Physiological responses and growth performance of the seagrass Zostera japonica under low‐temperature storage: an efficient approach to prolonging the storage lifespan for seagrass restoration

Abstract Introduction Seagrass meadow degradation is a global issue, making their protection and restoration central to coastal habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience. Although transplantation is widely used, prolonged pre‐treatment and improper storage of shoots often reduce plant vitality, limiting restoration success and increasing costs. Efficient indoor preservation techniques are therefore essential for large‐scale seagrass restoration. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of storage temperature and storage duration on the physiological status and post‐storage growth capacity of the seagrass Zostera japonica , and to identify an effective low‐temperature preservation strategy to support restoration practices. Methods Zostera japonica shoots were stored in darkness at three temperatures (0, 4, and 20°C). Physiological responses were assessed using antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase), malondialdehyde content, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Post‐storage growth performance was evaluated based on shoot elongation after cultivation. Results Low‐temperature storage improved Z. japonica viability compared with room temperature. Storage at 0°C caused stronger oxidative stress than 4°C, whereas pigment contents changed little. Although Fv/Fm declined during storage, its decrease was slower at 4°C, and after 42 days, shoots showed greater elongation and full recovery of Fv/Fm after cultivation. Conclusions Low‐temperature storage strongly affected the physiological integrity and recovery capacity of Z. japonica . Under the tested conditions, storage at 4°C better maintained photosynthetic function and growth potential than storage at 0°C, whereas storage at 0°C induced greater physiological stress. These results indicate that 4°C is an effective preservation temperature prior to transplantation.