Research area and keywords of research:
Aquatic Ecology I.
(Keywords: submerged plants, free-floating plants, macrophytes, competition, alternative stable states, eutrophication)
Name of the researcher(s) and research group:
- Dr. Sándor Szabó
- Gergő Koleszár
Name of the Institute:
University of Nyíregyháza, Institute of Environmental Science
Research objectives:
The aim of the project is to find those potential key factors that sustain the stable dominance of submerged vegetation against floating plants.
Description and results of research:
Submerged vegetation contributes to clear water state with high biodiversity and good water quality, on the other hand free-floating plant dominance leads to anoxia with low water quality. Both vegetation types are able to sustain alternative stable states. In laboratory experiment and in large scale field survey we examine the competitive interactions between them and how they can sustain their stable state against each other during eutrophication. Result contributed to overall knowledge for the conception of sustaining clear water state in freshwater ecosystems.
Research partners from other institutions:
- Edwin Peeters, Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Sabine Hilt. Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany
Other information:-
Publications (max. 5):
- Szabó S, Koleszár G, Zavanyi G, Nagy PT, Braun M, Hilt S. 2022. Disentangling the mechanisms sustaining a stable state of submerged macrophyte dominance against free-floating competitor. Frontiers in Plant Sciences, 13, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.963579, IF 6.627, D1
- Koleszár G, Nagy Z, Peeters ETHM, Borics G, Várbíró, G, Birk S, Szabó S 2022. The role of epiphytic algae and grazing snails in stable states of submerged and of free-floating plants, Ecosystems, 25, 1371-1383. IF 4.217 D1
- Szabó S, Koleszár G, Braun M, Nagy Z, Vicei TT, Peeters ETHM 2022. Submerged rootless macrophytes sustain stable state against free-floating plants. Ecosystems. Ecosystems 25, 17-29. IF 4.217 D1.