Evaluating Changes in Photoinhibition with Leaf Age and Light Conditions in Rhizophora mangle

Dorrian, John

Evaluating Changes in Photoinhibition with Leaf Age and Light Conditions in Rhizophora mangle

Files

Dorrian_Honors_Thesis_Spring_2023_PDF_A.pdf (549.15 KB)

Date

2023-04

Authors

Dorrian, John

Publisher

Honors Program, The University of Tampa

Abstract

Mangrove forests are an essential ecosystem providing many benefits that include, supporting biodiversity and fisheries, commercial products, and climate mitigation (Hogarth, 2015; Crooks et al. 2018). Restoration guidelines for mangroves have not been updated in 22 years despite their value being extremely well documented and understood (Lewis et al., 2000). After collecting available literature that could be used to update guidelines, available information regarding irradiance and the local red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, was found to be incomplete and, at times, contradictory (McKee, 1995; Rabinowitz, 1978; Smith, 1987; Camilleri and Ribi, 1983; US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1999). The present study seeks to identify potentially harmful irradiance levels and identify any patterns in irradiance tolerances by assessing photoinhibition through non-photochemical quenching and quantifying the pigments of mangrove leaves. After exposing 50 R. mangle seedlings to two light treatments and collecting leaf samples from Picnic Island Park, it was found that pigmentation varied significantly with leaf age, NPQ induction was higher in plants from the low light treatment, and the slopes of NPQ vs PAR graphs decreased gradually with each week. These data speak to the risk of shifting plants from one light regime to another, as low light individuals induced NPQ quicker when exposed to the same light levels as high light plants, but also the possibility to successfully aid them in that transition, by implementing an adjustment period prior to planting, and with the guidelines of Lewis et al. (2000) could be used to increase the effectiveness of modern mangrove restoration projects.

Description

Recommended citation: Dorrian, John. “ Evaluating Changes in Photoinhibition with Leaf Age and Light Conditions in Rhizophora Mangle.” Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/J2E7-ZD75.

Keywords

Mangrove, Restoration Ecology, Photosynthesis, Photoinhibition, Ecophysiology

Citation

Dorrian, John. “ Evaluating Changes in Photoinhibition with Leaf Age and Light Conditions in Rhizophora Mangle.” Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/J2E7-ZD75.