Multidisciplinary studies supporting conservation programmes of two rare, endangered Limonium species from Spain

Abstract Background and aims Two local threatened endemics from Valencian salt marshes were analysed a multidisciplinary perspective combining field studies with experiments performed under greenhouse-controlled conditions. The work aimed to investigate the habitat of two species but also explore their limits tolerance severe drought salinity mechanisms behind stress responses. Methods number individuals in several populations, climatic conditions, soil characteristics accompanying vegetation natural habitats study. Plants obtained by seed germination grown greenhouse subjected one month water treatments. Growth biochemical parameters after treatments finalised. Results No correlation between censed Limonium could be established. Although L. dufourii was found more saline soils habitats, controlled this severely affected treatment than albuferae , which is susceptible stress. A common response increase proline all treatments, mostly water-stressed plants. Oxidative markers, MDA H 2 O did not indicate significant differences species' responses kinds correlated activation antioxidant enzymes, pronounced conditions . Conclusions sites lower experiment indicated that it tolerates higher concentrations dufouri resistant drought. efficiently mitigate oxidative enzymes. results may helpful for conservation management species: whereas problematic, as tolerated salinities far beyond those environments, scarcity problem proved deficit.