Species Of Rhodophyta Research Articles

Short Communication: Temporal and spatial variations of Rhodophyta communities along the Chabahar Coast, Oman Sea

Jamshidzehi A, Mehdipour N, Jafari N, Azini M. 2017. Short Communication: Temporal and spatial variations of Rhodophyta communities along the Chabahar Coast, Oman Sea. Biodiversitas 18: 619-622. Monthly sampling of macroalgae was carried out from January 2014 to November 2014 in Iranian Coasts of Oman Sea along Sistan and Baluchistan province coastal waters. Monthly sampling was done by a number of transects with equal distance and in randomly chosen 50×50cm quadrates. The samples were transferred to the lab and after cleaning and separating, identified up to species level. A total of 17 species of Rhodophyta were recognized, and the most observed families included: Gelidiaceae, Gracilariaceae, Hypneaceae and Rhodomelaceae. The maximum algal biomass and of species belonged to Gracilaria corticata. Laurencia obtusa, Hypnea valentiae and Gracilaria corticata observed in all stations and seasons. Laurencia obtusa, Hypnea valentiae and Gracilaria corticata observed in all stations and seasons. Comparing to the previous study in the Chabahar Coast, steep decline in the number of observed macroalgae species in this region was observed.

Checklist of Rhodophyta of the White Sea (the Arctic Ocean)

Abstract Most data on the White Sea flora are scattered in Russian publications and are largely inaccessible to researchers. The aim of the present work is to compile a checklist as well as to provide verification of the species composition of the Rhodophyta of the White Sea. This checklist is based on an exhaustive bibliographic search. As a result of a careful revision, a total of 61 species of Rhodophyta has been revealed, and 17 species and one forma were excluded on the basis of being doubtful records or misidentifications. The distribution of four species in the White Sea was clarified. Nineteen species occur throughout the White Sea, six species are widespread except for Mezen Bay, whereas seven taxa are restricted to the northern regions of the White Sea. The analysis of the species composition permits the red algal flora of the White Sea to be interpreted as representing the depleted Barents Sea flora. An extensive bibliography and data on the presence of the specimens in the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences are given.

Current Patterns in Intertidal Macro-Algal Diversity and Zonation of Two Sites on Ghana’s Coast

In this study, the various floral species of two sites were surveyed for Macroalgal composition and floral zonation. No such study has been conducted for specific Ghanaian rocky shores such as Prampram and Takoradi, although more generalized studies are available concerning the coastal ecology of Ghana as a whole. Quadrat sampling was done to determine floral composition and distribution. Floral zonation was studied to investigate a discernable gradient in ecological health. The study focused on two similar rocky intertidal areas, 230 km apart, at Takoradi and Prampram, both in Ghana. Four belt transects were randomly laid from the lower to upper shores of each site and along which a continuous quadrat (1 m2) was placed to estimate species percentage cover (macroalgae). The species data was standardized before submitted to statistical analyses. Also two replicate water samples were taken at each site for the analyses of nutrients (i.e., nitrate and phosphate). Altogether a total of 36 species of macroalgae, comprising 9 Chlorophyta, 10 Phaeophyta, and 17 Rhodophyta were identified as present at both locations during the study. A multivariate analyses of the abundance and location of macroalgae in relationship to their level in the intertidal zone detected zonation differences in the macroalgal community structure between the western and eastern locations at Takoradi and Prampram respectively. It was observed that Rhodophyte species were more diverse in general than the other taxa at both sites. For Shannon-Wiener diversity, it is observed that samples for Takoradi are more diverse than Prampram. Species within algal taxa Rhodophyta are most abundant at both sites with Chlorophytes coming in next. The relative abundance for both Rhodophytes and Chlorophytes sampled from Prampram is higher than those from Takoradi. Phaeophytes at the other hand are higher in Takoradi than in Prampram. Polycavenosa dentata/ Hydropuntia rangiferina was the most abundant species occurring in the wet and dry periods. These observations provide a basis for future studies in determining conservation strategies for Prampram which is a fishing hub and Takoradi an industrialized city.

