Production of the subtropical seagrass, Halodule wrightii Aschers., in lower Laguna Madre, Texas

Authors

Joseph L. Kowalski, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

12-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Terry C. Allison

Second Advisor

Dr. Frank W. Judd

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert I. Lonard

Abstract

The autecology of shoal grass, Halodule wrightii Aschers., was studied at 1.2 m depth from June 1995 to February 1997 in Lower Laguna Madre (LLM), Texas. Halodule wrightii in LLM received about 47% surface irradiance, but otherwise displayed lower growth rates and biomass in nutrient-poor rhizosphere and water-column environments compared to H. wrightii populations in other Texas estuaries. High tissue N content and low C:N ratios belied low growth dynamics. Halodule wrightii in LLM is probably nutrient limited. A high nutrient demand by H. wrightii in a nutrient-poor environment may explain, in part, its gradual displacement by Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme in LLM.

Comments

Copyright 1999 Joseph Lawrence Kowalski. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/production-subtropical-seagrass-halodule-wrightii/docview/219923618/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American