Efisio Mattana

I am a Ph.D. student from the University of Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy) and my research program is on ex situ conservation of the most threatned endemic species of Sardinia. In particular, I am carrying out comparative studies on seed biology and germination ecophysiology on Aquilegia gr. vulgaris L., Centranthus amazonum Fridl. et A. Raynal, Lamyropsis microcephala (Moris) Dittrich et Greuter, Polygala gr. sardoa Chodat and Rhamnus persicifolia Moris.

Aims of these studies are to provide new data on germination ecology for these previously unstudied species that need urgent conservation measures and identify differences in seed biology with their congeneric widespread relatives that might contribute to explaine, respectively, their rarity and commoness.
I am carrying out the experimental program both at the Seed Conservation Department of RBG Kew and at the Sardinian Germplasm Bank (BG-SAR) - University of Cagliari under the supervision of Dr. Matthew I. Daws (SCD, Kew). My University supervisor is Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta.

I have greatly enjoyed the combination of work in the field, lab and glasshouse and the experience of working at the MSBP, with so many seed specialists. 

Università degli Studi di Cagliari     
Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche  
Centro Conservazione Biodiversità (CCB)     
Banca del Germoplasma della Sardegna (BG-SAR)