Endemic Gypsophila pilulifera boiss. & heldr.a study on the bio-ecology and conservation biology of (Caryophyllaceae)

In this study, it is aimed to determine the population structures and with, define the danger category, examine the possibilities of its reproduction to assess the continuation of the specie in nature, and encourage growing it; by researching the biological, ecologic, molecular features of Gypsophila pilulifera Boiss. & Heldr. which is an Eastern Mediterranean element endemic to Turkey and is only grown in the C3 square (Antalya). The morphological features of the individuals were compared statistically by separating the two locations into biotopes where the species was distributed. G.pilulifera's seeds and cuttings taken from end shoots were used for multiplication of in vivo and in vitro in their cultural environment. For in vivo culture application, GA3's 250, 500, 1000, 2000 ppm dosages and as control group, pure water; for thermal scarification application, 50oC and 60oC hot water was used. For the rooting of the cuttings, 8 different IBA doses were used as 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 ppm and control group. In order to germinate in petri dishes in in vitro culture application, old (2019) and new (2020) seeds were kept at room temperature and refrigerator, in light (18/6 hours) and dark environments using 1ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm doses of GA3 and control groups, trials were carried out at three different temperatures, 15°C ,20°C and 25°C. For the production of the species in vitro, seed and meristem explants were cultured in MS medium containing different concentrations of BAP, IAA and NAA. Although some differences were spotted in terms of morphological characteristics between individuals in the two locations, where the species was distributed, as a result of molecular studies, there was no difference spotted in species, subspecies or variety level between individuals in the two locations. As an outcome of the discriminant analysis, obvious similarities/differences were detected between the biotopes. It was found that the highest germination rate in in vivo culture medium was (86.6), in the 50°C application and the germination index (5.06) was in parallel with the germination energy (57.69). However, the survival time and growth parameters are highest at 500 ppm concentration of GA3. Rooting of cuttings is highest in both locations with 1000 ppm IBA pre-practice. The highest germination rate in petri dishes in in vitro culture medium was carried out in pre-practice of 5 ppm GA3 with the seeds collected in 2020 (new) and kept at room temperature in light/dark (18/6 hours). It was detected that the germination rate of seeds and the development of seedlings germinated with hormone concentrations in MS medium in in vitro culture medium, were lower than those of non-hormonal medium. Root and shoot number averages are of cuttings are highest at 2 BAP+ 2 IAA hormone concentration. It has been determined with this study that ex situ protection of Gypsophila pilulifera can be achieved by in vivo and in vitro studies. This study presents value in terms of transferring the species, which is spreading in an area open to anthropogenic impacts and is in danger of extinction, to future generations and protecting our genetic resources.