A comparison of epiphytic diatom assemblages on living and dead stems of the common grass Phragmites australis

Authors

Judith A. Grimes, Brigham Young University
Larry L. St. Clair, Brigham Young University
Samuel R. Rushforth, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Diatoms epiphytic on Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steaded stems were collected from a single clone at the southern end of Provo Bay, Utah Lake, Utah. Diatom populations from both living and dead stem sections were analyzed. Species diversity in each sample was high, indicating that the stems provide a relatively stable habitat for diatom epiphytes. Of the 23 genera found, only Gomphonema and Navicula showed significant trends toward stem preference. The diatoms in this study support the current view that Utah Lake is a slightly saline, eutrophic system.

Recommended Citation

Grimes, Judith A.; St. Clair, Larry L.; and Rushforth, Samuel R. (1980) "A comparison of epiphytic diatom assemblages on living and dead stems of the common grass Phragmites australis," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 40: No. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol40/iss3/4