Relationship between redox potential and the emergence of three submerged macrophytes

•A strong relationship between Potamogeton pusillus emergence and redox potential was observed.•Burial reduced the emergence of P. pusillus and Zannichellia palustris but not of Chara cf. contraria.•Sand reduced emergence of P. pusillus more than loamy mud.•Redox potential could be the mechanism explaining the effect of burial.•Sediment burial also reduces the viability of the propagule bank.