Using pedigree tracking of the ex situ metacollection of Amorphophallus titanum (Araceae) to identify challenges to maintaining genetic diversity in the botanical community

Background and Aims Rapid global biodiversity loss emphasizes the need to employ strategies that conserve the long-term viability of ex situ plant collections. A pedigree-based management approach is an effective strategy to track genetic diversity of living collections; however, its implementation requires accession-level data for all individuals across all botanic garden collections. Here, we use historic accession records to construct a pedigree and test how effective current protocols have been in managing ex situ diversity. Methods We selected the titan arum, Amorphophallus titanum (Araceae), for this study, as it is exceptional, endangered, and has been globally held in collections for nearly 150 years. A pedigree-based data management approach would benefit the ex situ conservation of many similar species. Using accession data from nearly 1200 individual plants from 111 institutions worldwide, we constructed a pedigree to track the history of this species in collections and evaluate how well genetic diversity has been maintained in the metacollection. Key Results We found that data and records for the ex situ metacollection of Amorphophallus titanum are severely lacking and are not standardized within the botanical community. Using the available data, we found that the metacollection is derived from few founders, material is rarely exchanged between institutions on different continents, and nearly a quarter of known crosses are between related individuals. Conclusions Our work highlights the need for consistent, detailed record-keeping for effective implementation of an informed pedigree-based management approach and long-term maintenance of collections of endangered plant species in botanic gardens.