Conservation of a Critically Endangered Endemic Halophyte of West Portugal: A Microcosm Assay to Assess the Potential of Soil Technology for Species Reintroduction

The soil system has been frequently overlooked during plant reintroduction planning and practice since working with soils roots can be difficult, particularly in saline environments. Coastal environments are major contributors to regional global biodiversity an important source of endemic species. However, various species decline or considered threatened, halophytes (salt tolerant) due negative anthropic impacts. Lusitanian halophyte Limonium daveaui formerly had a large distribution range along the west coast Portugal but currently it shows restricted Tagus estuary. Field surveys revealed that this critically endangered forms few local populations small size invaded by exotic In study, we investigated potential utilization Technosols, innovative sustainable, ecological engineering method combined brackish water irrigation for L. native habitats. Seed germination percentages were evaluated different environmental conditions. Through microcosm assay, Technosol was constructed using Fluvisol mixture low value inorganic organic wastes, which chemically characterized. Plants cultivated irrigated collected nearby area. To assess growth, morphometric parameters plants’ physiological status assessed fresh dry biomass determined. Results showed seed higher on moist filter paper distilled than Technosol. grown greater development, values photosynthetic indexes production Fluvisol. Our findings provide basis future situ conservation studies support idea eco-friendly technology approaches beneficial conserve rare