Abstract
The photosynthetic plasticity of the invasive green alga Caulerpa racemosa v. cylindracea (hereafter C. racemosa) has been proposed as a relevant mechanism determining its successful performance on Mediterranean benthic assemblages over broad depth gradients. In the present study, the photosynthetic performance of C. racemosa was evaluated through a carbon balance approach at three invaded sites with contrasting depths (11, 18 and 26 m) and light regimes. At each sampling depth, photosynthesis vs irradiance (P vs E) curves were performed on C. racemosa fronds and daily net productivity values were obtained by the numerical integration of P vs E models with continuous recording of irradiance measured on the sea floor. Photosynthetic responses were consistent with those typically exhibited by shade-adapted macroalgal species and other Mediterranean populations of C. racemosa: a significant reduction in maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) occurring at an intermediate depth (18 m) and a higher photosynthetic efficiency (α) and lower dark respiration rate (Rd) at the deepest sampling depth. Mean values of daily net C balance obtained from the deeper site were only 15% lower than those obtained from the shallower site, despite the severe reduction in light availability. This daily net carbon gain was ca. 29% higher than would be expected if photosynthetic adjustments did not occur in the deeper algal population. The evidence provided by these data support the hypothesis of photoacclimation in C. racemosa as an effective mechanism to optimize algal productivity across depth gradients in the Mediterranean Sea.
Highlights
The Mediterranean Sea harbours the greatest number of exotic species of macrophytes in the world, with nine species of macroalga identified as invaders with a high potential capacity to cause harmful effects on native benthic communities (Boudouresque and Verlaque, 2002)
While many studies have focused on spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of the distribution, phenology and biomass of C. racemosa, only a few have dealt with the potential competitive mechanisms responsible for its ecological success in sublittoral Mediterranean environments
Regarding depth (Raniello et al, 2006), changes in pigment composition were thought to represent algal photoacclimation responses in order to optimize light capture and photosynthetic performance as light becomes limiting. These are common responses seen in some macroalgae species able to develop over broad depth gradients (Ramus et al, 1977; Markager and Sand-Jensen, 1992; Gómez et al, 1997; Johansson and Snoeijs, 2002)
Summary
The Mediterranean Sea harbours the greatest number of exotic species of macrophytes in the world, with nine species of macroalga identified as invaders with a high potential capacity to cause harmful effects on native benthic communities (Boudouresque and Verlaque, 2002). Of these species, the introduced green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. The extent to which the ability of Mediterranean populations of C. racemosa to photoacclimate effectively is responsible for productivity and potential colonization success remains unknown
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