Leaf Senescence of the Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa in Cádiz Bay, Southern Spain

Leaf decay in seagrasses is enhanced some seasons since large green senescent beach-cast seagrass leaves are frequently recorded during autumn and winter seasons. Here, we explore if senescence operating leaf or hydrodynamic stress responsible for the seasonal abscission. A study on temperate Cymodocea nodosa was carried out four locations with contrasting regimes. The morphological, biomechanical material properties of C. were measured. force required to break ligule always lower than that blade. This could be considered an adaptive strategy reduce acute drag forces thus lessen chance plant uprooting. absolute needed dislodge blade at level varied season location, lowest autumn. may indicate this species. On other hand, minimum estimated failure velocities abscission also Consequently, cause premature shedding before process has finished can probably explain occurrence usually found winter.