Selection of Superior Planting Stocks and Development of Regeneration Techniques for Coastal Restoration: A Pilot Study

by S. R. Pezeshki, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
R. D. DeLaune, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '93

Abstract:

There is an increasing demand in the U.S. for wetland plants to be used for marsh restoration and coastal stability projects. However, physiologically adapted wetland plants suitable for wetland restoration and specific environmental conditions generally are not available. Selecting a physiologically adapted species for a specific wetland restoration project requires careful matching of plant species to that of wetland conditions. Such conditions include degree of flooding soil conditions, and salinity. Wiregrass (Spartina Patens) is a dominant brackish marsh grass in U.S. Gulf Coast marshes which grows over a wide range of salinities ranging from the edge of the freshwater habitats to saline marshes. Although it is considered as a salt-tolerant species, growth of this species is adversely affected by excess salinity. Field observations along the Louisiana gulf coast indicate considerable variations in the performance of populations of this species in response to various salinity regimes suggesting potential differences in response of these populations to changes in salinity. To test this hypothesis, comparative studies were conducted to evaluate the responses of selected populations to elevated salinities.

Subject Headings: Wetlands (coastal) | Salinity | Ecological restoration | Vegetation | Soil properties | Project management | Gulfs | Louisiana | United States

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