Conservation Study and Community Engagement for the Endangered Plant Orobanche coerulescens

Abstract

Taiwan's endangered holoparasitic plant, Orobanche coerulescens, faces severe extinction threats due to habitat destruction, alien species competition, and over-collection. Exhibiting a rare disjunct distribution across high and low altitudes, it serves as a valuable model for studying adaptive evolution. Executed by an interdisciplinary team from National Chung Hsing University and National Museum of Natural Science, this project integrates reproductive biology, physiology, microbiomics, and citizen science to drive systematic, cross-species conservation. First, we will combine specimen records and field surveys to construct a detailed distribution map, and perform reproductive manipulation experiments in both wild and cultivated settings to verify the genomic selfing syndrome hypothesis and clarify its breeding system. Second, we investigate the effects of plant hormones and specific hosts on seed germination and haustorium induction to establish stable artificial inoculation techniques. Microbiologically, we pioneer the use of SourceTracker and co-occurrence network analyses to decode microbiome transmission routes and identify keystone plant-growth-promoting bacteria. Finally, collaborating with the National Museum of Natural Science, we preserve fading local plant knowledge through iNaturalist workshops and exhibitions. Ultimately, through capacity-building science outreach programs and public engagement activities, we aim to inspire sustained community action, facilitate partnerships between corporate resources and local farmers to advance ecological agriculture, and achieve a sustainable win-win for biodiversity conservation and local economic development.

Keywords: Orobanche coerulescens, Endangered plants, Reproductive biology, Artificial inoculation, Parasitic physiology, Microbiomics, Science outreach, Public engagement

Methodology and Implementation Steps

The project is systematically executed through four sub-projects: (1) Field Surveys and Reproductive Biology: Herbarium specimen records will be integrated with population censuses conducted along the northern, western, and eastern coasts of Taiwan, as well as on offshore islands, to determine the current distribution of O. coerulescens. In addition, field experiments on reproductive biology, including bagged self-pollination, open pollination, and apomixis assays, will be conducted. These experiments will be complemented by pollen-flow observations in experimental plots to elucidate the breeding system of the species. (2) Parasitic Physiology: Using TTC tests to determine seed viability, we rigorously evaluate the effects of various plant hormones (e.g., GR24) and host (Artemisia capillaris) extracts—coupled with LC-MS/MS metabolomics analysis—on seed germination and haustorium induction. These findings guide the establishment of stable artificial inoculation and cultivation techniques in both greenhouse and field environments. (3) Microbiome Tracking and Network Analysis: We collect spatially paired samples of the holoparasite, host tissues, and surrounding soil for 16S/ITS high-throughput sequencing. We pioneer the use of SourceTracker to quantify the horizontal and vertical transmission origins of the microbiome. Concurrently, co-occurrence network topology analysis is applied to identify keystone taxa, which are subsequently isolated for plant growth-promoting functional validation. (4) Science Communication and Public engagement: Through community forums, field investigations, and workshops, we will strengthen partnerships between local communities and research teams while exploring ecological agriculture and the role of corporate ESG in biodiversity conservation.

Innovation and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Formed by a cross-departmental (Life Sciences and Environmental Engineering) and cross-institutional team from National Chung Hsing University and the National Museum of Natural Science, this project innovatively integrates reproductive biology, micro-ecological analysis, and social sciences. Technically, it pioneers SourceTracker to analyze holoparasitic microbiome transfer. Practically, by integrating NCHU’s research capacity with NMNS’s strengths in public education, we will translate scientific research into engaging science outreach programs that empower local communities and foster sustained participation in biodiversity conservation.

Expected Results and Contributions

This project aims to establish a comprehensive distribution map of O. coerulescens in Taiwan and characterize its breeding system and phenology, thereby providing a scientific basis for assessing population persistence and reproductive viability. Concurrently, we investigate mechanisms of germination and haustorium induction to evaluate the feasibility of artificial inoculation and cultivation techniques. At the micro-ecological level, we will decode the symbiotic network to identify keystone plant-growth-promoting bacteria, exploring their potential for developing microbial inoculants to assist restoration. Furthermore, we will establish a collaborative framework among researchers, museum educators, and local communities, creating a replicable and scalable model for science outreach and biodiversity conservation that can serve as a reference for future cross-sector collaboration and regional sustainable development.