Study on sexual reproductive characteristics of eelgrass Zostera marina L. in Sanggou Bay

Abstract:

The sexual reproductive traits of eelgrass Zostera marina L. in Sanggou Bay was studied during January to August, 2009. Distinguishable flowering shoots were first observed in early April. Spathes with projecting pistils and dehiscence of anthers were found in mid May, when water temperature was 14.8℃. The first visible fruit was observed in early June. Maturation of fruits and release of seeds started at the beginning of July as water temperature reached 20.4℃. Few flowering shoots were found at the beginning of August and seed release was completed by this time. Branches of reproductive shoots initiated development centripetally while spathes matured acropetally. Spathes produced at the beginning and the end of the flowering phase showed fewer pistils and lower seed setting rate. The average density of flowering shoots was 114 ind/m2 with 67.0 fruits on each shoot. The potential seed production was 7 638 ind/m2.