Phenolic-nitrogen interactions in eelgrass, Zostera marina L.: Possible implications for disease resistance

Authors

Robert N. Buchsbaum, Massachusetts Audubon Society
Frederick T. Short, University of New HampshireFollow
Donald P. Cheney, University of New Hampshire, Durham

Abstract

Experiments with eelgrass, Zostera marina L., transplanted into running seawater mesocosms with either a mud or sand substratum indicated that leaf nitrogen and phenolic contents were inversely related. A caffeic acid ester accounted for ∼ 50% of the phenolic content; sulfated flavones made up most of the remainder. Plants with a low phenolic content grown in mud suffered complete mortality from wasting disease, while plants with a high phenolic content in sand were still growing well when the experiment was terminated.

Publication Date

8-1-1990

Journal Title

Aquatic Botany

Publisher

Elsevier

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0304-3770(90)90075-V

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Buchsbaum, R.N., F.T. Short, and D.P. Cheney. 1990. Phenolic-nitrogen interactions in eelgrass, Zostera marina L.: possible implications for disease resistance. Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Sci. Publ. 37:291-297.