Research area: Botany - Mycology - Agriculture
Coordinators: Simone Orsenigo, Graziano Rossi
ERC sectors: LS8_3 Systems evolution, biological adaptation, phylogenetics, systematics; LS8_4 Biodiversity, comparative biology; LS8_5 Conservation biology, ecology, genetics
1. Taxonomy and systematics of critical endemic groups of the Italian flora
The taxonomy and systematics of vascular plants allow us to describe the diversity of plant organisms and interpret their phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships. The Italian vascular flora, comprising over 8,000 species, is among the richest in Europe, and knowledge of it is the basis for implementing appropriate management and conservation strategies. An integrated approach based on nomenclatural studies, bibliographic and herbarium research, field data collection, morphometric, karyological, genetic analyses, and reproductive biology studies aims to contribute to deepening taxonomic, distributional, and systematic knowledge of critical groups of the Italian flora (e.g., the genus Hieracium), with particular attention to endemic species.
2. Conservation of plant species at risk of extinction
The rich flora of our country has been subjected to severe pressure in recent decades, resulting in disruption of natural habitats, with negative repercussions on the conservation status of plant species. Assessing the conservation status of plants and understanding current threats are the first steps in implementing targeted conservation strategies, including ex situ (e.g., germplasm banks) and in situ (e.g., translocations) conservation actions, in collaboration with land management agencies or agricultural companies operating within protected areas. Knowledge of the reproductive biology of endangered species, their ecology, and the genetic variability of relict populations are essential for implementing effective conservation actions.
Italian Botanical Society, IUCN, University of Cagliari, University of Pisa, University of Roma Tre, Natural History Museum of Milan, University of Milan, Belluno Dolomites National Park
Fainelli F, Gottschlich G, Orsenigo S (2024) Nomenclatural notes on some names in the Hieracium tenuiflorum group (Asteraceae) of the Alps. Phytotaxa, 645: 131-148
Gottschlich G, Orsenigo S (2021) New taxa of Hieracium (Asteraceae) from Mount Lesima and adjacent regions (Northern Apennine, Italy). Phytotaxa, 505: 39-55
Albani Rocchetti G, Armstrong C, Abeli T, Orsenigo S, Jasper C, Joly S, Bruneau A, Zytaruk Maria, Vamosi J (2021) Reversing extinction trends: New uses of (old) herbarium specimens to accelerate conservation action on threatened species. New Phytologist, 230: 433–450
Orsenigo S, Fenu G, Gargano D, Montagnani C, Abeli T, …, Rossi G. (2021) Red list of threatened vascular plants in Italy. Plant Biosystems, 155: 310-335
Orsenigo S, Montagnani C, Fenu G, Gargano D, Peruzzi L, …, Rossi G (2018) Red Listing plants under full national responsibility: extinction risks and threats in the vascular flora endemic to Italy. Biological Conservation, 224: 213-222.