Authors:
Franziska Gahlert, Prager A, Schulz J, Krebs, M., Gaudig, G. and Joosten, H.
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
generative-propagation, propagules, sphagnum-farming, spores
Documentfile:
Gahlert et al 2012: Sphagnum Propagules From Spores: First Experiences
Summary:
Theme V. Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of disturbed peatlands
SUMMARY
In order to test the possibility of large scale generative Sphagnum propagation, growth from spores of the species Sphagnum fimbriatum, S. palustre and S. papillosum was tested. Trials included a range of different substrates and two nutrient levels where moss development was monitored for ten weeks under controlled conditions. Of the two nutrient regimes tested the equivalent to 20-fold concentrated rain water yielded significantly higher percentage cover of all three Sphagnum species. Substrate tests resulted in adequate Sphagnum growth on sterilised peat, sterilised and ground sterilised Sphagnum biomass as well as nutrient agar. A trial to disperse Sphagnum spores directly onto field experimental sites was unsuccessful.