Cytological Analysis of Flower Development, Insights into Suitable Growth Area and Genomic Background: Implications for Glehnia Littoralis Conservation and Sustainable Utilization

Abstract Backgroud Glehnia littoralis, an endangered plant species with significant medicinal, edible, and ecological value, has become a focal point of concern for conservation and sustainable utilization. Strengthening research on the reproductive development of G. littoralis is crucial for understanding its mechanisms of endangerment. Results Our observations have revealed significant floral sterility in wild populations of G. littoralis. The inflorescences of G. littoralis can be classified into three types: completely fertile, completely sterile, and partially fertile compound umbels. Moreover, the flowers of G. littoralis can be categorized into fertile and sterile types. The stigma, ovary, and ovules of sterile flowers showed abnormalities. For the first time, we have discovered that the presence or absence of a giant cell at the funiculus during the initiation of ovule primordium determines whether the flower can develop normally, providing cytological evidence for female sterility in G. littoralis. Conversely, both fertile and sterile flowers produced normally developed pollen. The production of fertile pollen by sterile flowers could have represented an adaptive survival strategy of G. littoralis under harsh conditions to increase pollination opportunities and promote reproductive success. Field observations have suggested that robust plants produce more fertile umbels, while weaker ones have fewer or even no fertile umbels, implying a close relationship between flower fertility and plant nutritional status. Identifying suitable growth areas was crucial for providing an optimal environment for G. littoralis. Our analysis has revealed that the eastern coastal regions of China, as well as prospective areas in Neimenggu and Sichuan, represent suitable environments for its cultivation. Additionally, the conservation of genetic resources was crucial for the preservation and sustainable utilization of endangered plants. We also provided a first insight into the genomic background of G. littoralis through flow cytometry and genome survey sequencing. Conclusion The observations and findings presented in this study were expected to provide valuable insights for further conserving its genetic resources and sustainable utilization of G. littoralis.