The effect of different light regimes on growth of plants of Ruppia maritima plants was assessed at irradiance levels of 40, 200 and 400 µmol m² s¹ , for 40 days. The longevity of newborn leaves was determined and the formation of leaves, roots and ramets was recorded daily. The growth response of R. maritima varied as a function of irradiance levels during experimental culture conditions, and plants showed different strategies of adapting to the different light regimes tested. At irradiance of 40 µmol m-2 s-1, longevity (57.7 ± 2.7 days) and final leaf length (11.5 ± 0.3cm) were greater, but aerial biomass and specific growth rate of the leaves were lower. Higher levels of irradiance caused higher production of leaves, roots, ramets and ramifications. The results showed that R. maritima grows better at higher light intensities, and can adjust demographic characteristics and growth to different light conditions in the environment.
Ruppia maritima; growth; biomass; leaf longevity; light intensity
