Greek Tulips: Worldwide Electronic Trade over the Internet, Global Ex Situ Conservation and Current Sustainable Exploitation Challenges

Abstract

From an ornamental viewpoint, tulips are famous clonally propagated crops. This research focuses on 15 wild-growing Greek tulip species including 11 range-restricted species, i.e., six Greek endemics and five Balkan or Aegean endemics and subendemics, among which seven are currently threatened with extinction (two Critically Endangered, three Endangered and two Vulnerable). An overview of the global electronic trade over the internet is presented herein for these valuable phytogenetic resources in an attempt to define the extent of their commercialization (25 nurseries in three countries, mainly bulb trade at various prices) with concomitant conservation implications. In the frame of the repatriation initiatives launched, their global ex situ conservation is overviewed according to the PlantSearch facility of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (materials from 15 species stored in 41 botanic gardens of 14 countries). The results of this study on the Greek tulips showed that there are both well-established value chains and gaps in the market regarding the “botanical tulips”; revealed the compromised effectiveness of ex situ conservation for the majority of them; raised conservation concerns related to authorized access to these wild phytogenetic resources; and indicated that their future utilization should comply with the provision of national and international legislation. All these are envisaged and discussed within the framework of the newly launched research project TULIPS.GR which aims to be the pilot establishment of a national collection regarding all Greek tulips (currently holding 38 accessions of 13 species, including almost all of the threatened ones). The project’s scope is to enable the creation of a sustainable value chain for the Greek tulips with authorized collections, sustainable conservation schemes, production of DNA barcoded propagation material, species-specific propagation and cultivation protocols, mycorrhizal investigations, field studies, applying innovative precise soil/foliar fertigation, and investigation of the postharvest treatment of fresh cut flowers, promoting networking and synergies with producers and associations in Greece and abroad.

Influence of Temperature on Seed Germination of Five Wild-Growing Tulipa Species of Greece Associated with Their Ecological Profiles: Implications for Conservation and Cultivation

“…This study outlines, for the first time, the ecological requirements of five wild-growing Greek tulip species ( T. australis, T. bakeri, T. clusiana, T. goulimyi , and T. undulatifolia ) in terms of temperature and precipitation regimes prevailing in their natural respective ranges in Greece. Therefore, the data generated herein may be perceived as a contribution to the ex situ conservation efforts currently being undertaken for all of the Greek tulip species [ 3 ], allowing for, at the same time, the design of appropriate re-introduction actions if deemed necessary (e.g., [ 25 , 27 ]). By contrasting the five ecological profiles of Tulipa spp.…”

“…This study presents, for the first time, original data regarding the germination of five wild-growing Greek tulip species ( T. australis, T. bakeri, T. clusiana, T. goulimyi , and T. undulatifolia ). Therefore, the data generated herein may be perceived as a contribution to the ex situ conservation efforts undertaken for at least three threatened Greek endemic ( T. bakeri and T. goulimyi ) or subendemic species ( T. undulatifolia ), allowing for, at the same time, possible re-introduction actions in the future if needed (e.g., [ 3 , 25 ]).…”

“…Botanical tulips refer to wild species that are used in the horticultural industry (garden plantings, cut flowers, or new breeding materials) due to their interesting characteristics (small size and unusual flower shapes and colors) and unique identities (local endemics from remote regions) associated with a natural rarity and limited availability ( , accessed on 22 February 2023). In recent years, wild tulip resources have attracted growing research attention, and currently, efforts are being made to domesticate, effectively reproduce, and cultivate in man-made settings several wild-growing tulips from China [ 1 , 2 ] and Greece [ 3 ]. Besides their interesting ornamental characteristics and unique identities, such wild phytogenetic resources exhibit a strong natural adaptability to cultivation settings and an enhanced resilience to pathogens, thus presenting as assets which can be exploited in the future for selective breeding strategies aimed at developing new tulip cultivars [ 2 ].…”

“…Considering the conservation needs due to the threatened and/or protected status of all the Greek tulips and the potential of Greek Tulipa spp. to be introduced as new cultivated crops [ 3 ], focus should be given to the study of the abiotic factors prevailing in their natural habitats. Itis particularly important to conceive a proxy of species-specific tolerance in terms of temperature and climatic conditions regarding future cultivation for ex situ conservation purposes or in the frame of sustainable exploitation strategies [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…Species-wise, the study herein is focused on three threatened species, including the local Cretan endemic T. bakeri A. D. Hall; the local endemic of the Peloponnese, Kythira, Antikythera, and Crete islands, T. goulimyi Sealy & Turrill; and the sub-Balkan local endemic T. undulatifolia Boiss. [ 3 , 28 ]. In addition, the study also examines species of a wider distribution range, including the Mediterranean T. australis Link and the Asiatic T. clusiana Redouté, which is naturalized on Chios Island (Greece).…”