NKUA Seed Bank

The main objective of the project is to rediscover Consolida samia. If we manage to spot one or more patches or subpopulations of this plant we will map (with precision GIS) its spatial distribution and we will try to collect seeds for long-term storage in our NKUA seed Bank (ex situ conservation). We aim to repeat explorations for three consecutive flowering seasons (2022-2024). We will also proceed to collaborate with the Management Unit (not staffed currently - we anticipate that personnel will be hired during 2022) of the NATURA2000 site GR4120003 - Samos: OROS KERKETEFS - MIKRO KAI MEGALO SEITANI - DASOS KASTANIAS KAI LEKKAS, AKR. KATAVASIS - LIMENAS where the entire massif of Mt. Kerketefs belongs. In addition we will inform and ask for collaboration with the Forestry Directorate of Samos Island, right from the beginning of the project. Collaboration topics may cover in situ conservation measures, propagation of the plant in a local nursery, display of live plants, awareness campaign for the local and national population, etc.

Expected outputs

• UAV exploration for Consolida samia flowering individuals
• Precise mapping of plant
• Seed collection and development of a seed germination protocol

Project Team

Project leader: Professor Costas Thanos,

Ilias Dimitriadis,

PhD Candidate Spyridon Oikonomidis,

George Fakas