Sensitivity of Photosynthesis to Warming in Two Similar Species of the Aquatic Angiosperm Ruppia from Tropical and Temperate Habitats

Lina M. Rasmusson, Aekkaraj Nualla-ong, Tarawit Wutiruk, Mats Björk, Martin Gullström and Pimchanok Buapet
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Lina M. Rasmusson: Regional Climate Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
Aekkaraj Nualla-ong: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Tarawit Wutiruk: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Mats Björk: Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
Martin Gullström: School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, 14189 Huddinge, Sweden
Pimchanok Buapet: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-19

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.

Keywords: marine heatwaves; PAM fluorometry; seagrass; F v /F m; NPQ; F v /F 0; Ruppia cirrhosa; Ruppia maritima (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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