Authors: Felix Bompy Gauthier Lequeue Daniel Imbert Maguy Dulormne
Publish Date: 2014/04/12
Volume: 380, Issue: 1-2, Pages: 399-413
Abstract
Microtidal wetlands are subject to strong seasonal variations of soil salinity that are likely to increase in amplitude according to climate model predictions for the Caribbean Whereas the effects of constant salinity levels on the physiology of mangrove species have been widely tested little is known about acclimation to fluctuations in salinityThe aim of this experiment was to characterize the consequences of the rate of increase in salinity slow versus fast and salinity fluctuations over time versus constant salt level Seedling mortality growth and leaf gas exchange of three mangrove species Avicennia germinans Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle were investigated in semicontrolled conditions at different salt levels 0 685 1025 and 1370 mM NaClSlow salinity increase up to 685 mM induced acclimation improving the salt tolerance of A germinans and L racemosa but had no effect on R mangle During fluctuations between 0 and 685 mM A germinans and R mangle were not affected by a salinity drop to zero whereas L racemosa took advantage of the brief freshwater episode as shown by the durable improvement of photosynthesis and biomass productionThis study provides new insights into physiological resistance and acclimation to salt stress We show that seasonal variations of salinity may affect mangrove seedlings’ morphology and physiology as much as annual mean salinity Moreover more severe dry seasons due to climate change may impact tree stature and species composition in mangroves through higher mortality rates and physiological disturbance at the seedling stageWe would like to thank Vanessa Virapin for the maintenance of the greenhouse and assistance during measurements and Jean Vaillant UAG statistics department for his relevant comments on the statistical analyses The experiments were financially supported by the Total Foundation All the opinions findings and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Total foundation We gratefully thank Anya Cockle for improving the English
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