Physiological variation in populations of Ranunculus repens L. (creeping buttercup) from the temporary limestone lakes (turloughs) in the west of Ireland.

ABSTRACT: A dissected-leaved form of Ranunculus repens L. occurs in the temporary limestone lakes (turloughs) across the west of Ireland. Turloughs fill with groundwater for up to 8 months of the year. Under experimental conditions, these turlough populations demonstrated a higher rate of aerial and submerged photosynthesis than populations of the more typical broad-leaved ruderal form. The turlough populations also had higher rates of stomatal conductance and exhibited a higher stomatal index on the upper leaf surface and a lower index on the lower leaf surface than the ruderal populations. Neither population could utilize bicarbonate to any great extent, with rates of photosynthesis under submerged conditions being only 5 % of aerial rates. Respiration under submerged conditions was significantly

SUBMITTER: Lynn DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4233835 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature