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Thermally primed Zostera muelleri seeds exhibit higher germination rates than those from ambient conditions
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  • Tom Moir,
  • Megan Huggett,
  • Timothy Smith,
  • Troy Gaston
Tom Moir
The University of Newcastle - Ourimbah Campus

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Megan Huggett
The University of Newcastle - Ourimbah Campus
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Timothy Smith
James Cook University
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Troy Gaston
The University of Newcastle - Ourimbah Campus
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Abstract

Seagrasses provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, sediment stabilisation and nursery habitat for juvenile fish. Zostera muelleri is ubiquitous within Australian and New Zealand estuaries however as a species is relatively understudied. We sourced seeds from a thermally-affected east Australian estuary and investigated if germination rates differed between ambient and thermally affected seeds over a variety of temperatures (16°C, - 28°C) to determine how seagrass systems might react in a warming climate. Germination for the experiment was low and totalled 5% of all seeds however similar numbers are typical in seed germination studies. Germination was highest at 16°C and was enhanced through the simulation of a 48-hour freshwater pulse. Thermally affected sites germinated faster and had greater mean maximum germination when compared to control sites regardless of experimental temperature. These findings indicate that Zostera muelleri in this system may be exhibiting transgenerational plasticity due to the thermal stress the parent experiences. This result provides an alternate viewpoint to current literature by suggesting that unknown transgenerational effects may provide Z. muelleri with greater germination plasticity against temperatures expected under predicted climate change scenarios than previously expected.
Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
07 May 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Sep 20241st Revision Received
09 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Accept