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Action C10 Cultivation in the GCC and the CBNB a duplicate of at least 200 different plants from the present populations and their distribution among national and international conservation institutions

The multiplication of plants made to date, comes exclusively from a single individual (from Bosco Pisano population) obtained bycuttings, then grown in CBNB and used as a "mother plant."
In order to long-term preservation of the widest possible genetic diversity, it must be multiplied by the totality of the individual specimens of each of the two populations.

The production of 200 individuals genetically different (see Action C.1), will create two collections of "mother plants" genetically different, one to the CBNB and one in the GCC.

These will be able to satisfy three fundamental requirements for the conservation of target species:

  • duplication of a sufficient number of individuals that are genetically different for the ex situ conservation, and in situations of "security";
  • production from these individuals, of new plants for in situ actions for populations consolidation;
  • production from these individuals, of new plants for the distribution in other conservation institutions

Genetic uniformity of a species and its numerical strength are, in fact, one of the factors most likely to increase the risk of extinction. In particular, in case of extremely small populations, the latter factor becomes decisive for the conservation of an extensive and diversified genetic pool. For this reason, a sample of the most extensive possible relict populations will be cultivated and preserved outside of the origin sites, according to the following scheme:

  • a copy of at least 100 individuals for each of the two populations, at the facilities of DRAFD (GCC) and the CBNB, consistent with the results of A.2;
  • a network (with leading research institutes, botanical gardens, public and private parks) for growing pool of selected individuals as well as for the exchange of information.


The action is coordinated by CBNB and also conducted by DRAFD, will be carried on from the project third year.