Estimation of light requirement for growth of Zostera japonica cultured seedlings based on photosynthetic properties

Abstract

Photosynthesis and respiration rates were measured on 10 cm tall seedlings of Z. japonica at various temperatures and photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs), and the daily compensation points in each season were estimated with a mathematical model based on photosynthetic properties and diurnal changes in solar irradiances. The seedlings were grown from seeds collected at Tategami-ura, Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture, Japan, and cultured for 1 week under the examined temperatures of 10-25°C. The estimated daily compensation points of Z. japonica ranged from 9.3 to 13.6% of the surface irradiance. The total PPFDs in daytime ranged from 3.8 to 5.3 mol photons m -2 day -1 . The theoretical depth limits were calculated by the Beer-Lambert law concerning the relative light intensities of the sea surface and the extinction coefficient. The estimated lowest limit of Z. japonica agreed well with the lowest depth (7 m) previously reported. Therefore, the mathematical model in this study can be used to estimate the production and critical growing depth of Z. japonica. Differences in light requirements seem to be one of the reasons for the shallower habitats of Z. japonica in comparison with Z. marina.

Duration of temperature exposure controls growth of Zostera japonica: Implications for zonation and colonization

“…In its native range, Z. japonica has been reported to grow as deep as 3-7 m, although it commonly occurs intertidally at depths b 1 m (Abe et al 2010;Hayashida 2000;Nakaoka and Aioi, 2001). Most reports from North America indicate that Z. japonica occurs between about + 1 and + 3 m MLLW with some location specific variability (see review by .…”

Temporal pattern in biometrics and nutrient stoichiometry of the intertidal seagrass Zostera japonica and its adaptation to air exposure in a temperate marine lagoon (China): Implications for restoration and management

“…To date, a number of new reports on the production ecology of Z. japonica have been published (e.g., Lee, 1997;Lee et al, 2006;Abe et al, 2010;Fan et al, 2011;Kishima et al, 2011;Morita et al, 2011;Kaldy and Shafer, 2013). However, the exact mechanism on the adaptability of intertidal seagrasses to frequent exposure to air is still unclear; and little is known about the nutrient status of Z. japonica in coastal ecosystems.…”