Growth studies of macroalgae in a microcomputer-assisted spray cultivation system

Abstract

Apical growth rates of Furcellaria lumbricalis (Huds.) Lamour. and Ahnfeltia plicata (Huds.) Fries (Gigartinales: Rhodophyceae), and Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. (Fucales: Phaeophyceae), were studied in spray culture, applying independent microcomputer systems for control, data-logging, and apical growth measurements. The system functioned with a minimum of maintenance. Sea-water temperature and light seemed to be more important for growth than nutrient supply under the prevailing conditions. Basal shoots (young, undivided parts of the plants close to the holdfast) of Furcellaria lumbricalis had growth rates three times higher than the apices (apical meristem on the distal end of mature plants) from the older parts of the thallus. For Ascophyllum nodosum apical growth rates of basal shoots, divided and undivided apices were similar. Whereas apical growth rate of A. nodosum was normal, the biomass yield was low. A. nodosum cultivated simultaneously in tanks and in continuous spray had similar growth rates. The spray cultivation technique facilitated control of the experimental conditions, and handling of the plants during the experimental work while excluding epiphytes.