Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science

Yazarlar: Fisun Gürsel ÇELİKEL, Sevim DEMİR

Konular:Mühendislik

Anahtar Kelimeler:: IUCN Red List,Conservation,Leucojum aestivum,Threats,Endangered

Özet: Turkey has a special place in genetic diversity of geophytes. However, many genetic resources of geophytes including Leucojum aestivum L. (Amaryllidaceae) known as snowflake are under genetic erosion and face with the danger of extinction. L.aestivum is the single Leucojum species in Turkey and naturally grows in Bolu, İstanbul, Bursa, Erzurum, Kocaeli, Konya, Samsun. According to IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources) Red List Category of this species is Least Concern. Major threats of L. aestivum such as grazing and unfavorable land management are deteriorating its natural habitats. Leucojum aestivum is a seasonal ornamental plant because of its aesthetic white flowers and a valuable medicinal plant. It has various alkaloids used in medicine. Especially galanthamine among them is very important as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer’s treatment. Therefore it is important to protect the population of this species and to ensure its sustainability. Numerous studies have been carried out in L. aestivum on vegetative, generative and in-vitro propagation, determination of alkaloids and karyological research studies in Turkey. L. aestivum has quota for trade according to ‘Regulation on collection, production and marketing of natural flower bulbs’ in Turkey, but there is no further known conservation action. This review has been prepared to give some information about the endangered L. aestivum and its possible conservation actions in Turkey’s flora in order to take attention on this important natural species of Turkey.

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