Freshwater macrophytes: biology, ecology and management

Abstract

This special issue is presenting a stateof the art in france on the biology and ecology of aquatic macrophytes (lichens, macro-algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, phanerogams), present taxonomic tools, general phytosociological frame allowing identification of phytocenoses, ecophysiological specificities of these plants, community answers to environmental conditions and disturbances, their function in abiotic habitats, and their relation to aquatic fauna. Bioindication of watercourse quality based on macrophytes communities is also detailed, as well as water trophic indices, as a prospect of ecological status. The subject of spreading plants, native or exotic ones, is treated from the biological and ecological point of view. Applied topics such as management of these plants, conservation of rare or endangered species and control of invasive species are also presented.