A new study conducted by plant biologists from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden has highlighted a significant threat to the conservation of the endangered corpse flower, Amorphophallus titanum. The study, published in the Annals of Botany, reveals that incomplete historical records are hindering efforts to breed and maintain genetic diversity among these plants.
The research team examined records for approximately 1,200 individual corpse flowers housed in collections at 111 institutions worldwide. They discovered a severe lack of standardized data, complicating conservationist efforts. A substantial portion of the plants, 24%, were clones, and 27% were offspring from closely related individuals, indicating a lack of genetic diversity that could lead to further endangerment.
Olivia Murrell, who led the study, explained the risks of low genetic diversity. "Decreasing genetic diversity over time leads to a decrease in fitness," Murrell said. An example provided was an institution where all offspring were albino and unable to survive due to a lack of chlorophyll. Murrell emphasized that incomplete data, rather than intentional inbreeding, contributed to these outcomes.
Murrell, then a master's student, is now pursuing a Ph.D. at Manchester Metropolitan University and is associated with Chester Zoo. The study was a collaboration with conservation scientists Jeremie Fant, Nyree Zerega, and Kayri Havens from the Program in Plant Biology and Conservation at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
The corpse flower is known for its potent odor that mimics rotting flesh to attract pollinators like flies and carrion beetles. It blooms rarely and unpredictably, creating challenges for human-assisted pollination in living collections. "The female flowers open first, and then the male flowers open later," Murrell noted, highlighting the limited time frame for effective pollination.
Murrell and her team identified critical gaps in recordkeeping practices after analyzing data from various institutions. "The highest rate of missing data occurred when plants were transferred to new locations," Murrell pointed out. The research confirmed low genetic diversity and high inbreeding through DNA sequencing of 65 individual plants.
Only found in the wild on Sumatra, the corpse flower's population is dwindling, with estimates indicating only 162 individuals remaining. To boost genetic diversity in living collections, Murrell and her coauthors recommend improved documentation, standardized data practices, and better data transfer protocols.
Murrell concluded, "The population needs variation to survive. That's why it's really important to keep consistent, standardized and centralized data. Not keeping data has clear conservation implications."
The study received support from several institutions, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Northwestern University Plant Biology and Conservation Award.