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Spatio-temporal dynamics and plasticity of clonal architecture in Potamogeton perfoliatus
Wolfer, S.R.; Straile, D. (2004). Spatio-temporal dynamics and plasticity of clonal architecture in Potamogeton perfoliatus. Aquat. Bot. 78(4): 307-318. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2003.11.005
In: Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-3770; e-ISSN 1879-1522, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Anatomical structures > Body organs > Plant organs > Rhizomes
    Availability > Food availability
    Biological production > Primary production
    Composition > Sediment composition
    Nutrients (mineral)
    Population characteristics > Biomass
    Population functions > Growth
    Spatial variations
    Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Seasonal variations
    Potamogeton perfoliatus L. [WoRMS]
    Europe, Constance L. [Marine Regions]
    Fresh water
Author keywords
    macrophyte; clonal architecture; rhizome; biomass allocation; foraging;spatial growth

Authors  Top 
  • Wolfer, S.R.
  • Straile, D.

Abstract
    Above- and below-ground clonal growth architecture was compared for two neighbouring patches of Potamogeton perfoliatus L. in Lake Constance, representing typical sparse and dense growth types. A detailed map of individual ramets and their corresponding rhizome network was produced and the seasonal development of ramet sprouting and rhizome growth was reconstructed. Rhizomes extended at rates ranging between 40 and 63 cm per year, and added a new shoot for every 1-20 cm of rhizome produced. The main rhizome axis grew in a semi-linear fashion, with deviation means of 15 and 24°, and developed 0-0.5 branches per plant, with an insertion angle from 15-90°. Total rhizome length of all plants amounted to 5 and 11 m m-2 at the two sites. The total biomass produced at the two sites differed by 10-fold. The neighboring patches also showed different allocation patterns which are interpreted as foraging. Contrary to the prediction of the foraging hypothesis, there was only a small difference in mean spacer length between sites. On the other hand, the spacer length was plastic relatively to total biomass. We propose that spacer length is not an independent part of the foraging strategy, but rather a result of overall productivity and biomass allocation. Phosphorus content of plant tissue at the more productive site was two-fold higher than that at the less productive site which suggests that the different growth types may be due to differences in sediment nutrient availability: in situ fertilization of a less productive site increased the P content to those levels of the productive site. In situ fertilization also resulted in higher ramification, lower root allocation and decreased spacer length and confirmed the foraging capability of P. perfoliatus.

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