Abstract

Peatland degradation driven by the overharvesting of Sphagnum magellanicum threatens carbon storage and water tion in Patagonia, southern Chile, and Argentina. Restoration could be facilitated through ex situ propagation. However, ecological requirements, such as light availability, are poorly understood. Here we tested whether shading improves diaspore regeneration under controlled conditions aiming at the future restoration of degraded peatlands. Stem fragments Chilean peatland were used as diaspores and cultured for 11 weeks under Raschel mesh with different shading levels 70, and 80%). Regeneration (shoot number), shoot elongation, and pigment content were analyzed with generalized mixed models. The 35% and 70% shading increased shoot elongation compared with the control (no shading), whereas 80% shading did not promote regeneration but produced shoots significantly longer than those of unshaded moss. All treatments had higher chlorophyll a and b concentrations, while carotenoid and sphagnorubin levels were unaffected. findings delineate a light range that maximizes diaspore establishment without inducing shade-avoidance stress. Thus, ing 35%-70% Raschel shading could serve as a practical method for ex situ production and field restoration of peatlands Southern South America.