Species composition and structure of macrophytobenthos in the lower part of the photic zone of the Kolvitsa inlet (Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea)

The Kolvitsa inlet of the Kandalaksha Bay is a poorly studied part of the White Sea. Sampling was carried out in intertidal and subtidal (using diving equipment) zones from 15 to 21 July 2016. Fifty species of macroalgae were found: 9 species of Chlorophyta, 18 species of Phaeophyceae, and 23 species of Rhodophyta. First records of Choreocolax polysiphoniae and Coccotylus hartzii in the Kandalaksha Bay are reported. The red algal zone at the Kolvitsa inlet extends at the depths from 7 to 17–18 m. Zonation and phytocoenoses with high species richness at the red algal belt were discovered. Community of Odonthalia dentata inhabits the depth of 7–8 m and includes 31 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 282.1 ± 37.6 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 20 cm; Coccotylus truncatus and Polysiphonia stricta are subdominants. Community of C. truncatus inhabits the depths from 8–9 to 11–12 m and includes 35 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 157.4 ± 92.2 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 10 cm; P. stricta, O. dentata and Phycodrys rubens are subdominants. Community of C. truncatus and P. rubens inhabits the depths from 11–12 to 14–15 m and includes 26 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 41.9 ± 1.1 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 5–6 cm; Euthora cristata is a subdominant. Few species of red cortical calcareous algae inhabit the depths from 15 to 18 m. Thirty two epiphytic algae were found. Secondary holdfasts on the erect filaments of Polysiphonia stricta were detected as a specific adaptation for attachment to basiphytes. Most of the epiphytes grow on three species mainly. C. truncatus may be considered as consorcium forming inside the phytocoenoses of the lower part of the photic zone because the biomass of its epiphytes is comparable with that of seaweeds on the ground in the same community.

Two newly discovered Grateloupia (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) species on aquaculture rafts on the west coast of South Africa, including the widely introduced Grateloupia turuturu

:Compared with other world regions, very few species of marine macroalgae have been demonstrated to be recent introductions into South Africa. Collections of red seaweeds growing on ropes on an oyster farm in Saldanha Bay on the west coast of South Africa included two species of Grateloupia. The most abundant one is foliose, and has identical rbcL and cox1 sequences to that of Grateloupia turuturu, indigenous to Japan/Korea but introduced into many world regions. The other species is finely branched and presumably also an introduction, being closest in rbcL sequence to G. carnosa from Japan but not identical. Our findings highlight the continuous risk imposed by the translocation of oysters for mariculture purposes to spread and introduce non-native and potentially invasive species worldwide. In addition, our inability to identify the second species, despite its sister relationship to a species from the Western Pacific Ocean, calls for the establishment of a reference DNA-barcode library of seaweeds from the temperate Western Pacific Ocean to facilitate the early detection of introduced and potentially invasive seaweeds. South Africa now has three foliose and two filamentous species of Grateloupia sensu lato. Although the newly introduced species have not been recorded outside the Saldanha Bay area so far, continuous monitoring is advised to document the future spread of the species and their effects on native coastal ecosystems.

Phylogenetic relationships among Halymenia (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) species on the Brazilian coast with description of Halymenia cearensis sp. nov.

Phylogenetic relationships and species diversity within the genus Halymenia along the Brazilian coast were investigated through molecular and morphological analyses. Molecular studies included UPA, COI-5P and rbcL markers. A total of five Halymenia species were found: Halymenia cearensis sp. nov., H. ignifera, H. pinnatifida, H. silviae and H. cf. mirabilis. Halymenia cearensis was molecularly distinct from all other Halymenia species included in this study and is morphologically characterized by: cleft, lobate, oblong or obovate blades with broad base; apex irregular in shape; surface with bullations, rugosities, spiny and globular papillae irregularly distributed; abundant and conspicuous ganglionic cells throughout; blades up to 800 µm thick at base; outer cortical cells ellipsoidal or ovoid in shape, higher than broad; and inner cortex cells 4–25 µm in width. Our phylogeny demonstrated that entities attributed to H. floridana and H. elongata occurring in Brazil correspond to two distinct genera, which was also supported by morphological and ecological data. The use of molecular tools was crucial to provide a better understanding of the diversity of Brazilian marine flora.

