Nutritional studies of the submerged marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum 1. Growth responses of axenic seedlings to nitrogen enrichment
Durako, M.J.; Moffler, M.D. (1987). Nutritional studies of the submerged marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum 1. Growth responses of axenic seedlings to nitrogen enrichment. Am. J. Bot. 74(2): 234-240. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2444025
In: American Journal of Botany. Botanical Society of America: Lancaster, Pa.. ISSN 0002-9122; e-ISSN 1537-2197, more
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| Keywords |
Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Atmospheric gases > Nitrogen
Composition > Biochemical composition
Controlled conditions
Flora > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic plants
Nutrients (mineral)
Population functions > Growth
Thalassia testudinum K.D.Koenig, 1805 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Durako, M.J.
- Moffler, M.D.
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| Abstract |
Algae- and bacteria-free seedling cultures of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Koenig were utilized to evaluate effects of nutrient enrichment on growth and chemical composition. Seedlings cultured in media based on both synthetic seawater and NH-15 medium amended with inorganic nitrogen (NH4+) and organic nitrogen (glutamine, glutamate, urea and yeast extract) exhibited no growth enhancement relative to controls in the growth parameters measured. General decreases in green leaf areas and leaf widths after one month coupled with relatively high C:N ratios after 3 months in culture suggest utilization and depletion of stored reserves with little or no assimilation of exogenous nutrients. These observations coupled with previous results in non-axenic seedling cultures indicate microbial associations may play a critical role in the nutrient physiology of this species. |
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