METHODS FOR REMOVING EPIPHYTES FROM SEAGRASSES - SEM OBSERVATIONS ON TREATED LEAVES

Several techniques commonly used to remove epiphytes from seagrasses w ere tested on the same Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile material: shakin g, scraping, sonicating and soaking in acid. The effects of each treat ment on the epiphyte removal rate and on the seagrass itself were asse ssed by scanning electron microscopy. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed. It appears that the combination of a n acid treatment with moderate scraping provides the best results as n early all epiphytes are removed without seriously damaging the leaf su bstratum.