Ammodendron persicum (Bunge & Boiss.)is a desert shrub specie which grows on some sand dunes and sandy areas of South Khorasan and Sistan-va-Baluchestan provinces in east of Iran. Low distribution and narrow ecological range have put this species under threat. In order to evaluate the possibility of long-term preservation of A. persicum seeds in cryogenic conditions (-196°C), the seeds of species were collected from its natural habitats and three pre-cryopreservation treatments including PVS2, Desiccation, and 30% Glycerol as well as non-treated (Control) were applied before transferring the seeds into Liquid Nitrogen (LN) or at -196°C. The treated seeds were incubated in LN for a period of 1 week. Subsequently, the cryopreserved seeds were removed from the LN and subjected to post-cryopreservation treatment. Seed germination and establishment were evaluated under laboratory, greenhouse and natural conditions. The laboratory results showed that seeds of the A. persicum species can tolerate cryogenic conditions. The effects of the pre-cryopreservation treatments including Desiccation, 30% Glycerol, and PVS2, and non-treated (Control) one on germination of cryopreserved seeds were significantly different. The non-treated (Control) and Desiccation, respectively showed the best effects on the survival rate (51%) and other attributes of the cryopreserved seeds. The results revealed that the cryopreserved seeds were also able to germinate and establish under greenhouse and desert conditions. In this study, the appropriate seeding depth, the seed sowing time and factors affecting the seed germination as well as establishments under natural conditions were evaluated. The results revealed that cryopreservation approach is the most promising method for long-term preservation of the A. persicum seeds. Long-term seed preservation via cryopreservation is an important approach to prevent this species from loss of genetic diversity and risk of extinction Manuscript profile

Smirnovia iranica (Sabeti) synonym: Smirnovia turkestana (Bunge) is a deciduous perennial bushy species of the Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) family. The species grow on sand dunes of desert areas, having a deep vertical root and very long horizontal or lateral roots. They have an important role in natural vegetation of desert and sand dune stabilization. Limited growing areas, grazing due to good palatability, and foliage quality of the plant have put this species under threat. Seed preservation under cryogenic conditions at -196ºC is an important approach to conserve seeds for a long period. In this study, seeds of the S. iranica were collected from natural habitats of the plants and three pre-cryopreservation treatments including PVS2, Desiccation, and 30%Glycerol were applied before transferring the seeds into liquid nitrogen (LN) at -196ºC for 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year (in 2015). Subsequently, the seeds were removed from the liquid nitrogen, imposed to heat shock and evaluated under laboratory, greenhouse and natural habitat conditions. The cryopreserved seeds of various cryopreservation periods germinated normally under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In laboratory conditions, there were no significant differences between periods of seed storage in cryogenic conditions for seed germination trait. The highest seed germination percent (84%) was observed in the desiccation pre-cryopreservation treatment. In pre-cryopreservation treatments as well as cryogenic storage periods under greenhouse conditions, seed germination and seedling establishment were significantly different. In natural habitat, the cryopreserved seeds germinate and grow to normal seedlings and plants. The results showed that S. iranica seeds can be successfully stored in cryogenic conditions for a long period. Manuscript profile