Physiological differentiation in a salt-marsh grass

Salt Marsh Tidal Channels

Salt marsh tidal channels are highly sinuous. For this project, field surveys and aerial photographs were used to characterize the planform of tidal channels at China Camp Marsh in the San Francisco Bay, California. To model the planform evolution, we assume that the topographic curvature of the channel centreline is a key element driving meander migration. Extraction of curvature data from a p...

Ecophysiological responses of the salt marsh grass Spartina maritima to salinity

Effects of Marsh Grass on Diffusivity

The hydrodynamic processes associated with flow through vegetation have many implications for both natural and constructed wetlands. This study examined the effect of marsh grass on mixing rates. A flow visualization study was performed, using a laser light sheet and a video camera to obtain images of a plume of fluorescent dye. The study was performed in a laboratory flume, using wooden dowels...

Shifts in Symbiotic Endophyte Communities of a Foundational Salt Marsh Grass following Oil Exposure from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Symbiotic associations can be disrupted by disturbance or by changing environmental conditions. Endophytes are fungal and bacterial symbionts of plants that can affect performance. As in more widely known symbioses, acute or chronic stressor exposure might trigger disassociation of endophytes from host plants. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effects of oil exposure following the Deep...

Kikuyu Grass: A Valuable Salt-Tolerant Fodder Grass

The turf grass Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. (kikuyu grass) is one of the candidate plants for utilization and reclamation of salinized areas. The capability of kikuyu grass to grow under saline conditions was tested during 6 months, under various irrigation treatments (tap water control, 80-mM, 150-mM, 200-mM, 240mM NaCl). Plant biomass production was visibly affected only at NaCl concentrat...