Effects of different pelleting matrices and drying durations on seed characteristics, germination, and seedling establishment in <i>Zostera marina</i>

Peng Liye; Liu Jinji; Yan Wenjie; Zhang Yanhao; Zhang Zhen; Zhang Peidong

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Peng Liye，Liu Jinji，Yan Wenjie, et al. Effects of different pelleting matrices and drying durations on seed characteristics, germination, and seedling establishment in Zostera marina[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–14

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Peng Liye，Liu Jinji，Yan Wenjie, et al. Effects of different pelleting matrices and drying durations on seed characteristics, germination, and seedling establishment in Zostera marina[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–14

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Effects of different pelleting matrices and drying durations on seed characteristics, germination, and seedling establishment in Zostera marina

Peng Liye^{1, 2
,},
Liu Jinji^{1, 2},
Yan Wenjie^{1, 2},
Zhang Yanhao^{1, 2},
Zhang Zhen²,
Zhang Peidong^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
2.
Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Company Limited, Qingdao 266003, China

Received Date: 2026-01-12
Rev Recd Date: 2026-03-04

Available Online: 2026-03-31

Abstract

Abstract

To overcome key challenges such as the tendency of seeds to drift with water currents during sowing and low seedling establishment rates, this study focused on eelgrass (Zostera marina), a dominant temperate seagrass species. The effects of two types of pelleting matrices—wood-based and mineral-based—and varying drying durations (0–12 min) on the physical and physiological properties of eelgrass seeds were systematically investigated. Following a preliminary screening of groups exhibiting germination potential, the impacts of these treatments on seed germination and seedling establishment were further evaluated. Results demonstrated that prolonged drying significantly enhanced both sinking acceleration and compressive strength of granulated seeds. Notably, seeds coated with the mineral-based matrix exhibited the highest sinking acceleration, reaching 3.2 times that of uncoated seeds, and displayed 3.1 times greater compressive strength than those in the wood-based matrix group. However, seed viability decreased progressively with increasing drying time: the uncoated and wood-based matrix groups maintained viability above 80% up to 8 min of drying, whereas the mineral-based group fell below this threshold after only 4 min. The wood-based matrix played a protective role in alleviating physiological stress induced by drying. Throughout the 0–12 min drying period, α-/β-amylase activities and total protein content in the wood-based matrix group remained comparable to those in the uncoated control group and were significantly higher than those in the mineral-based matrix group (P < 0.05). With respect to seedling establishment, the wood-based matrix treatment achieved rates of 39.0%–43.0% under drying durations of 0–4 min, which were statistically similar to the uncoated control (42.0%) and markedly higher than those observed in the mineral-based treatment (8%–12.5%). Correlation analysis revealed a highly significant positive association between seedling establishment rate and key physiological parameters, including enzyme activity and protein content. Furthermore, comprehensive benefit index analysis indicated that the wood-based matrix could achieve an optimal trade-off between physical suitability and physiological vitality when drying duration was restricted to 2–4 min. These findings suggest that using a wood-based pelleting matrix combined with a short drying duration (2–4 min) is a feasible and effective strategy for improving Z. marina seed handling and establishment in seagrass restoration practices.
- Zostera marina,
- pelleting matrices,
- drying duration,
- seedling establishment,
- comprehensive benefit evaluation

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References(52)

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