The effectiveness of plant conservation measures: the Dianthus morisianus reintroduction

Dianthus morisianus Vals. (Caryophyllaceae) is one of the most threatened endemic plants in Sardinia and has therefore been included in a conservation project comprising in situ and ex situ activities. A reintroduction, based only on juvenile plants, was scheduled for this species,by using transplants germinated from seeds collected in different years. In laboratory, 200 seeds were sown and all seedlings produced were cultivated in pots, without horticultural treatments. The surviving plants were reintroduced close to the natural population and these were monitored monthly. Two years later, the survival rate was extremely high (>95%), with a consistent value of plants reproducing a fruit yield per plant higher than the values recorded in the natural population. Moreover, a consistent number of established seedlings were recorded. Our research emphasizes the importance of identifying the most appropriate micro site as the key for a successful reintroduction. The use of juvenile plants, which improved the success of reintroductions and reduced the mortality rate, together with the knowledge of the species biology, in particular the critical stage of their life-cycle, combined with ex situ expertise were crucial factors in plant reintroduction