Strong growth limitation of a floating plant (Lemna gibba) by the submerged macrophyte (Elodea nuttallii) under laboratory conditions |
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Authors: | SANDOR SZABO MARTEN SCHEFFER RUDI ROIJACKERS BEATA WALUTO MIHALY BRAUN PETER T NAGY GABOR BORICS LUIS ZAMBRANO |
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Institution: | 1. Institute of Biology, College of Nyiregyhaza, Nyiregyhaza, Hungary;2. Department of Environmental Sciences, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands;3. Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary;4. Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary;5. Environm. Protect. Inspectorate Trans Tiszanian Reg, Debrecen, Hungary;6. Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biologia, UNAM, Mexico |
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Abstract: | 1. The asymmetric competition for light and nutrients between floating and submerged aquatic plants is thought to be key in explaining why dominance by either of these groups can be stable and difficult to change. 2. Although the shading effect of floating plants on submerged plants has been well documented, the impact of submerged plants on floating plants has been poorly explored hitherto. 3. Here, we used laboratory experiments to examine how submerged plant (Elodea nuttallii) alter nutrient conditions in the water column and how this affects the growth of floating plants (Lemna gibba). 4. We demonstrate that, at higher nutrient concentrations, Lemna is increasingly likely to outcompete Elodea. 5. Under low nutrient concentrations (0.1–2 mg N L?1) Elodea can strongly reduce the growth of Lemna. Growth of floating plants virtually stopped in some of the experiments with Elodea. 6. Extremely reduced tissue N, Mn, chlorophyll and elongated roots indicated that the growth inhibition of Lemna by Elodea was predominantly caused by the latter’s impact on the nutrient conditions for floating plants. 7. These results strengthen the hypothesis that submerged plants can prevent colonization of a lake by floating plants. |
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Keywords: | competition duckweed nutrient limitation submerged plants |
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