Capture of algae promotes growth and propagation in aquatic Utricularia.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Some carnivorous plants trap not only small animals but also algae and pollen grains. However, it remains unclear if these trapped particles are useless bycatch or whether they provide nutrients for the plant. The present study examines this question in Utricularia, which forms the largest and most widely spread genus of carnivorous plants, and which captures prey by means of sophisticated suction traps.

Methods

Utricularia plants of three different species (U. australis, U. vulgaris and U. minor) were collected in eight different water bodies including peat bogs, lakes and artificial ponds in three regions of Austria. The prey spectrum of each population was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, and correlated with data on growth and propagation, C/

SUBMITTER: Koller-Peroutka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4551088 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature