LIFE4FIR project: enhancing the genetic diversity and conservation status of the Sicilian fir
The LIFE4FIR project (Life18 Nat/It/000164) "Decisive in situ and ex-situ conservation strategies to secure the critically endangered Sicilian fir, Abies nebrodensis” has reached its fourth year of activity. LIFE4FIR is funded by the Nature and Biodiversity sub-programme with the aim of improving the protection and conservation status of the relic Abies nebrodensis, an endemic conifer of Sicily (Italy).
The project's main purpose is to increase the genetic diversity and improve the conservation status of the highly endangered A. nebrodensis population. Through this, it will contribute to implementation of both the Habitats Directive and the EUs biodiversity strategy.
The projects specific objectives include:
- sustaining and protecting the residual adult trees and the few young plants that have come from natural regeneration of A. nebrodensis in their natural habitat;
- restoring the dynamic structure of the population by implementing a reforestation plan using selected seedlings. This will involve: - nursery production of healthy, vigorous, genetically pure and outbred seedlings; - establishment of reforestation plots in suitable areas to act as re-diffusion cores; and - setting up a new, effective clonal orchard to promote the production of outbred seed in the future;
- ex situ conservation by developing a seed bank and a cryobank for long-term conservation of seeds, pollen, isolated embryos and embryogenic callus lines of A. nebrodensis; and
- developing a strategy for application of the LIFE4FIR methodology to other endangered conifer species in Europe.
Among the significant results accomplished, the project announces the starting of the cryo-bank for the ex-situ germplasm conservation foreseen the 14 June 2023 in Polizzi Generosa (Palermo, Italy).
