Abstract:

Reported seagrass bed losses have led to increased awareness of the need for seagrass bed restoration, and seeds have potential for this restoration. In this paper, we systematically review the research and application of seagrass seeds in recent years. The morphology, development, dispersal, dormancy and germination of seagrass seeds are summarized and compared from the viewpoint of seed biology and seed ecology. We propose that when natural seagrass seed banks are researched, it is also necessary to establish artificial seagrass seed banks based on research of seed biology and seed ecology, which will guide seed collection and preservation. Seeding method and the approach of restoration using seeds are discussed, and we also point out problems existing in current research and application. In conclusion, we project expectations of the future in the research and application of seagrass seeds, and we forecast that seagrass seed ecology research will be an emphasis in the future. In the application area, research should focus on increasing the seed germination rate and seedling rate, and the problem of low seedling survival rate must be solved if artificial seedlings grown from seeds are to be utilized to restore seagrass beds.

Key words: seagrass seed, seagrass seed bank, seagrass bed restoration, seagrass seedling, seed ecology