This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop commercial biorestoration technologies to restore the overall structure and function of degraded Sphagnum wetland ecosystems. Technologies will include the development of plant tissue culture techniques for Sriaemm species, the application of commercial micropropagation protocols, and an investigation of the potential benefit of aqueous starch/polymer slurry and synthetic seed technologies in Sohazalm wetland restoration. The new technologies are expected to increase the reproduction rate of Sphagnum species and to aid in the recovery of endangered and threatened populations.Applications:Interest in a suitable Sphagnum wetland restoration system has been expressed by the North American peat moss industry, intent on converting its currently non-renewable harvesting process into a renewable one. Increasingly, municipalities are interested in the restoration of wetlands for flood control and water quality maintenance.
