GIS-Facilitated Seed Germination, Fertilization Effects on Growth, Nutrient and Phenol Contents and Antioxidant Potential in Three Local Endemic Plants of Crete (Greece) with Economic Interest: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation

This multidisciplinary study is focused on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Lomelosia minoana (Dipsacaceae; subsp. asterusica) Eryngium ternatum (Apiaceae), three local endemic plants Crete (Greece) with economic interest. Using Geographical Information Systems open-source geodatabases, detailed ecological profiles were compiled to illustrate abiotic environmental conditions prevailing in their wild habitats. We examined for first time temperature effects (10, 15, 20 25 °C) seed germination fertilization (INM, integrated nutrient management, chemical compared control) growth parameters content leaves as well phenol antioxidant potential. L. asterusica germinated better at 15 °C (61.25%), 10 (30% 27.50%, respectively) while E. did not show significant differences. The seedling INM resulted 10–15-fold higher absorption copper without toxicity control; was also superior most macronutrients leaves. total capacity leaf extracts positively affected by ternatum. Both treatments almost equally morphological physiological characteristics taxa. In light above-mentioned research gaps bridged studied taxa, we re-evaluated updated both feasibility readiness timescale exploitation sectors.