Control of microbial growth on eelgrass (Zostera marina L.: Spermatophyta) by leaf-derived metabolites
Abstract
The role of minor components of the leaves ofZostera marina L. in altering the activity of micro-organisms directly and indirectly by affecting amphipod grazers was investigated in laboratory experiments. Water-soluble extracts of eelgrass leaves inhibited the growth of many marine bacteria and a micro-alga (Platymonas sp.) at concentrations equivalent to as little as 10 μg dry wt. of leaf.ml−1. The potency of leaf extracts was higher in young, actively metabolizing tissue than in...