Comparative time-courses of photoacclimation by Hawaiian native and invasive species of Gracilaria (Rhodophyta)

摘要: Abstract Invasive seaweeds have rapidly increased in global distribution and abundance recent years, presenting significant threats to nearshore ecosystems. Developing characteristics diagnostic of potential macroalgal invasiveness is an important step controlling their spread. Studies identified photoacclimation, the ability photosynthetic apparatus adjust changes light, as one attribute success several invasive terrestrial marine plants; studies indicate that rate photoacclimation plays a role differential plants at expense natives. In this experiment, we compare two closely related species occur Hawaiian coastal waters with similar distribution, habitat, morphology, Gracilaria salicornia, native G. coronopifolia. Samples were grown outdoor culture, acclimated irradiance regimes, reciprocally transplanted. Photoacclimation rates assessed using vivo spectrophotometry PAM fluorometry. Results salicornia has remarkable tolerance extremes experiences rapid growth when transplanted from low high photon flux density environments, overall are insufficient explain relative these plants. achieved via complex processes do not necessarily contemporaneously. Future researchers should be wary assuming its completion based on single indicators.