Mangrove Propagule Dispersal And Early Growth Studies Of Avicennia Marina And Rhizophora Apiculata
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Date
2012-02
Authors
Wong, Yun Yun
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the propagule dispersal and early
growth of two common species in Malaysia, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora
apiculata. Field studies were carried out at Kuala Pulau Betong, a coastal mangrove
area in the west coast of Penang Island. Movements of the mangrove propagules
were monitored by the release and recapture method while their early growth were
examined at the site by tethering system. Another “enforced dispersal” experiment
was conducted under laboratory condition. Dispersal attributes and propagule
developments of both species were observed in the water of a range of salinities (0,
10, 20 and 30). The field results showed that the dispersal direction and distance
were significantly different between the two species for both of the release points at
upper and middle intertidal zones (P < 0.05). After one month, 98 % of the released
propagules were found dispersed away from the study area mainly due to strong
wave current. Furthermore, A. marina performed a better growth than R. apiculata in
the study area but none of them was able to permanently establish after four months
period. In the laboratory experiment, A. marina developed more rapidly than R.
apiculata and they were successfully developed into young seedlings in the saltwater
with salinities of 10, 20 and 30. Most of the propagule dispersal properties were
found significantly different between species (P < 0.05) and between fresh and
saltwater (P < 0.05). In conclusion, A. marina propagules were more readily spread
out for a preferable habitat compared to R. apiculata; and they have dispersal
properties of high survival rate, always buoyant and rapid growth in saltwater
environments. Therefore, A. marina is better adapting to the water dispersal in the
high wave and tidal influenced coastal areas. In this study area, natural regeneration
is hard to take place due to wave effect and soil condition. For the mangrove planting
project at similar exposed sites, A. marina should be a more appropriate species to
plant in the mudflat area under proper control of wave effect.
Description
Keywords
The propagule dispersal and early growth , Avicennia marina and Rhizophora apiculata