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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.03.18.643525

Sustaining Seagrass Restoration: Long-Term Preservation of Posidonia oceanica Seeds and Seedlings

Sutera, A.·Spinelli, P.·Pacifico, D.·Carimi, F.·De Michele, R.
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Abstract

Seagrass restoration efforts using Posidonia oceanica traditionally rely on lateral cuttings, a costly and labor-intensive method that damages parent meadows and limits genetic diversity. Seedling-based propagation presents a viable alternative which ensures genetic variability but is constrained by the unpredictability of seed stranding events and the short window for seed collection. To address this limitation, we tested methods for long-term seed and seedling storage, aiming to extend transplanting opportunities beyond natural germination cycles. We evaluated the effects of light or dark conditions, density, and seedling age on viability during storage at 4{degrees}C for six months. Our results demonstrate that light is essential for preserving viability, as all dark-stored samples died post-storage. Older seedlings (1-2 months old) exhibited higher survival rates (70-90%) compared to freshly collected seeds (40%). Seedling density did not significantly affect viability, simplifying large-scale storage. Attempts to induce dormancy with ABA or paclobutrazol were unsuccessful. This study provides the first successful protocol for seed and seedling storage, enabling year-round planning of seagrass restoration projects and enhancing their feasibility and efficiency.

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Sutera, A., Spinelli, P., Pacifico, D., Carimi, F., De Michele, R.. 2025-03-19. Sustaining Seagrass Restoration: Long-Term Preservation of Posidonia oceanica Seeds and Seedlings. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.18.643525

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