Long-term seed storage for desiccation sensitive seeds in the marine foundation species Zostera marina L. (eelgrass)

Abstract

Seagrass meadows are recognized as critical and among the most vulnerable habitats on the planet. There is an urgent need to develop techniques to restore and preserve these vital coastal ecosystems. So far little work has been done to develop effective long-term storage methods for desiccation sensitive seagrass seeds. In the present study, we developed a long-term seed storage method for desiccation sensitive seagrass seeds using Zostera marina L. as model species. During the storage, Z. marina seeds from the 0 °C treatments had lower seed loss percentages and high seed vigor, compared to the 4 °C treatments. Salinity significantly influenced seed vigor after storage. Seeds stored at a salinity of 40–50 psμ had the highest vigor. Wet storage at a salinity of 40–50 psμ and 0 °C was the optimal long-term storage condition, considering factors such as seed loss percentage, seed germination percentage, and seed germination value during or after the long-term storage. By controlling temperature and salinity, we could store Z. marina seeds for ca. 17 months because the collection of the seeds from reproductive shoots and maintain low seed losses and high seed vigor. The findings revealed the optimal conditions for long-term storage of desiccation sensitive Z. marina seeds and provided a useful reference for the establishment of Z. marina seed banks. Our results could also provide information to support Z. marina seagrass meadow restoration efforts using seeds.

Keywords

• Seagrass
• Seed
• Desiccation sensitive
• Storage
• Zostera marina
• Temperature