A peculiar method of sexual reproduction in certain new members of the Chlamydomonadaceae

Summary In the course of a study of Algae from Indian soils two new species of Chlamydomonas (C. Iyengari, C. indica) and a new species of Carteria (C. eugametos) were observed which are distinctive in the fact that their gametes conjugate by their posterior ends. Diagnoses of the new species are given. The gametes are provided with membranes. One of the fusing gametes receives the contents of the other, and the membrane of the active gamete, which has fused with that of the recipient gamete, forms a loose envelope around the zygote. The zygotes retain only the flagella of the recipient gamete. They are larger than the vegetative cells and may remain motile for some days. They frequently divide without a resting period, although zygospores were formed in old cultures of two of the species. Germination of these zygospores was observed.The author is indebted to Prof. F. E. Fritsch, F. R. S. for advice and guidance in the course of this investigation.     

Effect of epiphytism on reproductive and vegetative lateral formation in the brown, intertidal seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Phaeophyceae)

In the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (L) Le Jolis, a common species on sheltered Northern temperate rocky shores, gametes are produced in receptacles that emerge from small depressions (lateral pits) along the branched frond. These lateral pits are also the preferred settling site for the obligate epiphyte Polysiphonia lanosa (L) Tandy. Therefore, epiphytism can be expected to interfere with host reproductive output. The present study investigated the potential impact of the epiphyte on A. nodosum in two series of laboratory experiments that measured: (i) the direct shading of the host plant underneath an epiphyte canopy; and (ii) the development of receptacles in clean and epiphytised A. nodosum segments (excised from individual fronds) over a 6 month period. These experiments showed that light reaching emerged fronds underneath a dense epiphyte cover was reduced by 40%, and this was independent of the degree of desiccation the epiphyte experienced. Concurrently, in the growth study with epiphytised A. nodosum segments (segments with one clean and one epiphytised lateral pit) total receptacle biomass per epiphytised fragment was significantly reduced compared with clean segments (0.52 g and 1.25 g per gram of frond segment, respectively), although this effect was only significant in A. nodosum from sheltered shores. However, expressed as biomass per lateral pit, receptacle biomass in the remaining clean lateral pits in epiphytised segments was significantly increased in segments from both shores, demonstrating that A. nodosum can at least partially compensate for the loss of production resulting from epiphytism.     

Nutrient induced changes in the species composition of epiphytes on Cladophora glomerata Kütz. (Chlorophyta)

Cladophora glomerata is a widely distributed filamentous freshwater alga that hosts a complex microalgal epiphyte assemblage. We manipulated nutrients and epiphyte abundances to access their effects on epiphyte biomass, epiphyte species composition, and C. glomerata growth. C. glomerata did not grow in response to these manipulations. Similarly, nutrient and epiphyte removal treatments did not alter epiphyte biovolume. Epiphyte species composition, however, changed dramatically with nutrient enrichment. The epiphyte assemblage on unenriched C. glomerata was dominated by Epithemia sorex and Epithemia adnata, whereas the assemblage on enriched C. glomerata was dominated by Achnanthidium minutissimum, Nitzschia palea and Synedra spp. These results indicate that nutrients strongly structure epiphyte species composition. Interactions between C. glomerata and its epiphytes were not affected by epiphyte species composition in our experiment but may be when C. glomerata is actively growing.     

STEEREELLA,A NEW GENUS OF HEPATICAE FROM THE WEST INDIES

In addition to the complete lack of the usual spiral bands of thickenings in the elaters, the new genus Steereella is unique among the Hepaticae for the resemblance of its cellular organization in the thalloid gametophyte to that of some moss leaves. The taxon recognized is one genus, Steereella, gen. n., and one species S. linearis (Swartz) Kuwah. comb. nov., in which the variable nature of the gametophyte is particularly noted. The genus appears to be restricted to the West Indies.     

DISTINCTION OF SOUTH AMERICAN HAPLOGLOIA ANDERSONII AND CHORDARIA LINEARIS (PHAEOPHYCEAE) BASED ON DIFFERENCES IN SEXUAL REPRODUCTION,MORPHOLOGY, ECOPHYSIOLOGY,AND DISTRIBUTION1

Haplogloia andersonii (Farlow) Levring is an anti-tropical species that occurs on cold and warm-temperate Pacific coasts of both Americas. In its habit it resembles the subantarctic species Chordaria linearis (Hooker et Harvey) Cotton. Culture studies show that the species differ in morphology and ecophysiology of their microscopic gametophytes and in gamete behavior. Details of sporophyte anatomy are presented that also allow the distinction of field plants. In South America, H. andersonii occurs only on the Pacific coast, from central Perú (14°S) to southern Chile (50°S). Chordaria linearis occurs on the Pacific coast from Chiloé Island (43°S) to Cape Horn (56°S). In the shared area the species may co-occur. On the Atlantic coast, C. linearis was newly collected at a locality in northern Patagonia (41°S). In addition, C. linearis occurs in Antarctica. Haplogloia moniliformis Richer, recently described from Macquarie Island, is probably synonymous with Chordaria linearis.     

