Root anatomy and nutrient uptake of the cattail Typha domingensis Pers. (Typhaceae) grown under drought condition

Abstract

Typha domingensis is an invasive macrophyte which can be found even under low water levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the root growth and anatomy as related to nutrient uptake and distribution of cattail under different water availabilities. Typha domingensis individuals were subjected to five water conditions: waterlogged, field capacity (FC), 75%FC and 50%FC. Nutrient contents of shoots and roots as well as the root growth and anatomy were evaluated. Lower water levels reduced root length (30%) and dry mass (90%) of cattail. Moderate drought increased aerenchyma development in root cortex but reduced the number and the diameter of xylem vessels in the vascular cylinder. Drought reduced the uptake of most nutrients; however, cattail promoted a higher translocation of macronutrients to shoot. Typha domingensis showed drought tolerance with modifications in root anatomy and higher nutrient translocation to shoots allowing its survival under mild water limitation.