Influence of Low Light on the Growth and Development of <i>Vallisneria natans</i> Seedlings

Abstract

To research influence of low light on macrophyte growth, seedlings of Vallisneria natans were transplanted into the waters with 5%, 1%, 0.5% and 0.1% full sunlights, respectively. The results show that germination rates are significantly inhibited with the experiment. In first 20 days leaf formation of new plants aren’t inhibited, and their leaf elongation are promoted. Since then, them of old plants and new plants are remarkably inhibited with the experiment. Though maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm), relative electron transport rate (ETR) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of old plants reduce significantly on low light conditions, but V. natans still hsa a certain degree of photoasynthetic capacity on the 80th day. Fresh weight ratio of roots and stems increase with decreasing light intensity. However, it exhibits an opposite trend for leaves. Thus, V. natans has a strong ability of low-light (≤1% full sunlight) tolerance.