TURION FORMATION AND GERMINATION IN SPIRODELA POLYRHIZA

Abstract

Three clones of Spirodela polyrhiza L. (Schleid.) formed dormant bodies called turions. A clone from Puerto Rico did not form turions under all conditions tried. In those clones producing turions, formation was stimulated by the addition of sucrose (10–50 mM) to the nutrient solution. Increased levels of Ca(NO3)2 plus sucrose stimulated turion production. In the absence of NO3–, Ca++ was more effective than K+ in stimulating turion formation. Turion buoyancy was not light dependent, nor was it promoted by sucrose. Normal turions required light for germination, whereas sucrose‐induced turions germinated in the dark. Dark germination was not promoted by either Ca++ or K+. Sucrose stimulation of turion formation and subsequent promotion of dark germination was attributed to metabolic rather than osmotic effects. One hundred mM sucrose concentrations inhibited turion buoyancy and germination. Turions formed one primary abscission layer which separated them from the stolon and the mother frond. Subepidermal idioblasts appeared to seal the stolon stump after separation.