Abstract
The algal genus Gracilaria has become the major source of commercial agar extraction in Chile. Recently G. chilensis Bird, McLachlan and Oliveira has been extensively cultivated in Southern Chile in response to wild crop deterioration. This paper evaluates the performance of this species under suspended cultivation, using ropes at two different depths. Treatments including different algal inoculum and harvesting methods were evaluated. Moreover, monthly thallus losses and epiphyte abundance were quantified. The highest biomass production was found in treatments placed at 0.5 m from the bottom. Factors such as light and water movement seem to regulate temporal patterns of biomass variation. Epiphytes exhibited a more marked incidence in the warmer months and were seen to be abundant in stands with a small algal inoculum. Finally, estimated yields of Gracilaria reach values close to 100 t·ha −1·yr −1 fresh weight. These data, together with small losses of algal thalli, suggest good economic opportunities for this suspension culture system.
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