The effect of water conditions on the phenology and age structure of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. populations

The study presents the results of the analysis of development stages of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. depending on water conditions (pH, light, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic carbon) in 21 populations in north-western Poland. The fractions of seedlings, juvenile, mature and generative stems,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 2005-01, Vol.74 (3), p.253-262
Main Authors: Bazydło, Ewa, Szmeja, Józef
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age composition
aquatic plant
development stages
Developmental stages
Dissolved organic carbon
Endangered species
Endemic species
European endemic plant
Flowering
Flowers
Light intensity
Luronium natans
pH effects
Phenology
Phosphorus
Population studies
Seedlings
Stems
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Summary:The study presents the results of the analysis of development stages of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. depending on water conditions (pH, light, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic carbon) in 21 populations in north-western Poland. The fractions of seedlings, juvenile, mature and generative stems, as well as the course of phenological phenomena were determined. Seedlings are sparse and can be found from May to July. Most of them occur in waters ranging from slightly acid to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) with TP concentrations of 10-20 µg dm-3, TN concentrations < 1.0 mg dm-3 and DOC concentrations of 3.5-5.0 mg dm-3, on a mineral (5-10% OC) and fairly well lit (31-40% PAR) substrate. The generative phase lasts from May to October. The flowering period is between August and mid-September. Only 35.2±9.4% of flowering stems produce fruits. The plant flowers abundantly in waters with total nitrogen concentrations > 1.2 mg dm-3, that is above the level of TN concentrations most favourable to seedlings and both juvenile and mature individuals. TP and DOC concentrations, and light intensity (PAR) do not influence the size of the generative stems fraction in populations. However, sediment structure is of importance in this respect: about 62.9% of stems flower and fruit on a mineral substrate (< 1% OC), whereas only 17.4% do so on an organic one. The results of this study may be useful in the conservation of this endangered European endemic species.
ISSN:0001-6977
2083-9480
DOI:10.5586/asbp.2005.033