Acclimation at high temperatures increases the ability of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) to withstand phosphate deficiency and reveals distinct strain responses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Raphidiopsis (Cylindrospermopsis) raciborskii is one of the most studied potentially harmful cyanobacteria. Single environmental factors such as increased temperature or light are reported to be promoters of R. raciborskii growth, but the interaction of two or more promoting factors is less understood. The performance of two strains of R. raciborskii (MVCC19, Uruguayan and LP1, Brazilian) were evaluated under acclimation and temperature shifts (25–32°C) in combination with two transitions from phosphorus (P) sufficiency to limiting growth conditions. When subjected to transition from high P sufficiency to a P-limiting state, strains were able to grow only at the warmer temperature if previously acclimated. The MVCC19 strain showed higher specific growth rates and a shorter growth phase than LP1. Morphological differences were also found: the MVCC19 strain produced shorter filaments, while the LP1 strain increased in length and the number of cells per filament. The results show the positive effect of high temperature on the ability of R. raciborskii to withstand P-limiting conditions, which may confer resilience of populations to periods of severe nutrient limitation in warm lakes. This finding contributes to the understanding of the success of this species in diverse environmental conditions. The effect of temperature on the tolerance of nutrient deficiency and the performance of strains under lake conditions suggests the need for a drastic reduction in nutrient loads to avoid R. raciborskii dominance in warmer lakes.