource was summarized in this paper. There are also discussions for the future update of EE in SZBG and for other local organizations like botanical gardens, wetland parks, nature reserve etc.

The Anatomical Structure of Vegetative Organs <i>Lavandula officinalis</i>Chaix in the Introduction of Tashkent Botanical Garden

The article presents the results of research carried out by light microscopy of the anatomical structure of vegetative organs (leaf, root and stem) Lavandula officinalis Chaix of the family Lamiaceae introduced into the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Our studies have shown that the presence or absence of trichomes can serve as an informative sign. In L. officinalis trichomes are simple unicellular two-terminal;three-terminal and multi-terminal. Lavender leaf hairs accumulate essential oils under the cuticle of secreting cells, the cuticle are tightly attached to the membranes of the secretory cells due to the absence of excretion products. Based on the results of a study of the morphological and anatomical features of the leaf of L. officinalis, it has been established that the forms of covering hairs and essential oil glands are of diagnostic value. In the epidermal, palisade and cortex parenchymal cells of the vegetative organs, yellow-orange essential (lavender) oil is noted. Identified diagnostic features that can be used in taxonomy and can be used to identify plant materials can also be used to develop indicators of authenticity in this type of raw material.

Ontogenesis of the Form <i>Biota orientalis compacta</i>(Cupressaceae) in the Conditions of Introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

The ontogenesis of the form Biota orientalis compacta (Cupressaceae) was first studied in the conditions of introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. The passage of periods and stages of ontogenesis, full ripening of the cones, a high rate of growth and development, as well as high seed productivity are the main indicators of the success and prospects of the introduction of the form Biota orientalis compacta. The data obtained will serve as a theoretical basis for the agrotechnical development in landscaping.

Preliminary Study on Prevention and Control against Pests in Actinidia Plants in Lushan Botanical Garden of China

Survey on pests in Actinidia plants in Lushan botanical garden of China found that the insects causing damage on Actinidia plants mainly were grasshop- pers, scarabs, stinkbugs, leafhoppers, larvae of butterflies and moths, leaf milers and borers, belonging to 50 species and 23 families. According to the regularity of their reproduction and development, as well as the characteristics of pest d mnages on plants, chemical agents were applied in flower bud expansion stage and early fruit setting stage of Actinidia plants. The results showed that rational application of chemical agents before and after flowering stage could effectively control largescale occurrence of pests.

Assessing the invasion risk of botanical garden's exotic threatened collections to adjacent mountain forests: A case study of Cibodas Botanical Garden

A primary objective of botanical gardens is to conserve threatened plant species from different regions and countries.However,such ex-situ conservation practices for exotic plant species may pose a significant plant invasion risks.In this study,we predict the naturalization probability of exotic threatened plant species of Cibodas Botanical Garden(CBG) collections based on leaf trait(specific leaf area,SLA) or as a function of invasion risk assessment scoring system(Tropical Weed Risk Assessment Protocol,TWRAP).We found that SLA and TWRAP were positively correlated with naturalization probability.The TWRAP model produced higher predictive probabilities with larger uncertainty compared to SLA model.Parmentiera cereifera and Burretiodendron hsienmu are two species that have highest naturalization probability based on SLA model.Chamaedorea oblongata has the highest naturalization probability based on TWRAP model.From practical and management point of view,we recommend the simultaneous use of SLA-based and TWRAP-based invasive species risk assessment to estimate the naturalization risk of exotic threatened collections of botanical gardens to adjacent mountain forests.Finally,given the important conservation value of threatened exotic collection of botanical garden,we need to be aware with the invasion risks of these species.The threatened condition of a plant species is not only caused by its natural characteristics but also may be caused(in fact mostly confounding with) by external disturbance either natural catastrophic or human related activities.Thus,a threatened species may not necessarily a noninvasive species outside their natural distribution ranges.

A Case Study of an in Situ Botanical Garden in Zagori, Greece

Between 1998 and 2002, a project for the protection of the natural environment was applied, in the framework of the EU Initiative ＂L.I.F.E.＂, in Zagori, a mountainous region in Northwestern Greece with rich natural and human environment. One of the actions that took place as part of the above project was the creation of an in situ botanical garden in order to raise public awareness of the environment and the flora of the region. During the operation of the garden, the visitors answered questions related to their satisfaction or dissatisfaction of their visit. They also made suggestions for the improving of the garden. According to the number of the visitors and the analysis of the questionnaires, the operation of the garden was satisfactory. The in situ botanical garden proved useful not only for environmental awareness and education, but also for local economy. Two years since its creation, the garden eventually stopped operating. The main reason was lucky of funding. Based on the experience gained, it is suggested that the garden should be re-created under a new approach. Regions, such as Zagori, whose economy is based on environmental tourism, would benefit greatly from such structures. Moreover, in situ botanical gardens can play an important role in the protection of Greece＇s rich flora.

