Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) in the chesapeake bay

摘要: Abstract Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. were monitored in the Chesapeake Bay 1979 1980. Harvested seeds placed small acrylic tubes at several sites representing salinity range Z. distribution. was observed first late September continued through May, with peaks fall spring. The majority that germinated (66%) did so between December March when water temperatures ranged from 0–10°C. There no correlation (different regimes) frequency rates, indicating not a major factor process this study. Additional information on seed available for collected 1977 1980 subsequently only one site. These data similar to recorded 1979–1980. Seedling measured individuals an existing bed. Seedlings November which time we could longer distinguish seedlings vegetative stock. Growth characterized by increased length primary shoot, number leaves per shoot numbers shoots plant. slow during winter months (water temperature ⩽ 10°C) but rapidly spring (temperatures > 10°C). size harvested indicated field probably occurred October April, corroborating evidence experiments.