Genetic considerations in recovery of endangered plants

Reintroduction and population restoration are widely recognized as effective measures for the conservation of endangered plant species. However, population restoration of endangered plants is very complex, resulting in few successful cases. In this review, issues such as genetic diversity, reproductive fitness, gene flow, outbreeding depression, and inbreeding depression in the restoration process of endangered plant species populations, are discussed to guide population restoration and reconstruction. During the reintroduction process, the restored populations are not only faced with genetic risks such as the rapid loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding depression but are also at risk of outbreeding depression due to the existence of closely related species near the reintroduced population, which ultimately leads to a decrease in genetic and ecological adaptability and lower reproductive ability and competitiveness. To improve the quality and efficiency of species protection, materials should be collected several times from different maternal plants of the same population to reestablish the new population, which will help maintain genetic integrity and sufficient genetic basis. The reintroduced population should be kept as far as possible from its close relatives. In addition, continuous monitoring and management are needed to ensure the success of reintroduction of endangered species.