Effects of Cropping on Growth in the Mediterranean Seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile* |
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| Authors: | Karl J Wittmann Jorg A Ott |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. In view of proposed human use of seagrass production the influence of cropping on the growth of Posidonia oceanica (L.) DELILE was investigated. Removal of photosynthetic tissue reduces productivity throughout most of the growth season. This is consistent with the observed low natural grazing rates in aquatic macrophytes. A high mortality of shoots points to possible irreversible damage to the meadow. Harvesting of Posidonia should therefore be restricted to the end of the leaf growth period in early fall. |
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| Keywords: | Posidonia seagrasses leaf productivity resources for man |
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