The Myth of the Salt Gland in the White Mangrove (Draft #1)

This topic submitted by Joe Gray ( kycooties@hotmail.com) at 7:56 PM on 3/31/08.

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Abstract: The myth of the salt excretion capabilities of the pimples on the petiole of the white mangroves leaf is common in both popular and scientific literature, including the text for this course. A preliminary search of the literature reveals no primary research confirming this role for the glands. There appears to be a higher probability that these structures serve as extrafloral nectaries (EFN) and that they may serve an adaptive role in a mutualistic relationship with ants. This paper poses to investigate halophyly in the mangroves in general and Laguncularia racemosa specifically. This paper also will propose primary research into the role of the white mangrove petiole glands.

Outline:

I. Mangrove Classifcation
A. Characteristics and Taxonomy of the Four Mangroves
1. Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
2. Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans)
B. Family Combretaceae
1. White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
C. The Fourth Mangrove
1. Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)

II. Halophyly in Mangroves in General
A. Salt Exclusion
1. Root lenticels
2. Reverse osmosis
B. Salt Excretion
1. Black mangroves
2. White mangroves

III. The Myth of the Salt Gland
A. Summary of the Myth
1. White Mangrove Leaf Morphology
2. Salt Gland Theory
3. Literature Survey
B. White Mangrove Glands as Nectaries
1. Extra-Floral Nectaries (EFNs)
2. Literature Survey
3. Ant Mutualism Theory (Myrmecophytes)

IV. Research Proposal
A. Plant Collection
1. Field Testing
2. Leaf Sample Preservation
3. Testing for Salt Content
4. Testing for Sugar Content


Cogni, R. & Freitas, A.V. L., Oliveira, P.S. (2003) Interhabitat differences in ant activity on plant foliage: ants at extrafloral nectaries of Hibiscus pernambucensis in sandy and mangrove forests Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 107 (2), 125Ð131

Fuente, D. & Marques, M.J. (1999, Feb). The role of ant-tended extrafloral nectaries in the protection and benefit of a neotropical rainforest tree. Oecologia, 118 (2), 192-202.

Law, B.E and Arny, N.P. Mangroves - Florida's Coastal Trees. Retrieved March 31, 2008, from University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS Web site: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for43.htm

Myers, R.L, & Ewel, J.J. (Ed.). (1990). Ecosystems of Florida. Orlando, FL: University of Central Florida Press

Odum, W.E., McIvor, C.C., and Smith, T.J. III. (1985). The ecology of the mangroves of south Florida: a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services. 144pp.

Saenger, P. (2002). Mangrove Ecology, Silvaculture and Conservation. New York, NY: Springer.

Tomlinson, P.B. (1986). The Botany of Mangroves. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press


For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/for43.htm.
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