Abstract
Globally, seagrass meadows are extremely important marine ecosystems that are disappearing at an alarming rate. Therefore, research into seagrass restoration has become increasingly important. Various strategies have been used in Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) restoration, including planting seeds. To improve the efficiency of restoration by planting seeds, it is necessary to select high-quality seeds. In addition, a suitable antibacterial agent is necessary for wet storage of desiccation sensitive seeds to reduce or inhibit microorganism infection and seed decay. In the present study, an efficient method for selecting for high-quality eelgrass seeds using different specific gravities of salt water was developed, and potential antibacterial agents (nano-silver and copper sulfate) for seed storage were assessed. The results showed that the highest proportion of intact seeds (72.91 ± 0.50%) was recorded at specific gravities greater than 1.20. Therefore, specific gravities greater than 1.20 can be used for selecting high-quality eelgrass seeds. During seed storage at 0 °C, the proportion of intact seeds after storage with nano-silver agent was over 90%, and also higher than 80% with copper sulfate agent, which was significantly higher than control treatments. The findings revealed a potential selection method for high-quality seeds and long-term seed storage conditions for Z. marina, which could facilitate conservation and habitat restoration.
Highlights
Seagrass meadows are extremely important marine ecosystems that are disappearing at an alarming rate
The aims of the study were to identify the optimal specific gravities (SGs) of salt water for the selection of high-quality eelgrass seeds, and appropriate antibacterial agents for seed storage, which could facilitate the restoration of Z. marina meadows via seeds
By using different SGs of salt water, high-quality eelgrass seeds were obtained from reproductive shoots
Summary
Seagrass meadows are extremely important marine ecosystems that are disappearing at an alarming rate. An efficient method for selecting for high-quality eelgrass seeds using different specific gravities of salt water was developed, and potential antibacterial agents (nano-silver and copper sulfate) for seed storage were assessed. The findings revealed a potential selection method for high-quality seeds and long-term seed storage conditions for Z. marina, which could facilitate conservation and habitat restoration. Different specific gravities (SGs) of salt water were used to select high-quality eelgrass seeds. The aims of the study were to identify the optimal SG of salt water for the selection of high-quality eelgrass seeds, and appropriate antibacterial agents for seed storage, which could facilitate the restoration of Z. marina meadows via seeds
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