Diversity of branched Halymenia (Halymeniales, Rhodophyta) species on the Brazilian coast: molecular and morphological analyses reveal three new species

:The diversity of branched Halymenia species in Brazil was assessed by molecular analyses and morphological examination to clarify the status of taxa previously identified as Halymenia floresii and H. pseudofloresii. Molecular tools included sequencing the COI-5P molecular marker for DNA barcoding and rbcL for phylogenetic inferences. Both molecular and morphological results demonstrated that Brazilian specimens previously attributed to H. floresii and H. pseudofloresii do not correspond to these species but constitute three distinct lineages that we propose as the new species: Halymenia ignifera sp. nov., Halymenia pinnatifida sp. nov. and Halymenia silviae sp. nov. We propose that H. floresii and H. pseudofloresii be removed from the Brazilian marine flora. We highlight that without the use of molecular tools, the morphological divergences observed in Brazilian specimens could be misinterpreted as morphological plasticity and lead to incorrect species determinations.

Community structure and species diversity of intertidal benthic macroalgae in Fengming Island, Dalian

We investigated the community structure, seasonal variation, species diversity, and ecological niche of the intertidal benthic macroalgae community in Fengming Island, Dalian, China. Five sampling sites were established in the study area, and investigations were conducted in July 2010, April and October 2011, and January 2012. Species diversity index, cluster analysis, Levin's index, and Pianka's index were applied to determine species diversity and ecological niche. A total of 74 species were identified, of which, 15 belonged to Chlorophyta, 15 belonged to Phaeophyta, one belonged to Cyanophyta, and 43 belonged to Rhodophyta. The transverse distribution of the macroalgae species varied among the different sampling sites and seasons. In the longitudinal distribution, the low-tide zone had the highest abundance of species, which were predominately Rhodophyta; the mid-tide zone ranked second in the abundance of species, which were predominately Phaeophyta; and the high-tide zone had the lowest abundance of species, which were predominately Chlorophyta. Seasonal species number followed the pattern spring>summer>winter>autumn. Rhodophyta species were the most abundant in all four seasons, followed by Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta species, with Cyanophyta species being the least abundant. The benthic macroalgae in the study area were primarily temperate species, with the warm temperate composition greater than the cold temperate composition. Biomass distribution in each study site showed seasonal variation, and followed the pattern summer>spring>autumn>winter. Species diversity and cluster analysis demonstrated obvious seasonal variations, with the species diversity, evenness, and species richness indices higher in spring and summer than those in autumn and winter. Species diversity also varied among sampling sites. The function and status of different algae in the ecosystem were defined by the niche breadth and overlap results.

Selection of effective macroalgal species and tracing nitrogen sources on the different part of Yantai coast, China indicated by macroalgal δ15N values

To determine the dominant nitrogen sources and select effective macroalgal species for monitoring eutrophication along the Yantai coast, the total carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen stable isotope ratio (δ15N) in macroalgal tissue were analyzed in conjunction with environmental variables in seawater along the Yantai coastline. The ranges of macroalgal tissue δ15N values together with dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) composition indicated that except for the atmospheric deposition, there were three dominant types of nitrogen sources along the Yantai coast, with the agricultural fertilizer usage and factorial wastewater input at the S1 (Zhifu Island coast), the sewage discharge at S2 (the Moon Bay coast), the sewage discharge together with aquaculture impacts at S3 (Fisherman Wharf coast) and S4 (the Horse Island coast). Macroalgal growth were not limited by DIN but limited by P at S2, S3 and S4. Macroalgal species suitable or not for DIN source tracing along the Yantai coast were discussed. For sites with low DIN concentration, many species of three phyla could be used for DIN sources tracing with Laurencia okamurai, Gloiopeltis furcata and Ulva pertusa being ideal species. For site with high DIN concentration, however, species of Rhodophyta were not suitable and only Scytosiphon lomentaria and Monostroma nitidium were chosen.

