Decisive in situ and ex situ conservation strategies to secure the critically endangered Sicilian fir, Abies nebrodensis
The trees from the natural population were propagated using an innovative grafting technique that achieved a rooting success rate of over 50%, a rate never before recorded for this species.
The grafted seedlings are intended for the creation of a clonal arboretum, a specialized facility where all genotypes of the population are represented.
A grafted seedling with new shoots.
A group of grafted seedlings growing at the ‘Piano Noce’ forest nursery.
In the summer of 2021, the new fencing system to protect the 30 trees of the population and the established natural renewal was completed. 1800 chestnut poles (2.50 meters high) were used, and over 3.5 kilometers were enclosed with netting and metal wires. The protected area was expanded to cover a total surface of 14000 m2 around the Abies nebrodensis plants.
Phytosanitary investigations on trees in the natural population have been completed. These investigations included inspections of the foliage, sampling of branches affected by disorders (blight, needle reddening and loss, chlorosis) and isolation of fungal microorganisms have been carried out. Outcomes showed that the disturbances observed are related to the severe environmental conditions which Abies nebrodensis is experiencing, and, together with the fungal community observed on the symptomatic and healthy needles (consisting mainly of weak pathogens and saprophytes,) indicate that the species is able to cope with the restrictions of its habitat.
The planting out of the selected seedlings in the 10 areas chosen for the reforestation has started in spring 2023. The figures below show the repopulation nuclei set up in Favarotti (Isnello) and Mandarini (Petralia Sottana). Two-meter-high fences provide protection for the 300 Abies nebrodensis plants in the installations.
In the photo below, a newly planted Abies nebrodensis seedling is circled in red, while the arrows indicate the two broom plants (Spartium junceum) placed inside the hole to protect the fir seedling.
The inauguration of the Seed Bank and Cryobank developed within the framework of the LIFE4FIR project took place on July 21, 2023, in the presence of the Mayor of Polizzi Generosa, Gandolfo Librizzi, and the Councilor for Environmental Policies, Gaetano Bellavia, as well as researchers from IBE-CNR and the University of Palermo who developed the protocols and procedures. The biobank is managed by an employee of the Madonie Park Authority who has previously participated in a specific training session for this purpose.
In August 2023, a new phytosanitary survey was conducted. Ground inspections of the canopies of A. nebrodensis trees were accompanied by multispectral analysis with a drone to monitor any physiological and biochemical disturbances across the entire canopy.
Vegetation indices, calculated based on the reflectance of the canopies in the red, red edge, green, and NIR bands, showed a correlation with the phytosanitary conditions of the plants detected through close-up observations and are therefore a promising tool for monitoring the health status of the tree population.
Infrared image of a section of the main core of the A. nebrodensis population located in the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli, which includes trees numbered 18, 19, 20, and 29, situated within a beech forest.
The activities of the LIFE4FIR project also include the implementation of a video surveillance system which, on the one hand, represents a deterrent for any illegal activities and, on the other, allows the monitoring of wild herbivores.
The plant consists of several video cameras (powered by solar panels and batteries) which have been positioned in ertain strategic points of the Abies nebrodensis trail.
The system was completed and activated in June 2022. Below are some photos taken during the installation of the cameras and the start-up of the system.
During March-April 2022 the trees of the natural population were propagated by grafting, in order to set up the clonal orchard.
Thanks to the protocol developed within the LIFE4FIR project, a much higher success and survival rate of the seedlings was obtained compared to previous experiences.
The room dedicated to the seedbank and the cryo-bank was set up at the MAN (Museum of Abies nebrodensis) in Polizzi Generosa.
Instrumentation and safety devices were installed and the seed bank went into operation at the beginning of 2022. Seeds batches are progressively added to the collection stored at -18 degrees Celsius. The cryobank is expected to be fully operational in Spring 2023.
The seedlings obtained from the controlled crosses carried out in spring of 2020 have recently germinated and are growing at the ‘Piano Noce’ forest nursery. The development of the seedlings is constantly monitored by UNIPA researchers and DRSRT technicians. These plants will be used to create new plantations in the reforestation and re-diffusion plots identified for the species.
The technicians and workers of the DRSRT are engaged in setting up the new fencing system, to replace the old, deteriorated fences. The new fences are higher than the previous ones and surround a wider area around the trees of the natural population, allowing to protect the recently surveyed natural regeneration from wild herbivores and anthropogenic pressure.
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