Biochemical and Transplantation Studies of the Growth Form of Spartina alterniflora on Connecticut Salt Marshes

In southern New England Spartina alterniflora occurs as a tall grass (1.25—2m) within the intertidal zone and as a short form (0.3—0.4 m) within pannes on the high marsh. By means of electrophoretic comparisons of total soluble proteins and selected enzymes, along with reciprocal field transplants, an attempt was made to clarify the ecotype versus ecophene status of these different forms. All data obtained suggest that the tall and short forms are genetically indistinguishable and therefore merely reflect physiological responses to the environmental differences between the intertidal and panne sites.