Clone specific differences in a Phragmites australis stand : I. Morphology, genetics and site description

• Published in: Aquatic botany 1999-09, Vol.64 (3), p.235-246
• Main Authors: Kühl, Harald, Koppitz, Heike, Rolletschek, Hardy, Kohl, Johannes-Günter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clonal distribution; Freshwater; Littoral sediment; Phragmites australis; RAPD; Reed population
• ISSN: 0304-3770; 1879-1522
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3770(99)00053-4

A selected reed stand ( Phragmites australis) at a shallow lake near Berlin was investigated from 1992 to 1995. This reed stand is clearly divided into four visually distinguishable clusters. The study focuses on the clonal distribution within the whole reed stand in relation to morphological characteristics. Furthermore, it should be proved if the clustered stand structure is caused by different site conditions. Genotypic variability was detected by using the RAPD-technique. The parameters shoot length, leaf area, number of internodes and leaves, diameter of culms, shoot density and percentages of shoots with panicles were measured once a year at the end of the vegetation period. The concentrations of ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, o-phosphate and sulphate in interstitial water and sediment extracts were determined. Four adjacent clones were found, which showed differences in morphology. These differences in shoot architecture were observed in spite of uniform site conditions. This suggests a large clonal difference in expression of morphological features. First conclusions are drawn regarding the relationship between genotypes within a reed stand and the expression of morphological characteristics.