Bio-functional diversity of Cymodocea nodosa as bioindicator for environmental quality in the lakes of Circeo National Park (Italy)

In this research we evaluated the bio-functional diversity of Cymodocea nodosa populations by RAPD technique in two of the lakes of Circeo National Park (Caprolace and Fogliano). The ecological structure of the meadows was followed during the year 2004: physicochemical parameters were measured in conjunction with seagrass phenological parameters A high degree of genotypic homogeneity of the seagrass, confirmed by statistical analysis (NT-SYS Cluster), was observed in association to a high vegetative continued growth via rhizome extention. In this investigation we confirm that a high nutrient concentration, in water and sediment, determines a high density and biomass values of meadow. Other environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity and light, are important in controlling seasonal biomass and abundance of C. nodosa in these lakes. Finally different modes of reproduction, such as continued growth, via rhizome extension, into new locations and sexual offspring (seedling) recruitment, may contribute to low differentiation in the seagrass C. nodosa that can be considered as biological indicators for environmental quality in lagoon ecosystems.