MACROALGAL ABUNDANCE IN INTERTIDAL ZONE OF SARANGAN BEACH, GUNUNGKIDUL, DIY

<p>Sarangan beach has high biodiversity of macroalgae. Macroalgae has an important role as primary producer for herbivorous marine animals, potentially as biomonitoring, and pollutant bioremediation. As benthic organisms, macroalgae grows attached rocky or reef substrate in intertidal zone. These research aimed to study the macroalgal abundance in Sarangan Beach and influence factors of it. This study is important for local government as a reference to manage and develop the coastal areas of Gunungkidul. Sampling was conducted in 2012-2013 start from determination of the sampling point with line transect then collect data using quadrat plots 100 x 100 cm2 size, seawater nutrient analysis, species identification, and data calculation. The results showed that there were 14 species of Chlorophyta, 4 species of Phaeophyta, and 17 species of Rhodophyta. Enteromorpha intestinalis has a highest abundance, then Ulva fasciata, and Cladophora catenata. Analysis of correlation and regression showed that nutrient levels doesn’t affect the macroalgal abundance in Sarangan Beach. Based on result, the limiting factor of macroalgal abundance in Sarangan Beach is substrate. <br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Abundance, Macroalgae, Sarangan Beach, Substrate</p>

Intertidal seaweeds from North Atlantic Patagonian coasts, Argentina

The coasts located between 39°S and 41°S in the Argentinean biogeographic province have been described by impoverished seaweed assemblages, however the floristic information about this region is sparse. The aim of this study was to survey the intertidal seaweeds inhabiting three sites in the oceanographic system “El Rincon” (Buenos Aires, Argentina). A total of 42 taxa were identified with a dominance of Rhodophyta species. The sandstone outcrops (SO) had 29 taxa, whereas both the tidal flat (TF) and oyster reefs (OR) had 11 taxa. The estuarial species Ulva intestinalis and Ulva prolifera were recorded in TF, whereas calcified macroalgae were only found in SO. The differences in richness and composition of seaweed assemblages were associated with substrate type, wave exposure, incident light and salinity. These differences were also evidenced by a dissimilar number of functional groups, which was higher in SO with a dominance of filamentous macroalgae.

Effects of stressing high PAR on mycosporine-like amino acids in the red alga Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Studies in Rhodophyta species have been carried out to understand the mechanism of photoprotection against excessive photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). However, few studies concerning on the role of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in this mechanism have been developed. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify the MAAs in Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (C.J. and E.C Oliveira) Fredericq & Hommersand and understand the behavior of these compounds against the high PAR stress. To achieve these goals, apical tips of G. tenuifrons were cultivated at three PAR intensities (60, 600 and 1000µmol.m-2.s-1) for one week. The MAAs were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS and HPLC. Asterina-330, palythinol, palythene and usujirene were identified. Usujirene is an inedited MAA identified for this family and palythene is very unusual. Among these MAAs, only palythinol content increased about 3-fold in high light. This response may suggest that palythinol plays an important role in photoprotection in this alga. The role of MAAs in absorbing UV radiation and dissipate the excess of energy as harmless heat is well known. However, some of these compounds have been reported as PAR-dose dependent. Controversial results regarding palythinol amounts in red algae under high PAR intensities have been published. Although in Chondrus crispus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) this compound increased [1], in Palmaria palmata (Palmariales, Rhodophyta) it was reduced [2]. Since some MAAs could present antioxidant activity, this feature is suggested as the explanation for the mechanism of photoprotection. However, because there are conflicting results in the literature, the role of palythinol in photoprotection should be further investigated.

