The coast of South Carolina received a direct hit from hurricane Hugo in late September of 1989. In addition to major economic loss, the native plants were severely damaged from wind, salinity and flooding. The next year or two represent a unique opportunity to examine the effects of a hurricane on coastal plants to determine if or how quickly they recover and to asses their role in stabilizing the coast. Dr. Young will investigate changes in an ecologically important coastal shrub, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), based on photosynthetic responses to the storm and the post-hurricane environment. The research is designed to take advantage of existing data and to support other proposed studies of hurricane damage. At two month intervals over the next year, photosynthesis of wax myrtle leaves and bark will be measured at three sites differing in the extent of hurricane damage at north Inlet of South Carolina. In addition, a greenhouse experiment with potted plants will separate the effects of salt damage and water-logged soils on wax myrtle photosynthesis using environmental conditions measured after the storm. These experiments will determine how quickly wax myrtle recovers after a hurricane and will provide insight into the value of wax myrtle for reducing coastal erosion from storms.