Vegetative Reproduction through Green Cuttings of the Introduced Form <i>Weigela florida</i>f. “<i>Bristol ruby</i>” (Caprifoliaceae) in the Conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

For the first time, work was carried out on the vegetative reproduction of Weigela florida f. “Bristol Rubru” (Caprifoliaceae) was introduced into the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan) through green branches. As a result of the research conducted, it was noted that the vegetative reproduction possibilities of the “Bristol Ruby” form of Weigela florida were high. When placed on stimulants of two types (kornevin, heteroauxin), it became known that kornevin stimulants are effective in taking root. It was found that the effective way to multiply this form by green branches in a vegetative way—when placed on the stimulator of kornevin from the middle part of the rod, the indicators of root extraction of the cuttings were 93.3%, which is more effective than other options. When vegetative reproduction of this decorative form, it is recommended that the seedlings come to the standard state in 3 - 4 years and the root extraction indicators are high—this is its use as the second row shrubs in the case of growing on strongly saline soils in the conditions of Uzbekistan. The cultivation of green cuttings of the form in the fog showed that they are more effective than in the open ground.

Research on the Planning of Medicinal Botanical Gardens Based on the Theme of Science Popularization Education

The functions of medicinal botanical gardens are introduced firstly,and then the application status and planning principles of medicinal botanical gardens based on the theme of science popularization education are analyzed.Moreover,a typical application case is analyzed and summarized.Constructing a scientific medicinal botanical garden is conducive to increasing people's understanding of medicinal plants,and also meets the requirements of current national policies,thereby generating greater economic and social benefits.

Some Thoughts on Science-based Botanical Garden Establishment

Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.

Boosting the Development of CAS Botanical Gardens

CAS is to initiate a 150-millionyuan (about US $18 million) project to boost the development of its network of botanical gardens throughout the country. ……

CAS Botanical Gardens

China is a large country with rich plant resources. Because of its unique geographical position, on its 9,600,000 km2 of territory are found about 30,000 species of higher plants, accounting for 10% of the world's flora species and ranking the country third in the world in abundance of plant species.

The contribution of botanic gardens to ex situ conservation through seed banking

Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for 'at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available for recovery and restoration programmes by 2020'.Botanic gardens make a significant contribution to ex situ conservation of wild species with more than a third of plant species represented in botanic gardens collections. These collections are a combination of living collection and seed banked material. Seed banking can provide an efficient form of conservation for wild plant genetic diversity.Information from Botanic Gardens Conservation International's(BGCI) databases(GardenSearch,PlantSearch, ThreatSearch and GlobalTreeSearch) has been analysed as well as survey data to report on global, regional and national seed banking trends.Information from BGCI's databases indicates that there are at least 350 seed banking botanic gardens in 74 countries. In total 56,987 taxa have been banked including more than 9000 taxa that are threatened with extinction. 6881 tree species are stored in ex situ seed bank collections. More than half(3562) of these tree species are single country endemics and represent species from more than 166 countries.This study suggests that institutions are increasingly conserving plant species via seed banking.However the majority of species in collections that have a conservation assessment are not threatened with extinction. This disjunction between species that are threatened and those conserved in seed banks needs to be addressed. Data from BGCI's databases can be used to enable prioritisation of threatened plant species for collection and conservation in seed banks. Further recommendations for botanic gardens involved in seed conservation are presented.

Biological and cultural diversity in the context of botanic garden conservation strategies

Impacts of global climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental changes on the world's biota and peoples continue to increase, especially on islands and in high elevation areas. Just as floristic diversity is affected by environmental change, so too are cultural and linguistic diversity. Of the approximately 7000 extant languages in the world, fully 50% are considered to be at risk of extinction, which is considerably higher than most estimates of extinction risks to plants and animals. To maintain the integrity of plant life, it is not enough for botanic gardens to consider solely the effects of environmental change on plants within the context of major conservation strategies such as the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Rather, botanic gardens should actively engage in understanding and communicating the broader impacts of environmental change to biological and cultural diversity.