Influence of laboratory cultivation on species of Rhodophyta physiological evaluations and antifungal activity against phytopathogens

The present study examined changes that took place in the physiology of three species of Rhodophyta by analysing the concentration of pigments and non-structural carbohydrates, comparatively evaluating algae collected from nature and after 28 days of laboratory cultivation. Another objective of the study was to determine whether the species retain their antifungal potential after the period of laboratory cultivation, correlating the changes in physiology and those from bioactivity. After carrying out laboratory cultivation, the results indicated a trend, in the three species of macroalgae, towards a reduction in pigment concentrations, mainly in the phycobiliproteins. For the non-structural carbohydrates no response pattern of the macroalgae was observed for the conditions evaluated. Extracts from the macroalgae, Ochtodes secundiramea and Palisada flagellifera, after laboratory cultivation showed a significant increase in antifungal potential which could be positively correlated with the change in concentration and ratios of chlorophyll-a and accessory pigments. Applying techniques of laboratory cultivation to macroalgae was an efficient tool for gaining knowledge of the physiology, and for obtaining biomass and compounds having biotechnological applications, without impacting on natural populations.

Tracking macroalgae introductions in North Atlantic oceanic islands

The Azores archipelago was selected as a case study since there are few studies on macroalgae introduction in oceanic islands. While at a global scale, around 3 % of macroalgae are considered non-indigenous; in the remote oceanic islands of the Azores, over 6 % of the marine algal flora is non-indigenous. The taxa distribution pattern of non-indigenous species in the Azores is significantly different from the distribution pattern in the globe. The most representative group was Rhodophyta species, being 84 % of the total non-indigenous macroalgae, mainly introduced via maritime traffic. This study highlights the vulnerability of remote islands to the introduction of macroalgae and the need to develop further studies on other archipelagos to understand whether the observed vulnerability is generally characteristic of oceanic islands. The development of local monitoring and mitigation programs and the necessity of regulatory and preventive measures for the maritime traffic vector are strongly suggested.

Transcriptome sequencing of essential marine brown and red algal species in China and its significance in algal biology and phylogeny

Most phaeophytes (brown algae) and rhodophytes (red algae) dwell exclusively in marine habitats and play important roles in marine ecology and biodiversity. Many of these brown and red algae are also important resources for industries such as food, medicine and materials due to their unique metabolisms and metabolites. However, many fundamental questions surrounding their origins, early diversification, taxonomy, and special metabolisms remain unsolved because of poor molecular bases in brown and red algal study. As part of the 1 000 Plant Project, the marine macroalgal transcriptomes of 19 Phaeophyceae species and 21 Rhodophyta species from China’s coast were sequenced, covering a total of 2 phyla, 3 classes, 11 orders, and 19 families. An average of 2 Gb per sample and a total 87.3 Gb of RNA-seq raw data were generated. Approximately 15 000 to 25 000 unigenes for each brown algal sample and 5 000 to 10 000 unigenes for each red algal sample were annotated and analyzed. The annotation results showed obvious differences in gene expression and genome characteristics between red algae and brown algae; these differences could even be seen between multicellular and unicellular red algae. The results elucidate some fundamental questions about the phylogenetic taxonomy within phaeophytes and rhodophytes, and also reveal many novel metabolic pathways. These pathways include algal CO2 fixation and particular carbohydrate metabolisms, and related gene/gene family characteristics and evolution in brown and red algae. These findings build on known algal genetic information and significantly improve our understanding of algal biology, biodiversity, evolution, and potential utilization of these marine algae.

New records of marine algae from Tonga, Central Polynesia

A total of 34 marine algae are reported for the first time based on historical herbarium collections from the marine shores of Tonga in the central South Pacific Ocean: eight Rhodophyta and 26 Chlorophyta. One species of Rhodophyta, i.e. Trichogloea requienii, and four species of Chlorophyta, i.e. Caulerpa plumulifera, Codium extricatum, Udotea glaucescens and Valoniopsis pachynema, represent the first records from central Polynesia. The red alga Titanophora pikeana has only been previously reported in this region from the adjacent western Melanesian islands of Fiji and the isolated Hawaiian Islands to the north. The other 28 algal species are widely distributed marine species around tropical and subtropical islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Marine Algae of the Northern Gulf of California II: Rhodophyta