SEASONAL GROWTH AND PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN PORPHYRA LINEARIS (RHODOPHYTA) POPULATIONS ON THE WEST COAST OF IRELAND1

The phenology and seasonal growth of Porphyra linearis Grev. were investigated in two morphologically dissimilar populations from the west coast of Ireland. Thallus size and reproductive status of individuals were monitored monthly between June 1997 and June 1998. Both populations exhibited a similar phenology: gametophyte stages appeared on the shore in October, with spermatangial and zygotosporangial sori appearing the following February; the gametophyte stage began to degenerate in April and had disappeared completely by June. However, significant differences in growth and reproduction in the field and in cultures of plants from the two populations were observed. Thallus length and width of individuals from one population were significantly longer throughout the sample period, and reproduction and sporulation occurred 1 month earlier. Also, in situ relative growth rates (RGRs) of plants differed significantly and were correlated with different climatic factors (sunshine, day length, irradiance, rainfall, seawater temperature, and intertidal temperatures), suggesting that plants were affected by two different microhabitats. At one site, blades were more exposed to wave action, sunshine, and extreme minimum temperatures, while at the other site, blades were more protected in winter, spring, and early summer. In culture, RGRs of blades from the second site were higher than RGRs of blades from the first site under short days, corroborating the field results and suggesting a degree of phenotypic differentiation between the two populations. However, there were no sequence divergences of the RUBISCO spacer between strains of the two P. linearis populations.     

LIFE HISTORY AND SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF AKKESIPHYCUS LUBRICUS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

The life history in culture of Akkesiphycus lubricus Yamada et Tanaka, an alga which has been placed in the Coilodesmaceae or the Punclariaceae, Dictysiphonales, was studied. In culture the species alternates between a microscopic filamentous gametophyte and a macroscopic polystichous sporophyte, a pattern common to the Dictyasiphonales and Laminariales. However, it has a unique anisogamous dioecious gametophyte. Fusions between mac-ro-gametes and micro-gametes were not observed, Macro-gametes or zygotes germinated, mostly developing into sporophytes that formed unilocular sporangia and the rest developed into reduced gametophytic flaments again. The gametophyte matures in 50C short-day conditions, corresponding to winter in Hokkaido. The sporophyte develops normally and matures only in low-temperature conditions irrespective of daylength. In regard to iits systematic position, Akkesiphycus lubricus is considered to have a closer relationship with the Laminariales than with the Dietyosiphonales in the following characters; lack of pyrenoids; early stages of parenchyma formation in the sporophyte; direct development of sporophytes from gametes or zygotes without forming a besal system zoospore becomes almost empty after germination by the migration of cell contents into a germ lube; formation of macro-gametangia by direct conversions of mother cells of mother cells of fertile branches; and micro-gametangia formed in clusters showing closeresemblance to the antheridia of Pseudochorda nagii (Tokida) Inagaki.     

Phlorotannins versus other factors affecting epiphyte abundance on the kelp Ecklonia radiata

We examined factors affecting the abundance and distribution of epiphytes (fouling) on the sublittoral kelp Ecklonia radiata. We first assessed the importance of phlorotannins as chemical defences against epiphytes by (a) correlating epiphyte loads on different parts of the thallus with the phlorotannin content of those tissues, and (b) experimentally testing the effects of variation in phlorotannin concentration against the settlement and growth of gametes of Ulva lactuca, a common epiphyte in the system. Tissue phlorotannin content was, at best, only weakly related to epiphyte loads, with r ² values typically <0.10. Inhibition of Ulva gametes only occurred at concentrations >10 mg l⁻¹, which is 5 orders of magnitude greater than levels of phlorotannins in the water column around beds of E. radiata, and 1–3 orders of magnitude greater than estimated levels in the boundary layer at the surface of the plant. We concluded that phlorotannins have a negligible impact on patterns of epiphytism on E. radiata, and proceeded to investigate other factors influencing the distribution and abundance of epiphytes. In our samples the relative age of different parts of the thallus was strongly correlated with epiphyte abundance, with epiphyte densities greatest on the oldest tissue and least on the youngest. Distal parts of the thalli also had greater epiphyte loads than basal parts. Field experiments in which kelp tissue was suspended at two heights in an E. radiata forest for varying lengths of time confirmed the importance of the length of time that the tissue was in the water, and its height in the water column, to the development of an epiphyte community. Comparison of epiphyte loads on tissue from primary (smooth) and secondary (rough) laminae in these experiments indicated that surface rugosity also affected fouling. Macroherbivores were rare on E. radiata, and abundances of mesofauna and epiphytes were positively related, suggesting that grazers were not important determinants of patterns of epiphyte abundance. Although phlorotannins have been previously suggested to play an important role as defences against epiphytes, we suggest that water-soluble compounds such as phlorotannins are less likely to be effective defences against epiphytes than non-polar metabolites, which can adhere to the surface of the producing organism.     

Optimising the zoospore release,germination, development of gametophytes and formation of sporophytes of Ecklonia radiata

The kelp Ecklonia radiata has become a target for controlled cultivation. However, to date there are no standardised protocols for the hatchery stage of this species that result in high rates of germination, gametophyte development and transition to sporophytes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the effect of photoperiod, light intensity, temperature, nutrient media and use of GeO₂ on the key hatchery processes of germination, gametophyte development and transition to sporophytes in controlled laboratory experiments. Germination of E. radiata was high (≥?85%) throughout the study, regardless of treatments. Temperature had a major effect on the length of gametophytes, which increased with increasing temperature. The formation of sporophytes was favoured when individuals were maintained under 17 °C continuously, while reduced by approximately 30% when using F/2 compared to PES nutrient media. Overall, the recommended conditions for the hatchery stage of E. radiata are to maintain cultures under a 12 h L:12 h D photoperiod at 17 °C as this resulted in higher germination rates, good gametophyte development and higher transition to sporophytes compared to other treatments. Moreover, the use of GeO₂ has to be limited to no more than 2 days as extended use has detrimental effects on the development of sporophytes. Finally, storage of sorus-bearing fronds of sporophytes up to 4 days after the collection from the field generally increased the number of released zoospores and is a simple mechanism to increase the fertility of brood stock.

     

Zur Lebensgeschichte der DiatomeeAchnanthes linearis und Bemerkungen über andereAchnanthes-Arten

Achnanthes linearis produces two auxospores from one cell pair by allogamic fusion of migratory and stationary gametes. Unusually little copulation jelly is produced. Pairing occurs by chance in regard to the heteropoly of the transapical axis. The orientation of the primary cells in relation to the substratum and to the mother cells is constant and characteristic. Variation of cell size is much larger than hitherto known; correspondingly the diagnosis is to be completed.—The position and orientation of vegetative cells and partner cells is strongly determined by the relief of the leaves ofFontinalis on which they are fixed with their raphe valve. The same is true for the cells ofA. minutissima which usually are fixed at one cell pole only, but exceptionally at both poles; this means that morphological heteropoly of apical axis is lacking, and that the function of the second holdfast-jelly producing structure usually is suppressed. The cells of both species normally creep by means of the raphe mechanism; the direction is very independent of the relief of theFontinalis leaves. After cell division the moving down of the upper daughter cell follows a different mechanism.A. linearis is the first to settle onFontinalis leaves, other epiphytes come much later.

     

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HOST SPECIFICITY IN SPOROCLADOPSIS NOVAE-ZELANDIAE (CHLOROPHYTA)1

This study tests the hypotheses that substrate stability and rugose microtopography are the main factors that determine the tissue-specific epiphytism in the chlorophyte Sporocladopsis novae-zelandiae Chapman. Both in vitro and field experiments showed that the epiphyte did not develop on stable algal surfaces nor on artificial (smooth or rugose) substrata. In field experiments, however, other macroalgae settled more abundantly on rugose substrata. Similarly, our field experiments did not support the hypothesis that the physical environment provided by the spatial location of the host in the intertidal or subtidal was a relevant factor associated with specificity. In contrast, our laboratory experiments suggested that some component of the host cell wall might trigger the formation of penetrating rhizoids. These did not develop in isolated cultures of the epiphyte but were detected when the epiphyte contacted its natural host. Also, preliminary results showed that rhizoid-like structures developed, although at very low frequency, only in plants grown in culture medium containing a crude extract of sorus cortical tissue.     

ROLE OF SETTLEMENT DENSITY ON GAMETOPHYTE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION IN THE KELPS PTERYGOPHORA CALIFORNICA AND MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

Laboratory studies were used to examine how variation in the density of spore settlement influences gametophyte growth, reproduction, and subsequent sporophyte production in the kelps Pterygophora californica Ruprecht and Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. In still (non-aerated) cultures, egg maturation in both species was delayed when spores were seeded at densities 300 · mm^?2. Although the density at which this inhibition was first observed was similar for both species, the age at which their eggs matured was not. P. californica females reached sexual maturity an average of 4 days (or ～ 30%) sooner than did M, pyrifera. As observed previously in field experiments, per capita sporophyte production was negatively density dependent for both species when seeded at spore densities of 10 · mm^?2. Total sporophyte production (i.e. number · cm^?2) for both species, however, was greatest at intermediate densities of spore settlement (～ 50 spores · mm^?2). In contrast, total sporophyte production by P. californica steadily increased with increasing spore density in aerated cultures; highest sporophyte density was observed on slides seeded at a density of 1000 spores · mm^?2. Preliminary experiments with P. californica involving manipulation of aeration and nutrients indicate that inhibition of gametophyte growth and reproduction at higher densities of spore settlement in non-aerated cultures was probably caused by nutrient limitation.     

Sexual reproduction in three hermaphroditic deep-sea Caryophyllia species (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) from the NE Atlantic Ocean

The reproductive biology and gametogenesis of three species of Caryophyllia were examined using histological techniques. Caryophyllia ambrosia, Alcock 1898, C. cornuformis, Pourtales 1868, and C. sequenzae, Duncan 1873, were collected from the Porcupine Seabight and Rockall Trough in the NE Atlantic Ocean. These three ahermatypic solitary corals inhabit different depth ranges: C. cornuformis – 435–2000 m, C. sequenzae – 960–1900 m, and C. ambrosia – 1100–3000 m. All three species are hermaphroditic. Hermaphroditism in these species was found to be cyclical, with only one sex of gametes viable in any individual at any point in time, although gametes of both sexes were found together within a single mesentery. Once the viable gametes are spawned, the next sex of gametes continues to grow until mature, and so gametogenesis is a continuous cycle. Oocytes and spermacysts in all species increased in density towards the actinopharynx. Maximum fecundity for C. sequenzae was 940 oocytes per polyp, and for C. ambrosia 2900 oocytes per polyp. Fecundity could not be established for C. cornuformis. In all three species, individuals were asynchronous within populations, and production of gametes was quasi-continuous throughout the year. All species are hypothesised to have lecithotrophic larvae owing to their large oocyte sizes (C. cornuformis max – 350 μm; C. sequenzae max – 430 μm; C. ambrosia max – 700 μm). Both the average oocyte size and fecundity increased in species going down the depth gradient of the NE Atlantic.     

NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE HYBRIDS OF MACROCYSTIS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

All combinations of individuals of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh, M. integrifolia Bory, and M. angustifolia Bory hybridized. Gametophyte isolates obtained from 18 individuals were used, including M. pyrifera and M. integrifolia from the extremes of their Northern Hemisphere ranges along the Pacific Coast of North America and M. pyrifera and M. angustifolia from Tasmania, Australia. All combinations of gametophytes produced sporophytes of normal morphology, with the exception of crosses involving three gametophyte isolates. One female (M. integrifolia) and two male (M. pyrifera and M. angustifolia)gametophyte isolates were unable to produce normal sporophytes in combination with gametophytes of the opposite sex. Some cultures of female gametophytes produced abnormally shaped parthenogenetic sporophytes. Gametophytes and sporangia of M. pyrifera had n= 16 chromosomes. The M. integrifolia female gametophyte that was unable to produce normal sporophytes had n = ca. 32 chromosomes. These results show that these species of Macrocystis have not become reproductively isolated. Although these species may be considered conspecific according to the biological species concept, we recommend that they continue to be recognized as separate species based on morphological differences.     

REPRODUCTION AND SYSTEMATICS OF THE MARINE ALGA DERBESIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN NEW ENGLAND1,2

The morphology, gross cytology, reproduction, and habitat ecology are described for Derbesia marina based on observations of New England field populations and laboratory cultures of this plant. These data, and additional observations on cultures of several other species of Derbesia from elsewhere and on type and other important collections, have been used to evaluate the systematic relationship of New England Derbesia with other species of this genus. The single Derbesia species in New England is referred to D. marina. The systematic criteria previously used to distinguish species within Derbesia are reviewed and interpreted within the context of the present investigation. In systematic studies, we stress the importance of the use of sporangial and chloroplast morphology, the presence or absence of pyrenoids, and reproductive history. Two types of life history are reported for D. marina in New England: (1) A form of D. marina collected at 20 m reproduces directly with stephanokontous zoospores growing into sporophytic plants of Derbesia morphologically identical to their parent thalli. (2) On the other hand, at least some New England, populations of D. marina have retained the genetic potential for producing a sexual generation (Halicystis ovalis), even though the latter is unknown for the coast of northeastern North America.³ Gametophytes (H. ovalis) were produced directly from enlargement and subsequent differentiation of uncleaved lateral sporangia in 2 cultured populations of New England D. marina. A single female and numerous male vesicles formed in this manner produced gametes, but neither fertilization nor parthenogenesis occurred; thus the entire life history was not completed in culture. The occurrence of the directly reproducing deep water form of D. marina is presented as evidence for speciation of a sporophyte (Derbesia) independent of its alternate gametophyte (Halicystis). An hypothesis is advanced to explain the source and means for expression of genetic variability necessary for speciation in a population of nonsexually reproducing Derbesia.     

