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Efficient rooting and acclimation of micropropagated Ruppia maritima Loisel
1Center for Marine Science Research, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
Journal of Marine Biotechnology
|December 16, 1998
Summary
This study optimized rooting and acclimation for in vitro Ruppia maritima. The research found that a specific nutrient medium with sodium bicarbonate and synthetic seawater effectively acclimated the seagrass for restoration projects.
Area of Science:
- Marine Botany
- Aquatic Plant Physiology
Background:
- Ruppia maritima micropropagation requires efficient rooting and acclimation protocols.
- Seagrass restoration necessitates cost-effective and reliable propagation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient protocol for rooting and acclimation of in vitro propagated Ruppia maritima.
- To investigate the effects of nutrient medium dilutions and sodium bicarbonate concentrations on R. maritima rooting.
Main Methods:
- Tested four nutrient medium dilutions (f) and four sodium bicarbonate concentrations.
- Assessed photosynthetic activity via oxygen evolution and acclimation in bicarbonate medium.
- Acclimated rooted R. maritima in outdoor aquaria using coconut fiber mats and unanchored plants.
Main Results:
- Optimal rooting occurred in f/2 medium with 0.25 mM sodium bicarbonate in 5 ppt synthetic seawater (pH 7.5).
- Ruppia maritima transitioned immediately to autotrophism in bicarbonate medium, comparable to 21-day acclimated cultures.
- Micropropagated R. maritima demonstrated easy and effective low-cost acclimation in aquaria.
Conclusions:
- Established an efficient protocol for Ruppia maritima rooting and acclimation.
- Demonstrated the physiological capability of R. maritima to adapt to autotrophic conditions.
- Highlighted the suitability of R. maritima for cost-effective seagrass restoration and mitigation efforts.