Nutrient accumulation in the fruits of two species of seagrass, Posidonia australis and Posidonia sinuosa

Abstract

The accumulation is described of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in the developing pericarp and seed of two species of seagrass. Both species showed essentially the same patterns, which resemble those of herbaceous terrestrial plants. There was a close relation between dry matter and nutrient accumulation. N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu accumulated in the fruit against large concentration gradients, with discrimination against Na. Seeds accumulated N, P and trace elements to a greater extent than pericarps and other plant parts; P was apparently retrieved from pericarps to a greater extent than other elements. Calculations were made of the losses of these elements from seagrass meadows in shed fruits. © 1980 Annals of Botany Company.