IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (1): add | show Print this page
one publication added to basket [211275]
Seed nutrient content and nutritional status of Posidonia oceanica seedlings in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Balestri, E.; Gobert, S.; Lepoint, G.; Lardicci, C. (2009). Seed nutrient content and nutritional status of Posidonia oceanica seedlings in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 388: 99-109. dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps08104
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Seeds; Seedlings; Nutritional constraints; Morphometric analysis;
Authors  Top 
  • Balestri, E.
  • Gobert, S., more
  • Lepoint, G., more
  • Lardicci, C.
Abstract
    We studied nutritional constraints on growth of Posidonia oceanica seedlings, morphometry and elemental content of mature seeds, and seedlings stranded on a beach of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea on 3 dates (May 2004, May 2005 and December 2005). The mean total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of P. oceanica seeds was high compared with closely related species, Seeds varied considerably in mass, and their nutrient and carbon (C) content. increased linearly with mass. This indicates substantial variation in the amount of reserves initially available for seedling growth. Stored reserves in seeds were used by seedlings within 6 to 8 mo after germination: P was retrieved with greater efficiency (86%) than was N (69%) and C (20%). From May to December of the 2nd year (2005), the tissue nutrient concentrations of seedlings declined due to fast utilization and translocation of nutrients from the internal pools to support summer growth. Instead the C concentration in roots and rhizomes increased, indicating an accumulation of C. Seedling tissue N and P concentrations were above the critical levels reported for seagrasses, and were also lower than those of plagiotropic rhizomes of P. oceanica collected in the same period. These results suggest that P may play a major role in constraining growth of P. oceanica seedlings.
All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors