Seasonal growth and reproduction of marine red alga Asparagopsis delilei (Rhodophyta/Bonnemaisoniales) from the Mandapam region, southeast coast of India

摘要

Asparagopsis delilei Montagne occurs beyond 2.5 m depth on the coral reef adjoining the islands-Krusadai, Putty and Valai in the Gulf of Mannar region, southeast coast of India. Seasonal growth and carpospore liberation in this alga were studied from three Islands. Maximum growth (length and fresh wt) was found during November-March. Maximum number of carpospores 22300, 11917 and 5037 per g. fresh weight was recorded for the plants of Krusadai, Putty and Valai Island respectively. A positive correlation was observed between length and fresh weight of the plants, whereas a negative correlation was found between Number of cystocarps and carpospores shed per cystocarp, fresh weight:of the plant and carpospores shed per g fresh weight. Diurnal periodicity in carpospore shedding was also seen for four months during the peak growth period fi om August 1994 to January 1995.