What is the term for dormant leaf structures used primarily for reproduction in curly-leaf pondweed?

In curly-leaf pondweed, the term for dormant leaf structures used primarily for reproduction is turions. Turions are specialized shoot structures that develop on the plant and serve as a means of vegetative reproduction. When conditions are favorable, turions can germinate and grow into new plants, allowing the species to spread and establish in different aquatic environments. This ability to form turions is a key adaptation that enhances the plant's ability to survive through adverse conditions, such as winter when the plant may be dormant.

In contrast, spores are typically associated with the reproduction of non-flowering plants like ferns and some algae, while rhizomes and stolons are types of underground or above-ground stems that help in vegetative reproduction but do not specifically refer to the dormant structures found in curly-leaf pondweed. Understanding the function and importance of turions helps in managing curly-leaf pondweed populations effectively, especially in aquatic ecosystems where this plant species can become invasive.