The present treatment constitutes a taxonomic study of the benthic marine red algae known in the northern Gulf of California. In all, 387 species of Rhodophyta belonging to two subphyla were found: the Rhodophytina, represented by 2 classes, 2 orders, 2 families, 7 genera, and 14 species; and Eurhodophytina, represented by 2 classes, 5 subclasses, 19 orders, 47 families, 133 genera, and 373 species (including varieties, forms, and possible new species); 71 species of red algae (~18%) are endemic to the Gulf of California. Together with the 133 species of Chlorophyta and Phaeophyceae, 520 marine algae are known in the northern Gulf. The systematic account includes the presently accepted taxon name, descriptions of the subphyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species, with keys and illustrations to aid in their identification. Along with the taxon name are its basionym, synonyms, author(s), date and place of valid publication, type locality, relevant taxonomic studies, description, habitat, and distribution in the Gulf of California and, if applicable, in the eastern, central, and/or western Pacific. A remarks section includes information on taxonomy, nomenclature, ecology, distribution extensions and new records, and/or other problems or facts of interest. A new genus, 1 new subgeneric section, and 8 new species are described; 30 new combinations are proposed (listed in Appendix 1). A new name, Rhodymenia huertae, is chosen to replace an illegitimate name; a lectotype illustration is selected for Laurencia paniculata Kützing; 15 previously reported species are considered uncertain records; and 3 species are excluded from the Gulf’s marine flora.

THE STATUS OF SPECIES DIVERSITY OF SEAWEEDS IN SURVEYED ISLANDS IN VIETNAM SEA

In 2010-2011, the project “Comprehensive surveys on biodiversity in coral reef ecosystems and islands in Vietnam sea aiming at the sustainable development” is carried out the assessment of the status of seaweed species composition at 19 islands in Vietnam sea region. By applying the morphological method and cells structure analysis, the authors have identified 376 species belonging to 62 families, 31 orders in 4 phyla of seaweed. Among them, there are 178 species of Rhodophytes, 94 Chlorophytes, 80 Ochrophytes (Phaeophytes) and 24 Cyanobacteriophytes. In studied areas, the highest quantity of species was revealed in Ly Son island with 125 species, following by Phu Quy -114 species, Phu Quoc -106 species etc. Ba Mun island has the lowest with 11 species only. From the total 376 species of seaweed there are 102 species are of economic importance, 5 species are rare and valuable that have been suffering extinction risk in Vietnam. These species should be protected, rehabilitated and developed. The species of seaweeds distribute mainly on the rocky bottom of tidal flats, on the contrary, the soft bottom has small number of seaweeds. The similarity index of seaweed species composition between studied areas were not high, the average is about 0.24.

Batrachospermum atrum (Rhodophyta) – first record in Poland

Abstract The paper gives new data on the occurrence of Batrachospermum atrum (Hudson) Harvey, a freshwater Rhodophyta species rare in Poland. It was found growing on stony bottom in a small stream in northwestern Poland; at this site it was associated mainly with Potamogeton nodosus Poir., green algae Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kützing and Mougeotia sp. Its occurrence in Poland and some ecological data are discussed, and original photographs of the plant and its habitat are presented.

Endophyte presence as a potential stressor on growth and survival in Antarctic macroalgal hosts

Schoenrock K.M., Amsler C.D., McClintock J.B. and Baker B.J. 2013. Endophyte presence as a potential stressor on growth and survival in Antarctic macroalgal hosts. Phycologia 52: 595–599. DOI: 10:2216/13–188.1Filamentous algal endophytes are common in many species of macroalgae along the Antarctic Peninsula, but their influence on host physiology is unknown. However, worldwide endophyte–macroalgae symbioses are known to be detrimental to vital functions of a host. The growth and survival of four Antarctic rhodophyte species were examined in situ under varying loads of endophyte infection. Growth was measured through relative growth rate and surface-area-corrected growth rate, and survivorship of individuals was documented throughout the experiment. The relationship between hosts and their endophytes was best described as innocuous in Myriogramme manginii, mildly pathogenic in Gymnogongrus turquetii and Trematocarpus antarcticus, and pathogenic in Iridaea cordata. Deterioration of thalli and decreased growth rates may be natural in the late austral summer when this experiment took place; however, the effects of increased infection probably expedited deterioration of the host. Endophytes in this study were pigmented green and brown filamentous algae, most of which are never seen as free-living thalli, and some of which may be obligate endophytes.