DNA could help conserve plant diversity

Biologists at Ireland´s National Botanic Gardens´ new genetics laboratory believe their analysis of DNA could save a number of endangered indigenous species.

Researchers at the gardens, which are located at Glasnevin in the north of Dublin, are currently working on a number of plants which are under threat, the Irish Times reported yesterday (October 22nd).

These include the Bull Island Liverwort, of which researchers only found eight plants. However, DNA sampling means that the plant can be studied without having to kill one of these precious specimens.

Another endangered plant, The Killarney Fern, is being studied in the labs to find out why many of its specimens are not reproducing properly.

Dr Peter Wyse Jackson, director of the gardens told the newspaper: "We realised the plant conservation work that we were doing needed to have a molecular basis to it.

"If you don’t have the genetic basis, you are essentially judging the book by its cover, so the DNA technology is as important for us as buying in composts and tools."

Ireland´s National Botanic Gardens, founded in 1795, are home to more than 20,000 living plants.

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  Written by Robin Antill+ Started making garden sheds in 1979. so 31 years experience. Online since 1996. 1st in UK.