Selecting submerged macrophyte species for replanting in Mediterranean eutrophic wetlands

The criteria to select submerged plant species for restoration still need further evaluations for a better understanding of their suitability prior to undertaking large plantings which represent a large effort in terms of economical and human resources. In this study, previously to the restoration of a eutrophic area (Tancat de la Pipa) within the Albufera de València Natural Park, the growth of three submerged plants (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum and Stuckenia pectinata), an amphibious species (Ranunculus sceleratus), and three charophytes species (Chara vulgaris, Tolypella glomerata and Nitella hyalina) has been evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions in order to rank their overall performance, based on their growth traits (total height reached, production of roots, etc.). The ranking was in the order of M. spicatum ~ S. pectinata > C. demersum and within the charophytes C. vulgaris > T. glomerata > N. hyalina. Moreover, considering the relationships of these species with other biotic factors (bird, fish and crayfish disturbance and herbivory) which can prevent the success of the revegetation, we propose starting the planting with M. spicatum, S. pectinata, R. sceleratus and C. vulgaris, which are available, are very easy to cultivate by vegetative reproduction from shoot tips and small specimens, have appropriate growth traits and certain degree of resistance to biotic factors. The other species (C. demersum, N. hyalina and T. glomerata) could be used subsequently once a suitable cover of submerged vegetation is settled in the area to enhance biodiversity, trying to reach the diversity which existed in the past in that area. Hence, the structural and functional complexity of the system under restoration might be achieved.