Preparatory activities
This activity focuses on establishing a strong scientific foundation for the long-term conservation and restoration of Jurinea cyanoides across. By integrating comprehensive habitat quality assessments, genetic diversity analyses, population dynamics monitoring and pollinator studies, the project addresses the primary drivers of species decline across Czechia, Germany and Ukraine. Through targeted research these actions directly shape effective in-situ management, ex-situ population design and reintroduction strategies.
Evaluation of habitat quality
Aim: To evaluate the abiotic and biotic conditions of both currently occupied and historical sites of Jurinea cyanoides and propose appropriate management interventions.
- Set up permanent plots across all monitored sites in CZ, DE, and UA to record annual phytosociological relevés and percentage cover of bare soil.
- Install 3 climate sensors per location to monitor soil temperature, above-ground temperature, and soil moisture.
- Sample and analyze soil chemical parameters and integrate data with historical land-use information.
- Conduct insect sampling 5 times per year to survey potential pollinators.
- Quantify pressures and threats across CZ, DE, and 5-8 sites in UA to formulate targeted habitat management proposals.
Expert study on suppression of invasive plants
Aim: To evaluate the occurrence and abundance of invasive species, prioritize sites for their suppression and suggest optimal control measures.
- Conduct botanical field mapping of invasive species listed in national and EU regulations on target sites and surrounding areas.
- Utilize the iNaturalist platform for public mapping of invasive species across CZ, DE, and UA.
- Engage local schools, educational programs, and social media campaigns to involve the public in data collection.
- Synthesize field survey data and citizen science results into an expert study prioritizing invasive species control measures.
Evaluation of genetic diversity
Aim: To determine genetic differentiation between populations in CZ, DE, and UA, evaluate genetic diversity and select the most genetically similar DE/UA populations to CZ populations for ex-situ conservation and reintroduction.
- Collect leaf samples from all natural and ex-situ populations in CZ and DE, as well as at least 5 natural populations in UA.
- Isolate genomic DNA and prepare ddRAD libraries.
- Tender and execute sequencing to analyze migration history and genetic structure.
Population dynamics, ex-situ conservation & reintroduction
Aim: To evaluate risks of inbreeding/outbreeding depression, test genotype performance, optimize ex-situ conservation design, and identify critical life-cycle stages for targeted species management.
- Collect seeds and germinate them in experimental garden by spring 2027.
- Establish experimental garden plots using pure populations and seed mixtures to monitor germination, growth, and genotype competition.
- Perform manual pollination treatments to evaluate hybrid viability and pollinator dependency.
- Monitor offspring growth from and evaluate seed production.
- Cultivate CZ, DE, and UA plants across native and foreign soil types to test growth, seed production, and germination under varying soil conditions.
- Standardize population assessment methodologies between CZ, DE and UA to resolve protocol differences.
Evaluation of pollinator occurrence
Aim: To identify key effective pollinators, map the potential pollinator species pool and ecological networks and suggest habitat management to support them.
- Conduct standardized insect sampling using pitfall traps, colored pan traps, light traps, and netting.
- Deploy camera video surveillance on Jurinea cyanoides flower heads and conduct expert taxonomic analysis of visitation footage.
- Cover flower heads with nylon mesh in field and ex-situ settings to evaluate self-pollination capability versus open pollination.
- Perform molecular analysis on insect populations to evaluate habitat connectivity and recolonization potential.
- Launch an iNaturalist project in collaboration with LIFE for Pollinators to involve the public in pollinator observations.
- Produce a comprehensive report, scientific publication and management recommendations based on multi-year pollinator data.
Expert study on seed herbivory
Aim: To determine the impact of seed herbivory across field and ex-situ locations and suggest preventive measures.
- Collect approximately 20 whole flower heads per site (primarily in DE, and as available in CZ) to count developed, undeveloped and damaged seeds.
- Identify herbivorous insect species and feeding marks on collected flower heads.
- Enclose 20 post-pollination flower heads in nylon mesh bags to evaluate physical protection efficacy against seed predators.
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.