Rasmann Sergio

From fundamental questions to practical conservation actions : a study of the pollination system, populations genetics and mycorrhizal associations in Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae)

Project Number: CH-6615

Project Type:	Dissertation
Project Duration:	05/01/2015 - 09/30/2018 project completed
Funding Source:	other ,
Leading Institution:	Univeristé de Neuchâtel
Project Leader:	Prof. Sergio Rasmann Assistant Professor Laboratoire d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle Université de Neuchâtel Rue Emile-Argand 11 2009 Neuchâtel Phone: +41 (0) 32 718 23 37 ; +41 (0) 32 718 22 30 FAX: +41 (0) 32 718 30 01 e-Mail: sergio.rasmann(at)unine.ch http://www2.unine.ch/lef

related to this project.

for which the project has a relevance.

Research Areas:

Biodiversity

Disciplines:

botanics

Abstract:
In this study, we focus on the Lady’s slipper orchid Cypripedium calceolus L. (Orchidaceae). It is a wellknown emblematic and patrimonial orchid in Europe. Indeed, it is one of the most famous plants because of its particular flowers and its exotic look. This Eurasian boreal species is distributed from the United Kingdom to the Pacific Ocean. This represents a large range but actual populations show a scattered distribution. Indeed, the number and size of these populations have drastically regressed and this species is rare and threatened by extinction, especially in Europe (Kull, 1999; Terschuren, 1999; Druart, 2007). As consequence, in Switzerland, numerous actions and reintroduction plans to conserve this orchid were developed, without reaching the expected outcomes. These mixed results were caused among others by a lack of ecological and biological understanding of C. calceolus.
To develop an efficient conservation plan for this species, the aims of this thesis are to understand its (i) pollination and chemical ecology, (ii) population genetics and demography in Switzerland, (iii) relationship with mycorrhiza, and (iv) how vegetation type and structure affect its habitat use. In summary, the general target of this thesis is to develop practical conservation approaches based on fundamental knowledge about the natural history, biology, ecology demography and genetics of C. calceolus that could be applied and generalizable to other plant species.

Publications:
Rusconi, Olivia. 2018. From fundamental questions to practical conservation actions: a study of the pollination system, population genetics and mycorrhizal associations in Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae). Doctoral Thesis, University of Neuchâtel.
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Last update: 4/8/19
Source of data: ProClim- Research InfoSystem (1993-2024)
Update the data of project: CH-6615

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