The reproductive system of the cryptogenic alga Chondria tumulosa (Florideophyceae) at Manawai, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Abstract

ABSTRACT Determining the relative importance of sexual and asexual reproduction is critical for determining how genetic diversity is partitioned within and among populations. Macroalgae exhibit reproductive system variability, with many species capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Thus, rates of fragmentation (asexual) versus sporic recruitment (sexual) must be quantified. This is critical during range expansions when shifts to uniparental reproduction are common. Chondria tumulosa is a cryptogenic red alga that was discovered forming thick mats at Manawai, in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, during opportunistic sampling in 2019. It reduced the biodiversity and abundance of associated coral reef organisms. To characterize the reproductive system of C. tumulosa in this atoll, we visually assessed 124 thallus clumps for reproductive structures and used five microsatellite loci to genotype 41 thalli. All thalli bearing reproductive structures (20%) and all thalli that were genotyped were tetrasporophytes. No gametophytic thalli were observed using microscopy or microsatellite genotyping, though 80% of thalli observed under the microscope were vegetative. We observed in situ thallus fragmentation supported by the presence of 17 repeated genotypes and other genetic signatures, suggesting high rates of asexual reproduction. These results suggest that C. tumulosa is partially clonal in this atoll and has the potential for spreading to other nearby atolls. Rapid establishment, thallus fragmentation and tetrasporophytic dominance are consistent with other red macroalgal invasions studied to date. Understanding the reproductive system is an important component of developing management strategies for this alga and expanding our understanding of the population genetics of partially clonal taxa.