Nymphoides peltata (S.G. Gmel.) O. Kunze at the northern limit: Ecophysiological peculiarities

Abstract

By the bank of the Northern Dvina River for the first time Nymphoides peltata was registered in 2014. In the course of 4 years the area occupied by the population increased twofold and the projective cover degree of floating leaves also rose from 50 % in 2014 to 100 % with a considerable overlap of leaf blades in 2018. Structural-functional adaptations (high values of SLA and leaf thickness) are aimed at the acceleration of photosynthesis and growth. The analysis of the rapid light curves of chlorophyll fluorescence demonstrated that the species is well-adapted to the medium range of light values (400-600 μmol m-2 s-1). The optimal values of the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PS II (Fv/Fm = 0.81) are indicative of the absence of stress conditions. Our data indicate that Nymphoides peltata is well-adapted to the environment in the studied habitat, have the high capacity for extending over a new territory and demonstrates signs of an invasive species.