PJB-2009-312
SEASONAL VARIATION IN PRODUCTIVITY OF CRESSA CRETICA FROM COASTAL POPULATION ALONG THE ARABIAN SEA
FARHAT AGHA
Abstract
The productivity of Cressa cretica was studied for two years at monthly intervals in a coastal population located at Gizri Creek, south of Karachi, Pakistan. Cressa cretica showed variation in productivity in response to environmental factors. Net productivity and aboveground biomass were higher during the brief winter in comparison to summer which also varied between the two study years. Belowground biomass was much lower than the aboveground biomass but both followed similar seasonal trends. Increase in standing crop biomass and aboveground dead biomass also varied considerably. The highest net productivity in Cressa cretica was 0.18 g m-2d-1 in January. Electrical conductivity of shoots showed two peaks during the year 1997-1998 and gradually declined after October, while belowground parts showed little variation both within and between the years at around
To Cite this article:
Download
