What is the primary method of reproduction for curly-leaf pondweed?

The primary method of reproduction for curly-leaf pondweed is through rhizomes and turions. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that allow the plant to spread and establish new growth in various locations, which is critical for its survival and colonization in aquatic environments. Turions are specialized, overwintering structures that can form at the end of the growing season. These turions can sink to the bottom and remain dormant until conditions are favorable for growth, giving curly-leaf pondweed a significant advantage in establishing itself in diverse and changing environments.

While fragmentation is a method some aquatic plants use for reproduction, it is not the main method for curly-leaf pondweed. Seed propagation is less common for this species as its capacity to reproduce vegetatively through rhizomes and turions offers more effective and rapid colonization. Water dispersal pertains more to how the plant might spread or become introduced to new areas, but it does not relate directly to its primary reproductive strategy. Thus, the reliance on rhizomes and turions is what makes this method of reproduction particularly effective for curly-leaf pondweed.