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چکیده
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Fritillaria, one of the horticulturally most important genera in the Liliaceae, is naturally found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. This genus is divided into eight subgenera, two sections, and about 170 taxa, but new species are still being identified. The largest proportion of the world’s Fritillaria resources are found in Turkey, but the main centre of genetic diversity is likely Iran. In addition to their ornamental value, the bulbs of certain Fritillaria species are used as medicine and food, particularly in China, which has the largest share of world trade. Pharmacological compounds or extracts derived from Fritillaria bulbs have been historically utilized for the treatment of various diseases. Propagation by seeds and bulbs is common for Fritillaria species, but seed propagation has several drawbacks such as low or unforeseeable seed germination due to physiological dormancy, weak seedling production, low survival rate, slow growth, and a long time required to achieve bulb maturity. Indiscriminate harvesting and illegal trade due to their high market demand, as well as global warming, have put many species at risk of extinction, so ex-situ propagation, artificial cultivation, and in vitro tissue culture are solutions for their mass production and germplasm conservation. In this chapter, we review these topics in the hope that stringent measures will be taken by relevant authorities to implement these conservation methods, while responding to the needs of the market, to protect and propagate this valuable plant germplasm.
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