biostudies-literatureUnknown15Alagna ASeed-based restoration methods are increasingly recognized as a relevant tool contributing to halt and reverse the loss of seagrass meadows while providing genetic and evolutionary benefit for the conservation of these habitats. <i>Ad-hoc</i> protocols aimed at maximizing the survival of plantlets obtained from seeds in cultivation systems are therefore required. Previous trials of seedling culture of <i>Posidonia oceanica</i>, the dominant seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea, recorded up to 40% loss due to mould development. In this study we aim to (i) identify the putative causal agents of seed decay and (ii) test the efficacy of copper sulphate (0.2 and 2 ppm) and of tannin-based products derived from chestnut, tara and quebracho in reducing seed and seedling decay, while assessing possibFrontiers in plant science1433358https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11625593biostudies-literatureTannins and copper sulphate as antimicrobial agents to prevent contamination of &lt;i&gt;Posidonia oceanica&lt;/i&gt; seedling culture for restoration purposes.PMC11625593Martinez MD'Anna GGiacalone VMPrigione VPBadalamenti FAlagna AZenone ABuffa GCavalca CJVarese GCPoli AfalseTannins and copper sulphate as antimicrobial agents to prevent contamination of &lt;i&gt;Posidonia oceanica&lt;/i&gt; seedling culture for restoration purposes.Seed-based restoration methods are increasingly recognized as a relevant tool contributing to halt and reverse the loss of seagrass meadows while providing genetic and evolutionary benefit for the conservation of these habitats. <i>Ad-hoc</i> protocols aimed at maximizing the survival of plantlets obtained from seeds in cultivation systems are therefore required. Previous trials of seedling culture of <i>Posidonia oceanica</i>, the dominant seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea, recorded up to 40% loss due to mould development. In this study we aim to (i) identify the putative causal agents of seed decay and (ii) test the efficacy of copper sulphate (0.2 and 2 ppm) and of tannin-based products derived from chestnut, tara and quebracho in reducing seed and seedling decay, while assessing possib2024-01-01T00:00:00Z20242025-04-04T12:01:24.537Z2025-04-04T12:01:24.537ZS-EPMC116255933965496510.3389/fpls.2024.1433358