An introduction to the conservation physiology of bryophytes is given. The insights into the problems, solutions and examples of the physiological approach to conservation within bryophyte representatives are discussed. The significance of experimental treatments of bryophytes is highlighted. The documentation of bryophyte functional traits and eco-physiological mechanisms in the conservation background for protection purposes is highlighted by the selected examples. The introduction of bryophytes into a new scientific field is resumed and some insights from specific case studies are presented.

This study was carried out to examine the drought effect on development, physiological, biochemical and molecular parameters in Impatiens walleriana grown ex vitro. Experiment design included three treatments: Control plants—grown under optimal watering (35%–37% of soil moisture content), drought-stressed plants—non-irrigated to reach 15% and 5% of soil moisture content and recovery plants—rehydrated for four days to reach optimal soil moisture content. Drought reduced fresh weight, total leaf area, as well as dry weight of I. walleriana shoots. Drought up-regulated expression of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis genes 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 4 (NCED4) and abscisic aldehyde oxidase 2 (AAO2) and catabolic gene ABA 8′-hydroxylase 3 (ABA8ox3) which was followed by increased ABA content in the leaves. Decrement in water potential of shoots during the drought was not accompanied with increased amino acid proline content. We detected an increase in chlorophyll, carotenoid, total polyphenols and flavonols content under drought conditions, as well as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and DPPH (1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) activity. Increased antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase) throughout drought were also determined. Recovery treatment was significant for neutralizing drought effect on growth parameters, shoot water potential, proline content and genes expression.

Over 60 macrocyclic bis-bibenzyls have been isolated from hepatics. They possess various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, muscle relaxant and antitumor activities, as well as inhibitory activity against DNA polymerase β and HIV. To explore the feasibility of obtaining novel bis-bibenzyls through laboratory culture, in this study, we compare the qualitative and quantitative contents of axenically farmed and field-collected specimens of Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis (Mpr). We analyzed methanol extracts of Mpr by LC–MS, and confirmed the identity of isolable compounds by NMR. We found that extracts from natural populations of Mpr contained the known bis-bibenzyl marchantin A as a major component, while the minor components do not correspond to other known bis-bibenzyls. In contrast, the chromatograms of axenically farmed Mpr extracts were highly complex, containing numerous UV active compounds. The only similarity between natural and farmed populations of Mpr was the presence of marchantin A. In the farmed Mpr production of marchantin E, G and/or C, and dehydromarchantin A is suggested. Thus, the axenically farmed liverworts produce numerous metabolites not seen in natural populations, opening up the possibility of directing biosynthesis to either increase production of known compounds or generate new compounds through non-natural precursor feeding.

The new extinction risk assessments of the mosses of Serbia have been completed. Based on the available data, 27.18% of Serbian moss flora (174 species) is under threat (status 2024). Nearly 20% (129 species) of Serbian moss flora is considered to be Data Deficient (DD) and 5.16% (33 species) Near Threatened (NT). These findings clearly indicate the urgent need for field investigation and species biology research in order to define the major threats and adequate conservation measures.