Summary

The proposed research aims address the global issue of climate change mitigation using bryophyte species that reflect or predict the conditions of the environment where they are found. The research is expected to produce a substantial step forward in the field of bryology. The two indicator species used in the study will be introduced to different ecosystems to monitor climate change. Use of living organisms in monitoring climate change allows better-informed and more cost-effective management decisions especially for developing countries like Sri Lanka. Introduction of in-vitro culturing technique to grow bryophytes will be of immense use and will allow sustainable usage of bryophytes for economic applications and most importantly will enable ex situ conservation of threatened, endangered and species.

Objectives

The main objectives of the proposed research are to
1. Determine the potential of using bryophytes as climate change indicators
2. Develop an in vitro culturing method to prepare an ex situ collection of
bryophytes of Sri Lanka and to introduce an ex situ conservation method for
threatened taxa. The research aims to fulfill the following
objectives;
1. Determination of the potential of using P. urnigerum as climate change indicator 2. Determination of the potential of using M. polymorpha as climate change indicator 3. Determination of the effect of temperature, UVB radiation and Osmotic
potential gradient of the medium on spore germination of
i. Pogoanatum urnigerum
ii. Marchantia polymorpha 4. Preparation of culture medium and in vitro culturing of bryophytes

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant