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Beca-Carretero P, Winters G, Teichberg M, Procaccini G, Schneekloth F, Zambrano RH, Chiquillo K, Reuters H. Climate change and the presence of invasive species will threaten the persistence of the Mediterranean seagrass community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168675. [PMID: 37981144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea has been experiencing rapid increases in temperature and salinity triggering its tropicalization. Additionally, its connection with the Red Sea has been favouring the establishment of non-native species. In this study, we investigated the effects of predicted climate change and the introduction of invasive seagrass species (Halophila stipulacea) on the native Mediterranean seagrass community (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) by applying a novel ecological and spatial model with different configurations and parameter settings based on a Cellular Automata (CA). The proposed models use a discrete (stepwise) representation of space and time by executing deterministic and probabilistic rules that develop complex dynamic processes. Model applications were run under two climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5) projected from 2020 to 2100 in four different regions within the Mediterranean. Results indicate that the slow-growing P. oceanica will be highly vulnerable to climate change, suffering vast declines in its abundance. However, the results also show that western and colder areas of the Mediterranean Sea might represent refuge areas for this species. Cymodocea nodosa has been reported to exhibit resilience to predicted climate scenarios; however, it has shown habitat regression in the warmest predicted regions in the easternmost part of the basin. Our models indicate that H. stipulacea will thrive under projected climate scenarios, facilitating its spread across the basin. Also, H. stipulacea grew at the expense of C. nodosa, limiting the distribution of the latter, and eventually displacing this native species. Additionally, simulations demonstrated that areas from which P. oceanica meadows disappear would be partially covered by C. nodosa and H. stipulacea. These outcomes project that the Mediterranean seagrass community will experience a transition from long-lived, large and slow-growing species to small and fast-growing species as climate change progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany; Dead Sea-Arava Science Center, Masada, Israel.
| | | | - Mirta Teichberg
- The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabian Schneekloth
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ramon H Zambrano
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, University of Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Kelcie Chiquillo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hauke Reuters
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
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Beca-Carretero P, Marín C, Azcárate-García T, Cara CL, Brun F, Stengel DB. Ecotype-Specific and Correlated Seasonal Responses of Biomass Production, Non-Structural Carbohydrates, and Fatty Acids in Zostera marina. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:396. [PMID: 38337929 PMCID: PMC10856944 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Seagrasses, which are marine flowering plants, provide numerous ecological services and goods. Zostera marina is the most widely distributed seagrass in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions. This study aimed to (i) examine seasonal trends and correlations between key seagrass traits such as biomass production and biochemical composition, and (ii) compare seasonal adaptation of two ecotypes of Z. marina exposed to similar environmental conditions on the west coast of Ireland. During summer, plants accumulated higher levels of energetic compounds and levels of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) decreased. Conversely, the opposite trend was observed during colder months. These findings indicate a positive seasonal correlation between the production of non-structural carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), suggesting that seagrasses accumulate and utilize both energetic compounds simultaneously during favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions. The two ecotypes displayed differential seasonal responses by adjusting plant morphology and production, the utilization of energetic reserves, and modulating unsaturation levels of fatty acids in seagrass leaves. These results underscore the correlated seasonal responses of key compounds, capturing ecotype-specific environmental adaptations and ecological strategies, emphasizing the robust utility of these traits as a valuable eco-physiological tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland (D.B.S.)
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Centro de Investigación Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Clara Marín
- Centro de Investigación Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Tomás Azcárate-García
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudia L. Cara
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland (D.B.S.)
| | - Fernando Brun
- Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain;
| | - Dagmar B. Stengel
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland (D.B.S.)
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3
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Pansini A, Beca-Carretero P, González MJ, La Manna G, Medina I, Ceccherelli G. Sources of variability in seagrass fatty acid profiles and the need of identifying reliable warming descriptors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10000. [PMID: 37340008 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Global warming is expected to have inexorable and profound effects on marine ecosystems, particularly in foundation species such as seagrasses. Identifying responses to warming and comparing populations across natural temperature gradients can inform how future warming will impact the structure and function of ecosystems. Here, we investigated how thermal environment, intra-shoot and spatial variability modulate biochemical responses of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Through a space-for-time substitution study, Fatty acid (FA) profiles on the second and fifth leaf of the shoots were quantified at eight sites in Sardinia along a natural sea surface temperature (SST) summer gradient (about 4 °C). Higher mean SST were related to a decrease in the leaf total fatty acid content (LTFA), a reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-3/omega-6 PUFA and PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratios and an increase in SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids and carbon elongation index (CEI, C18:2 n-6/C16:2 n-6) ratio. Results also revealed that FA profiles were strongly influenced by leaf age, independently of SST and spatial variability within sites. Overall, this study evidenced that the sensitive response of P. oceanica FA profiles to intra-shoot and spatial variability must not be overlooked when considering their response to temperature changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Pansini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università Degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Maria J González
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Gabriella La Manna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università Degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- MareTerra Onlus, Environmental Research and Conservation, 07041, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Isabel Medina
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università Degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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4
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Oliveira H, Maulvault AL, Santos CP, Silva M, Bandarra NM, Valente LMP, Rosa R, Marques A, Anacleto P. Can marine heatwaves affect the fatty acid composition and energy budget of the tropical fish Zebrasoma scopas? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115504. [PMID: 36796604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are extreme weather events featuring abnormally high seawater temperature, and expected to increase in frequency, duration and severity over this century. The impacts of these phenomena on physiological performance of coral reef species require understanding. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a simulated MHW (category IV; ΔT = +2 °C, 11 days) (after exposure and 10-day recovery period) on fatty acid (FA) composition (as a biochemical indicator) and energy budget (i.e., growth, G, excretion (faecal, F and nitrogenous losses, U), respiration, R and food consumption, C) of a juvenile tropical surgeonfish species (Zebrasoma scopas). Significant and different changes were found under MHW scenario for some of the most abundant FA and respective groups (i.e., an increase in the contents of 14:0, 18:1n-9, ΣMonounsaturated (ΣMUFA) and 18:2n-6; and a decrease in the levels of 16:0, ΣSaturated (ΣSFA), 18:1n-7, 22:5n-3 and ΣPolyunsaturated (ΣPUFA)). The contents of 16:0 and ΣSFA were also significantly lower after MHW exposure compared to control (CTRL). Additionally, lower feed efficiency (FE), relative growth rate (RGR) and specific growth rate in terms of wet weight (SGRw), as well as higher energy loss for respiration were observed under MHW exposure conditions in comparison with CTRL and MHW recovery period. The energy proportion channelled for faeces dominated the mode of energy allocation, followed by growth in both treatments (after exposure). After MHW recovery, this trend was reversed, and a higher percentage was spent for growth and a lower fraction for faeces than in the MHW exposure period. Overall, FA composition, growth rates and energy loss for respiration of Z. Scopas were the physiological parameters most influenced (mainly in a negative way) by an 11-day MHW event. The observed effects in this tropical species can be exacerbated with increasing intensity and frequency of these extreme events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Oliveira
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Ana L Maulvault
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, UCIBIO - Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Quinta da Torre, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Catarina P Santos
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal.
| | - Marlene Silva
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal.
| | - Narcisa M Bandarra
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal.
| | - Luísa M P Valente
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS-UP, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rui Rosa
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal; Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - António Marques
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Anacleto
- IPMA, I.P., Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P., Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection, Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET, Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associate Laboratory, Guia Marine Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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5
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Winters G, Conte C, Beca-Carretero P, Nguyen HM, Migliore L, Mulas M, Rilov G, Guy-Haim T, González MJ, Medina I, Golomb D, Baharier N, Kaminer M, Kitson-Walters K. Superior growth traits of invaded (Caribbean) versus native (Red sea) populations of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea. Biol Invasions 2023; 25:2325-2342. [PMID: 37261082 PMCID: PMC10115387 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The seagrass Halophila stipulacea is native to the Red Sea. It invaded the Mediterranean over the past century and most of the Caribbean over the last two decades. Understanding the main drivers behind the successful invasiveness of H. stipulacea has become crucial. We performed a comprehensive study including field measurements, a mesocosm experiment, and a literature review to identify 'superior growth traits' that can potentially explain the success story of H. stipulacea. We assessed meadow characteristics and plant traits of three invasive H. stipulacea populations growing off the Island of Sint Eustatius (eastern Caribbean). We compared similar parameters between native (Eilat, northern Red Sea) and invasive (Caribbean) H. stipulacea plants in a common-garden mesocosm. Lastly, we compared our field measurements with published data. The newly arrived H. stipulacea plants from St. Eustatius were characterized by higher percent cover, higher below- and above-ground biomasses, more apical shoots, and faster leaf turnover rates than those measured in both native and older invaded habitats. These results were further confirmed by the mesocosm experiment where the invasive H. stipulacea plants grew faster and developed more apical shoots than the native plants. Results suggest that increased growth vigour is one of the main invasive traits that characterize successful invasive H. stipulacea populations in the Caribbean and potentially in other invaded areas. We encourage long-term monitoring of H. stipulacea in both native and invaded habitats to better understand the future spread of this species and its impacts on communities and their ecosystem functions and services. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-023-03045-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidon Winters
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center (DSASC), Masada National Park, 8698000 Mount Masada, Israel, Israel
- Eilat Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Hatmarim Blv, 8855630 Eilat, Israel
| | - Chiara Conte
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), Rúa de Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra Spain
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheit Strasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Hung Manh Nguyen
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center (DSASC), Masada National Park, 8698000 Mount Masada, Israel, Israel
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Dryland, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000 Beersheba, Israel
| | - Luciana Migliore
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Mulas
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Tel- Shikmona, P.O.B. 9753, 3109701 Haifa, Israel
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Koushy Ave., Mount Carmel, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Gil Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Tel- Shikmona, P.O.B. 9753, 3109701 Haifa, Israel
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Koushy Ave., Mount Carmel, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Guy-Haim
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Tel- Shikmona, P.O.B. 9753, 3109701 Haifa, Israel
| | - María J González
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), Rúa de Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra Spain
| | - Isabel Medina
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), Rúa de Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra Spain
| | - Dar Golomb
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Tel- Shikmona, P.O.B. 9753, 3109701 Haifa, Israel
| | - Neta Baharier
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center (DSASC), Masada National Park, 8698000 Mount Masada, Israel, Israel
- University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Moran Kaminer
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center (DSASC), Masada National Park, 8698000 Mount Masada, Israel, Israel
| | - Kimani Kitson-Walters
- Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute, L.E. Saddlerweg, POB 65, St Eustatius, Caribbean The Netherlands
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
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6
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Patrizia S, Vasilis R, Giulia C. Experimental thermocline deepening highlights the resilience of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica: An opportunity to investigate shoot adaptability. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114824. [PMID: 36931153 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The deepening of the thermocline, correlated to the rising temperature, can contribute affecting seagrass performance in a changing climate scenario. Here, the effect of the thermocline deepening on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica has been investigated in Cyprus through a manipulative experiment that allowed also testing the effects of the irradiance, origin depth and translocation. P. oceanica shoots were collected from 31 m of depth and transplanted at 12 m under a shading net, simulating the 31 m light conditions. Morphology (i.e. leaf area, leaf necrosis, number of leaves) and physiology (i.e. growth rate) were evaluated. Thermocline and origin depth effects were found with an increase of leaf necrosis, while a translocation effect was highlighted by a decrease in leaf area. No differences in shoot growth rate due to treatments were found. This experiment indicated an overall wide morphological and physiological acclimation of P. oceanica cuttings in coping with future thermocline conditions and it indirectly provides information for restoration efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stipcich Patrizia
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Resaikos Vasilis
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), Acropoleos St. 2, Aglanjia 101, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ceccherelli Giulia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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7
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Pansini A, Beca-Carretero P, Berlino M, Sarà G, Stengel DB, Stipcich P, Ceccherelli G. Field development of Posidonia oceanica seedlings changes under predicted acidification conditions. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 186:105946. [PMID: 36917890 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification has been consistently evidenced to have profound and lasting impacts on marine species. Observations have shown seagrasses to be highly susceptible to future increased pCO2 conditions, but the responses of early life stages as seedlings are poorly understood. This study aimed at evaluating how projected Mediterranean Sea acidification affects the survival, morphological and biochemical development of Posidonia oceanica seedlings through a long-term field experiment along a natural low pH gradient. Future ocean conditions seem to constrain the morphological development of seedlings. However, high pCO2 exposures caused an initial increase in the degree of saturation of fatty acids in leaves and then improved the fatty acid adjustment increasing unsaturation levels in leaves (but not in seeds), suggesting a nutritional compound translocation. Results also suggested a P. oceanica structural components remodelling which may counteract the effects of ocean acidification but would not enhance seagrass seedling productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Pansini
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain; Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Manuel Berlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DISTEM), Università di Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DISTEM), Università di Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Patrizia Stipcich
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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8
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Stipcich P, Beca-Carretero P, Álvarez-Salgado XA, Apostolaki ET, Chartosia N, Efthymiadis PT, Jimenez CE, La Manna G, Pansini A, Principato E, Resaikos V, Stengel DB, Ceccherelli G. Effects of high temperature and marine heat waves on seagrasses: Is warming affecting the nutritional value of Posidonia oceanica? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 184:105854. [PMID: 36577310 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Primary producers nutritional content affects the entire food web. Here, changes in nutritional value associated with temperature rise and the occurrence of marine heat waves (MHWs) were explored in the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. The variability of fatty acids (FAs) composition and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content were examined during summer 2021 from five Mediterranean sites located at the same latitude but under different thermal environments. The results highlighted a decrease in unsaturated FAs and C/N ratio and an increase of monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and N content when a MHW occurred. By contrast, the leaf biochemical composition seems to be adapted to local water temperature since only few significant changes in MUFA were found and N and C/N had an opposite pattern compared to when a MHW occurs. The projected increase in temperature and frequency of MHW suggest future changes in the nutritional value and palatability of leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Stipcich
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), Vigo, Spain; Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Eugenia T Apostolaki
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Niki Chartosia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus
| | | | - Carlos E Jimenez
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), Acropoleos St. 2, Aglanjia 101, Nicosia, Cyprus; Energy, Environment and Water Research Center (EEWRC) of the Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gabriella La Manna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy; MareTerra Onlus, Environmental Research and Conservation, 07041, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Arianna Pansini
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Elena Principato
- Area Marina Protetta "Isole Pelagie", Via Cameroni, s.n.c., 92031, Lampedusa, Italy
| | - Vasilis Resaikos
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), Acropoleos St. 2, Aglanjia 101, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Fisiche Matematiche e Naturali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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9
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Stipcich P, Pansini A, Beca-Carretero P, Stengel DB, Ceccherelli G. Field thermo acclimation increases the resilience of Posidonia oceanica seedlings to marine heat waves. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114230. [PMID: 36307950 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acclimation is a response that results from chronic exposure of an individual to a new environment. This study aimed to investigate whether the thermal environment affects the early development of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, and whether the effects of a field-simulated Marine Heat Wave (MHW) on seedlings change depending on acclimation. The experiment was done in the field using a crossed design of Acclimation (acclimated vs unacclimated) and MHW (present vs absent) factors. Acclimation has initially constrained the development of P. oceanica seedlings, but then it increased their resilience to the MHW, under both a morphological and biochemical (fatty acid saturation) level. This treatment could be considered in P. oceanica restoration projects in a climate change-impaired sea, by purposely inducing an increased resistance to heat before transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Stipcich
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Arianna Pansini
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Oceanography, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC), Vigo, Spain; Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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10
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Rodríguez A, Moreno-Borges S, Brito A. Response of Cymodocea nodosa to ocean acidification and warming in the Canary Islands: Direct and indirect effects. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 176:105603. [PMID: 35325757 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As detected in warming and ocean acidification, global change can have profound impact on marine life. Its effects on seagrasses are becoming increasingly well-known, since several studies have focused on the responses of these species to global change conditions. However a few studies have assessed the combined effect of temperature and acidification on seagrasses. Overall in this study, the combined effects of increased ocean temperature and pH levels expected at the end of this century (+5 °C and pH 7.5) on Cymodocea nodosa from Canary Islands, were evaluated for one month through manipulative laboratory experiments. Growth, net production, respiration, gross primary production, chlorophyll-a concentration and its vulnerability to herbivory were quantified. Results showed a positive effect of decreased pH on growth and gross primary production, as well as greater vulnerability to consumption by the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. In contrast, increased temperature limited net and gross primary production. This study shows than in future scenarios, C. nodosa from the Canary Islands may be a losing species in the global change stakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología. Grupo de investigación BIOECOMAC. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain; Grupo de investigación BIOCON, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Sergio Moreno-Borges
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología. Grupo de investigación BIOECOMAC. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alberto Brito
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología. Grupo de investigación BIOECOMAC. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain
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11
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Sensitivity of Photosynthesis to Warming in Two Similar Species of the Aquatic Angiosperm Ruppia from Tropical and Temperate Habitats. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13169433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Climate change-related events, such as marine heatwaves, are increasing seawater temperatures, thereby putting pressure on marine biota. The cosmopolitan distribution and significant contribution to marine primary production by the genus Ruppia makes them interesting organisms to study thermal tolerance and local adaptation. In this study, we investigated the photosynthetic responses in Ruppia to the predicted future warming in two contrasting bioregions, temperate Sweden and tropical Thailand. Through DNA barcoding, specimens were determined to Ruppia cirrhosa for Sweden and Ruppia maritima for Thailand. Photosynthetic responses were assessed using pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometry, firstly in short time incubations at 18, 23, 28, and 33 °C in the Swedish set-up and 28, 33, 38, and 43 °C in the Thai set-up. Subsequent experiments were conducted to compare the short time effects to longer, five-day incubations in 28 °C for Swedish plants and 40 °C for Thai plants. Swedish R. cirrhosa displayed minor response, while Thai R. maritima was more sensitive to both direct and prolonged temperature stress with a drastic decrease in the photosynthetic parameters leading to mortality. The results indicate that in predicted warming scenarios, Swedish R. cirrhosa may sustain an efficient photosynthesis and potentially outcompete more heat-sensitive species. However, populations of the similar R. maritima in tropical environments may suffer a decline as their productivity will be highly reduced.
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12
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Entrambasaguas L, Ruocco M, Verhoeven KJF, Procaccini G, Marín-Guirao L. Gene body DNA methylation in seagrasses: inter- and intraspecific differences and interaction with transcriptome plasticity under heat stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14343. [PMID: 34253765 PMCID: PMC8275578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93606-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of DNA methylation and its interaction with gene expression and transcriptome plasticity is poorly understood, and current insight comes mainly from studies in very few model plant species. Here, we study gene body DNA methylation (gbM) and gene expression patterns in ecotypes from contrasting thermal environments of two marine plants with contrasting life history strategies in order to explore the potential role epigenetic mechanisms could play in gene plasticity and responsiveness to heat stress. In silico transcriptome analysis of CpGO/E ratios suggested that the bulk of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa genes possess high levels of intragenic methylation. We also observed a correlation between gbM and gene expression flexibility: genes with low DNA methylation tend to show flexible gene expression and plasticity under changing conditions. Furthermore, the empirical determination of global DNA methylation (5-mC) showed patterns of intra and inter-specific divergence that suggests a link between methylation level and the plants' latitude of origin and life history. Although we cannot discern whether gbM regulates gene expression or vice versa, or if other molecular mechanisms play a role in facilitating transcriptome responsiveness, our findings point to the existence of a relationship between gene responsiveness and gbM patterns in marine plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Entrambasaguas
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Miriam Ruocco
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Koen J F Verhoeven
- Terrestrial Ecology Department, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C/Varadero, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain
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13
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Anedda R, Siliani S, Melis R, Loi B, Baroli M. Lipid metabolism of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in two contrasting natural habitats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14174. [PMID: 34239001 PMCID: PMC8266866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus were harvested monthly from April 2015 to March 2016 from two sites in Sardinia (Italy). The two sites, a Posidonia oceanica meadow and a rocky bottom habitat, were naturally characterized by different food sources and availability, being mainly populated by the sea grass Posidonia oceanica and the brown algae Halopteris scoparia, respectively. Total lipids showed a minimum during winter in mature gonads, and a maximum in the summer (recovery stage). Fatty acid (FA) profiles of gut contents and gonads differed from those of the most available food sources. Levels of C18:3 (n-3) (ALA) discriminated samples from the two sites. Despite the very low amounts of C20:5 (n-3) (EPA) and C20:4 (n-6) (ARA) in P. oceanica, the main FA in gonads and gut contents were EPA and ARA in both sites. Increase in green algae intake prior to gametogenesis, especially C. cylindracea, likely affected EPA and ARA levels in gonads. The results show that P. lividus is able to concentrate lipids in gut contents and also to selectively store EPA, ARA and their precursors ALA and 18:2 (n-6) (LA). Moreover, bioconversion of ALA to EPA and of LA to ARA in P. lividus is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Anedda
- Porto Conte Ricerche S.r.l., S.P. 55 Porto Conte, Capo Caccia, Km 8.400, Loc. Tramariglio, Alghero, SS, Italy.
| | - Silvia Siliani
- Porto Conte Ricerche S.r.l., S.P. 55 Porto Conte, Capo Caccia, Km 8.400, Loc. Tramariglio, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Riccardo Melis
- Porto Conte Ricerche S.r.l., S.P. 55 Porto Conte, Capo Caccia, Km 8.400, Loc. Tramariglio, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Barbara Loi
- IMC-International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
| | - Maura Baroli
- IMC-International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09170, Torregrande, OR, Italy
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14
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Nguyen HM, Ralph PJ, Marín-Guirao L, Pernice M, Procaccini G. Seagrasses in an era of ocean warming: a review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2009-2030. [PMID: 34014018 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses are valuable sources of food and habitat for marine life and are one of Earth's most efficient carbon sinks. However, they are facing a global decline due to ocean warming and eutrophication. In the last decade, with the advent of new technology and molecular advances, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of studies focusing on the effects of ocean warming on seagrasses. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the future of seagrasses in an era of ocean warming. We have gathered information from published studies to identify potential commonalities in the effects of warming and the responses of seagrasses across four distinct levels: molecular, biochemical/physiological, morphological/population, and ecosystem/planetary. To date, we know that although warming strongly affects seagrasses at all four levels, seagrass responses diverge amongst species, populations, and over depths. Furthermore, warming alters seagrass distribution causing massive die-offs in some seagrass populations, whilst also causing tropicalization and migration of temperate species. In this review, we evaluate the combined effects of ocean warming with other environmental stressors and emphasize the need for multiple-stressor studies to provide a deeper understanding of seagrass resilience. We conclude by discussing the most significant knowledge gaps and future directions for seagrass research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Manh Nguyen
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli, 80121, Italy
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Lázaro Marín-Guirao
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli, 80121, Italy.,Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Centre of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C/Varadero, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, 30740, Spain
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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15
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Spatio-temporal variation in macrofauna community structure in Mediterranean seagrass wrack. FOOD WEBS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2020.e00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Beca-Carretero P, Guihéneuf F, Krause-Jensen D, Stengel DB. Seagrass fatty acid profiles as a sensitive indicator of climate settings across seasons and latitudes. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105075. [PMID: 32739623 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Zostera marina is a dominant meadow-forming seagrass in temperate regions in the northern hemisphere. Here, fatty acid content and composition, and pigmentation, in leaves were evaluated across temporal (April, July, November -2015 and January-2016) and latitudinal (Greenland to southern Spain) environmental gradients. Content of total fatty acids (TFA) in samples collected in Ireland during warmer periods (summer) was 2-3 times lower than in winter and exhibited a lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have high high-nutritional value relative to saturated fatty acids (SAFA). The latitudinal comparison (Greenland to southern Spain) revealed a clear reduction in the proportion n-3 PUFAs and an increase in n-6 PUFA and SAFA, which correlated with the rise in temperature towards southern locations, which correlated with the rise in temperature towards south. Results indicate that future warming may negatively affect its lipid nutritional value. These results demonstrate the capacity of seagrasses to adjust their lipid composition to achieve optimal membrane functionality, suggesting the potential use of FA as an eco-physiological indicator of global change conditions. The results also suggest that future warming may negatively affect the lipid nutritional value of seagrasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Freddy Guihéneuf
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dorte Krause-Jensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, DK-8600, Silkeborg, Denmark; Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, Bldgs. 1130-1134-1135, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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17
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Ontoria Y, Cuesta-Gracia A, Ruiz JM, Romero J, Pérez M. The negative effects of short-term extreme thermal events on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica are exacerbated by ammonium additions. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222798. [PMID: 31536606 PMCID: PMC6752784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Global warming is increasingly affecting our biosphere. However, in addition to global warming, a panoply of local stressors caused by human activities is having a profound impact on our environment. The risk that these local stressors could modify the response of organisms to global warming has attracted interest and fostered research on their combined effect, especially with a view to identifying potential synergies. In coastal areas, where human activities are heavily concentrated, this scenario is particularly worrying, especially for foundation species such as seagrasses. In this study we explore these potential interactions in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. This species is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known that the Mediterranean is already experiencing the effects of global warming, especially in the form of heat waves, whose frequency and intensity are expected to increase in the coming decades. Moreover, this species is especially sensitive to stress and plays a key role as a foundation species. The aim of this work is thus to evaluate plant responses (in terms of photosynthetic efficiency and growth) to the combined effects of short-term temperature increases and ammonium additions.To achieve this, we conducted a mesocosm experiment in which plants were exposed to three thermal treatments (20°C, 30°C and 35°C) and three ammonium concentrations (ambient, 30 μM and 120 μM) in a full factorial experiment. We assessed plant performance by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence variables (maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΔF/Fm'), maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ)), shoot growth rate and leaf necrosis incidence. At ambient ammonium concentrations, P. oceanica tolerates short-term temperature increases up to 30°C. However, at 35°C, the plant loses functionality as indicated by a decrease in photosynthetic performance, an inhibition of plant growth and an increase of the necrosis incidence in leaves. On the other hand, ammonium additions at control temperatures showed only a minor effect on seagrass performance. However, the combined effects of warming and ammonium were much worse than those of each stressor in isolation, given that photosynthetic parameters and, above all, leaf growth were affected. This serves as a warning that the impact of global warming could be even worse than expected (based on temperature-only approaches) in environments that are already subject to eutrophication, especially in persistent seagrass species living in oligotrophic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza Ontoria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Ainhoa Cuesta-Gracia
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M. Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Centre of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Javier Romero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Marín-Guirao L, Entrambasaguas L, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G. Heat-stress induced flowering can be a potential adaptive response to ocean warming for the iconic seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:2486-2501. [PMID: 30938465 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is particularly vulnerable to warming and the abrupt declines experienced by the endemic Posidonia oceanica populations after recent heatwaves have forecasted severe consequences for the ecological functions and socio-economical services this habitat forming species provides. Nevertheless, this highly clonal and long-lived species could be more resilient to warming than commonly thought since heat-sensitive plants massively bloomed after a simulated heatwave, which provides the species with an opportunity to adapt to climate change. Taking advantage of this unexpected plant response, we investigated for the first time the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in seagrass flowering through the transcriptomic analysis of bloomed plants. We also aimed to identify if flowering is a stress-induced response as suggested from the fact that heat-sensitive but not heat-tolerant plants flowered. The transcriptomic profiles of flowered plants showed a strong metabolic activation of sugars and hormones and indications of an active transport of these solutes within the plant, most likely to induce flower initiation in the apical meristem. Preflowered plants also activated numerous epigenetic-related genes commonly used by plants to regulate the expression of key floral genes and stress-tolerance genes, which could be interpreted as a mechanism to survive and optimize reproductive success under stress conditions. Furthermore, these plants provided numerous molecular clues suggesting that the factor responsible for the massive flowering of plants from cold environments (heat-sensitive) can be considered as a stress. Heat-stress induced flowering may thus be regarded as an ultimate response to survive extreme warming events with potential adaptive consequences for the species. Fitness implications of this unexpected stress-response and the potential consequences on the phenotypic plasticity (acclimation) and evolutionary (adaptation) opportunity of the species to ocean warming are finally discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain
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19
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Traboni C, Mammola SD, Ruocco M, Ontoria Y, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G, Marín-Guirao L. Investigating cellular stress response to heat stress in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in a global change scenario. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:12-23. [PMID: 30077343 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica meadows are facing global threats mainly due to episodic heat waves. In a mesocosm experiment, we aimed at disentangling the molecular response of P. oceanica under increasing temperature (20 °C-32 °C). The experiment was carried out in spring, when heat waves can potentially occur and plants are putatively more sensitive to heat stress, since they are deprived in carbohydrates reserves after the cold winter months. We aimed to identify the activation of different phases of the cellular stress response (CSR) reaction and the responsive genes activated or repressed in heated plants. A molecular traffic light was proposed as a response model including green (protein folding and membrane protection), yellow (ubiquitination and proteolysis) and red (DNA repair and apoptosis) categories. Additionally, we estimated phenological trait variations to complement the information obtained from the molecular proxies of stress. Despite reduced leaf growth rate, heated plants did not exhibit signs of irreversible damage, probably underlying species pre-adaptation to warm and fluctuating regimes. Gene expression analyses revealed that molecular chaperoning, DNA repair and apoptosis inhibition processes related genes were the ones that mostly responded to high thermal stress and will be target of further investigation and in situ proofing for assessing their use as indicators of P. oceanica performance under sub-lethal heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Traboni
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Davide Mammola
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; Università Politecnica della Marche, Piazza Roma 22, 60121, Ancona, Italy
| | - Miriam Ruocco
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Yaiza Ontoria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C/Varadero, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
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20
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Marín-Guirao L, Bernardeau-Esteller J, García-Muñoz R, Ramos A, Ontoria Y, Romero J, Pérez M, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G. Carbon economy of Mediterranean seagrasses in response to thermal stress. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:617-629. [PMID: 30301080 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increased plant mortality in temperate seagrass populations has been recently observed after summer heatwaves, although the underlying causes of plant death are yet unknown. The potential energetic constrains resulting from anomalous thermal events could be the reason that triggered seagrass mortality, as demonstrated for benthic invertebrates. To test this hypothesis, the carbon balance of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa plants from contrasting thermal environments was investigated during a simulated heatwave, by analyzing their photosynthetic performance, carbon balance (ratio photosynthesis:respiration), carbohydrates content, growth and mortality. Both species were able to overcome and recover from the thermal stress produced by the six-week exposure to temperatures 4 °C above mean summer levels, albeit plants from cold waters were more sensitive to warming than plants from warm waters as reflected by their inability to maintain their P:R ratio unaltered. The strategies through which plants tend to preserve their energetic status varied depending on the biology of the species and the thermal origin of plants. These included respiratory homeostasis (P. oceanica warm-plants), carbon diversion from growth to respiration (C. nodosa cold-plants) or storage (P. oceanica warm-plants) and changes in biomass allocation (C. nodosa warm-plants). Findings suggest an important geographic heterogeneity in the overall response of Mediterranean seagrasses to warming with potential negative impacts on the functions and services offered by seagrass meadows including among others their capacity for carbon sequestration and carbon export to adjacent ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - J Bernardeau-Esteller
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - R García-Muñoz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Ramos
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Y Ontoria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Romero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pérez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - G Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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