Rescue of the critically endangered long-stalked pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus) in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Potamogeton praelongus occurs in the Czech Republic at only one natural site. As part of a rescue programme, micropopulations were introduced into new locations. The aim of the paper is to describe the realised measures: monitoring micropopulations and habitat factors at P. praelongus sites, investigation of seed germination, and preparation of a sterile in-vitro culture for plant propagation and conservation purposes. Between 2008–2010, both micropopulations in the Orlice floodplain increased their size by three times annually. In 2010, 1461 shoots occurred at the natural site and 199 at the artificial one. In 2010, stand areas varied between 12–50 m2. The most effective treatment to break seed dormancy involved 2-h surface sterilisation in 5 % or 2.5 % NaClO solution proceeded by a period of desiccation, temperature variation, hypoxic conditions, and mechanical abrasion of the seed coat.
Using similar methods of NaClO sterilisation, an in-vitro culture of P. praelongus was prepared and 30 clones with an expected genetic variability are available.