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Environmental factors affecting the boring activity of Sphaeroma terebrans in Florida Red Mangroves
Howey, R.G. (1977). Environmental factors affecting the boring activity of Sphaeroma terebrans in Florida Red Mangroves. MSc Thesis. Florida institute of technology: Florida. 40 pp.

Keyword
    Brackish water

Author  Top 
  • Howey, R.G.

Abstract
    Infestation of the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) by the wood-boring isopod, Sphaeroma terebrans Bate, was studied in the Indian River lagoon utilizing two sample sites with neglectable lunar tide: one in which the mangroves were infested by the isopod and one in which the mangroves were not infested. Macronutrient concentrations in both interstitial water and the water column, salinity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, fungal mycelial density in the roots, and tannin content of the root material were measured. These parameters were sampled monthly at both stations. An increase in isopod number and an accelerated boring rate of S. terebrans occurred when the salinity increased. The isopods preferred roots about 1 cm in diameter. A preliminary softening of wood by fungi seemed unnecessary for the initiation of boring. Significantly higher tannin concentrations (p = .001) were observed in S. terebransinfested roots. There was no statistically significant difference between temperatures, pH levels, or dissolved oxygen levels of the two sites. Interstitial ammonia concentrations were the only nutrient concentrations significantly different between the two sites(p = .05).

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