Response to experimental warming in northern eelgrass populations: comparison across a range of temperature adaptations

Global warming may exert diverging effects on eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) populations originating from the northern versus the central part of the distribution range and on populations growing at saturating versus limiting light. We experimentally examined growth and physiological temperature responses of 3 eelgrass populations adapted to different temperature regimes in subarctic Greenland (2 populations) and in Denmark (1 population). Shoots were incubated at 5 different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 28 degrees C) for 15 to 16 d at a saturating irradiance (200 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) and one of the populations was also incubated at a limited irradiance of 50 mu mol m(-2) s(-1). All populations exhibited optimum temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees C for photosynthesis and growth under saturating light, while light limitation reduced the optimum by 5 to 10 degrees C. When compared at their respective in situ summer temperature (i.e. 10, 15 and 20 degrees C), all populations exhibited similar relative growth rates, indicating a capacity for local adaptation. The 2 subarctic populations exhibited higher activation energy for growth and, hence, greater responsiveness to warming than the centrally located population. However, subarctic populations were also more sensitive to extreme high temperatures, showing faster increases in respiration rates and declines in photosynthesis. Sensitivity to warming varied across light conditions with light-limited plants being most vulnerable to extreme temperatures, causing a negative carbon budget. In conclusion, projected warming would stimulate the performance of subarctic eelgrass populations but could eventually compromise populations in the center of the distribution range, which currently grow close to their temperature optimum.