Development of native species of Crete in the urban landscape: an investigation of systems and plant reproduction, adaptability and fitness of wild species in commercial horticulture

The flora of Crete in its multifarious micro-landscapes offers the possibility of selecting native species with high ornamental value for use in urban landscapes and commercial horticulture. To assess this potential eight species were selected: Staehelina petiolata, Ptilostemon chamaepence, Otanthus maritimus, Prasium majus, Convolvulus dorycnium, Campanula pelviformis, Sternbergia sicula and Colchicum macrophyllum. The biological cycle in situ, sexual and asexual propagation as well as their cultural requirements and adaptability in urban landscape were studied. In addition to identifying the light and temperature requirements for seed germination of the species, Other factors were important including after-ripening for P. chamaepence and S. petiolata, scarification for P. majus and C. dorycnium and imbibition in 20°C for C macrophyllum and S. sicula. Propagation by stem cuttings was influenced by mist, addition of IBA, the season and the substrates. IBA solutions at 4000, 2000 ppm and 2000 ppm in powder promoted on rooting of S. petiolata, P. chamaepence and P. majus stem tip cuttings with the highest rooting level of 50, 70 and 72%, respectively, while both IBA at 0 or 2000 ppm on Otanthus maritimus produced 100% rooting. Best substrates were peat-moss+vermiculite, vermiculite, sand and vermiculite and best seasons autumn, spring or late autumn, early summer, and spring for Staehelina. Ptilostemon, Otanthus and Prasium, respectively. Cross-cutting and BA on the base of Sternbergia sicula increased the bulblets from 1-3.5 to 12.8 and 13.5 per bulb yearly, respectively. Colchicum macrophyllum had a very low asexual reproductive activity producing one corn per year. The wounding of the replacement bud stimulated development of the reserve bud so that each corm could produce two or more cormlets. Morphogenesis was achieved in vitro by the affect of BA; callogenesis and rhizogenesis by NAA, and rhizogenesis by IBA on S. petiolata and P. chamaepence seedlings. Adventitious bulblets and plantlets formed on scales and clumps of shoots of S. sicula by the addition of BA and NAA producing over 20 bulblets per bulb. 2,4-D, BA, NAA and combinations produced callus, shoots and new corms on buds of C. macrophyllum. All studied species were established successfully in pots and in an urban landscape. The ornamental characteristics and use of eight species was determined and a master plan was designed using indigenous plants of Crete.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Antonidaki-Giatromanolaki, Anna

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Orchard, John
• Vlahos, I. C

• QH Natural history
• SB Plant culture

Language dc:language

en