Ceramialean epiphytism in an intertidal Gracilaria chilensis (Rhodophyta) bed in southern Chile |
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Authors: | Alejandro H Buschmann Claudia A Retamales Claudia Figueroa |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Acuicultura, Universidad de Los Lagos, Casilla 933, Osorno, Chile |
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Abstract: | The cultivation of the agarophytic red alga Gracilaria has become an activity of major importance in several parts of the
world. However, Gracilaria cultivation in Chile still faces problems such as epiphytism. We report ceramialean epiphytism
abundance, recruitment patterns and the microscopic stages fixed on the Gracilaria thalli in an intertidal bed (Metri bay)
of southern Chile. Using a factorial field experiment, we analyze the effect of intertidal elevation and the use of epiphyte
free inoculum on the abundance of ceramialean epiphytic algae. This evidence is used to provide management and control recommendations
for ceramialean epiphytes.
The results show a summer recruitment and increase in abundance of ceramialean epiphytes. A seasonal and spatial pattern of
abundance of microscopic stages of this epiphytic algae was also found, showing a significant increase from the apical (new
tissues) to the central parts of the thalli (older tissues). Apical tissues are free of epiphytic propagules. The epiphyte-free
tissue zone decreases significantly from winter to summer. Also, a significantly higher density of microscopic stages of ceramialean
epiphytes was found on the thalli collected in the farming are a during the summer at low tidal levels. The experimental results
indicated that the abundance of epiphytes was greater at the lower tidal levels than at the higher distribution limits of
Gracilaria and it was not possible to control epiphytism by manual cleaning.
This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | Epiphytism Ceramiales Gracilaria abundance recruitment microscopic stages Chile |
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