Typha domingensis Pers. growth responses to leaf anatomy and photosynthesis as influenced by phosphorus

Abstract

Cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.) can show intense growth depending on phosphorus (P) eutrophication. We verify how P enrichment and deficiency influence T. domingensis growth and the relationship with anatomical and physiological modifications. Vegetative T. domingensis plants were grown for 60 days in a modified nutrient solution in five P levels: 0, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 mM. Plant growth was evaluated at the end of the experiment. Leaf fragments were collected and fixed in F.A.A.70 and sectioned in bench-top microtome. Sections were stained with safrablau solution, mounted in slides and photographed with an optical microscope. Images were evaluated in UTHSCSA-Imagetool software which was used to measure leaf tissues. Leaf gas exchanges were evaluated 30 and 60 days after the experiment started. The data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and regression analyses or means were compared using the Scott–Knott test. Plants showed more growth in a P-rich nutrient solution. T. domingensis showed different biomass partitioning under P levels, with an increasing leaf biomass allocation for higher P levels and a lower rhizome investment. For higher P levels, plants showed increased photosynthesis, stomatal conductances and transpiratory rates. However, the highest concentration promoted a decrease in these characteristics. The leaves of T. domingensis showed larger stomata, thicker palisade parenchyma and an increased phloem proportion under higher P levels. Our results suggest that the increased growth of T. domingensis in P-rich conditions may be related to increased photosynthesis; this characteristic is limited to anatomical traits such as palisade parenchyma and stomatal modifications.