1. Photon-harvesting efficiency and arbuscular mycorrhiza in amphibious plants.
- Author
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N. Šraj-Kržič, P. Pongrac, and A. Gaberščik
- Subjects
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SYMBIOSIS , *WATER levels , *ANTHOCYANINS , *PLANT roots - Abstract
Abstract The amphibious plant species of intermittent aquatic habitats thrive both submerged and emerged. In order to outline the adaptive characters of these two life forms photochemical efficiency of photosystem 2, leaf contents of chlorophyll (Chl) a and b, carotenoids (Car), anthocyanins (Ant), and UV-B absorbing compounds (UV-B abs), and root aerenchyma and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonisation were studied in Glyceria fluitans, Gratiola officinalis, Ranunculus lingua, Teucrium scordium, Sium latifolium, Sparganium emersum, and Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Water level fluctuations did not exert a severe effect on photon harvesting efficiency. Submerged specimens had higher contents of Car and Ant whereas higher contents of UV-B abs were found in emerged specimens indicating efficient protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation. Roots of all species studied had extensive aerenchyma and were colonised by AM fungi, which were significantly more abundant in emerged specimens. This is the first report on AM symbiosis in S. latifolium and S. emersum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009