Suspended culture of Chondracanthus chamissoi (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales) in Caleta Hornos (northern Chile) via vegetative propagation with secondary attachment discs

摘要

Vegetative propagation of Chondracanthus chamissoi by means of secondary attachment discs (SAD) has been an effective strategy for maintaining the species biomass in natural beds. Suspended culture was used in the present study. Biomass, epiphytes, length of new thalli, and number of secondary attachment discs of C. chamissoi were measured during different seasons as well as different depths (2, 4, and 6 m), and cultivation times (1, 2, 3, and 4 months). The greatest accumulation of biomass, biofouling, and SAD formation occurred during spring cultivation, while maximum lengths were observed in winter. Maximum values of each variable were observed at 2 m depth in most cases.