Smooth cordgrass synthetic seeds: production, storage potential use for coastal erosion controls

摘要

An acre of coastal wetlands in Louisiana is lost to erosion every 20 minutes. Synthetic seeds of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Poaceae)) would be a useful adjunct approach to the hand-transplanting employed in coastal erosion control. The synthetic seed production process can be automated, therefore synthetic seeds can expand the vegetative propagation of smooth cordgrass: an acre of land can be planted by airplane in eight seconds, compared to a minimum of 24 man-hours to plant the same area by hand transplanting. Smooth cordgrass is a perennial warmseason grass found along shorelines. It grows vigorously at seawater salinity and has a extensive root system, but it can grow in both fresh and saltwater environments. It tolerates fluctuating water levels and is adapted to many soil types. Smooth cordgrass can provide an effective buffer that disperses wave energy, reduces shoreline scouring and entraps floating sediments and other solids.