Duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) was severely stressed with mercury (II) chloride for 48 hours. Afterwards plants grew in either Merc-c. (seven different potency levels, 24X to 30X) or water controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) for 7 days. Growth rates of the frond (leaf) area were determined using a computerised image analysis system for different time intervals between the measurements on days 0, 3 and 7. 3 independent experiments with potentised Merc-c. each were evaluated.
Additionally, 3 water control experiments were analysed to investigate the stability of the experimental set-up (systematic negative control [SNC] experiments). All experiments were randomised and blinded. Unsuccussed and succussed water did not significantly differ in terms of duckweed growth rate.
The SNC experiments did not yield any significant effects, providing evidence for the stability of the experimental system. Data from the two control groups and the seven treatment groups (Merc-c. 24x-30x) were each pooled to increase the statistical power. Duckweed growth rates for day 0 to 3 were reduced (p < 0.05) after application of Merc-c. compared with the controls. Growth rates for day 3 to 7 were not influenced by the homeopathic preparations