Coelomomyces dodgei: Establishment of an in vivo laboratory culture

An in vivo laboratory culture of the fungus Coelomomyces dodgei (Chytridiomycetes: Blastocladiales) was established, using the copepod Cyclops vernalis as an intermediate host and the larvae of the mosquito Anopheles quadrimaculatus as the definitive host. The culture was perpetuated by infecting copepods and mosquitoes using separate procedures. Copepods were infected by being combined with dehiscing sporangia. Patently infected copepods, which contained either light amber, bright orange, or both light amber and bright orange mycelia, were collected daily beginning 12 days later. Mosquitoes were infected by combining 100 first-instar larvae for 48 hr with a mixture of 12 infected copepods, four of each of the above types. The mean rate of infection for the first 100 trials was 41%. When groups of 100 first-, second-, third-, and fourth-instar larvae were exposed to a similar mixture of infected copepods for 48 hr, the mean rates of infection were 37.4, 27.0, 17.8, and 2.4%, respectively. Observations and experimental evidence suggest that the differentially pigmented mycelia found in infected copepods are gametophytes which develop into gametangia that subsequently release gametes of opposite mating types, the light amber gametangia producing female and the bright orange gametangia producing male gametes. Zygotes resulting from the fusion of these gametes lead to the infection of mosquito larvae. Thus, C. dodgei appears to have an Euallomyces type of life cycle with sporophyte and gametophyte generations alternating between mosquito and copepod hosts, respectively, with differentially pigmented sexual structures present in the gametophyte phase.     

Female reproductive development and pollen tube growth in diploid genotypes of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Solanum cardiophyllum</Emphasis> Lindl.

We have characterized female gametophyte (megagametophyte) development and the kinetics of pollen tube growth in self-pollinated diploid genotypes (2n=2x=24) of Solanum cardiophyllum Lindl. that show normal seed formation. In this species megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis give rise to a female gametophyte of the Polygonum type composed of two synergids, an egg cell, a binucleated central cell and three antipodals; however, asynchronous abnormalities resembling mechanisms that prevail during the formation of second division restitution gametes were observed. In self-pollinated pistils at least 1–2% of germinating pollen tubes were able to reach the megagametophyte 60–84 hours after pollination (hap). Although the egg cell acquired a zygote-like morphology 60–84 hap, division of the primary endosperm nucleus was only observed 84 hap. The analysis of genetic variability in full-sib progeny confirmed that seeds are derived from sexual reproduction. These observations suggest that diploid genotypes of S. cardiophyllum can serve as an ideal system to genetically investigate true seed formation in a tuber-bearing Solanum species.     

Gametogenesis and chromosome number in Postelsia palmaeformis (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)

Gametophytes of the ‘sea palm’, the kelp Postelsia palmaeformis Ruprecht, produced gametes whether or not chelated iron was supplied in the culture medium, in contrast to the inhibition of gametogenesis seen with the absence of iron in many other kelps. As gametogenesis proceeded, every cell of the gametophytes was converted into a gamete so that the gametophytes did not continue to grow vegetatively. The portion of the life history from spore release through germination, gametophyte growth, gametogenesis, fertilization and growth of the young sporophyte was completed in 9–10 days under laboratory conditions. Chromosome counts showed that sporophytes had a diploid number of 26–34 chromosomes while sporangia and gametophytes had a haploid number of 14–17 chromosomes, indicating a typical haplodiplophasic life history as seen in other Laminariales.     

Environmental Influences on Kelp Performance across the Reproductive Period: An Ecological Trade-Off between Gametophyte Survival and Growth?

Most kelps (order Laminariales) exhibit distinct temporal patterns in zoospore production, gametogenesis and gametophyte reproduction. Natural fluctuations in ambient environmental conditions influence the intrinsic characteristics of gametes, which define their ability to tolerate varied conditions. The aim of this work was to document seasonal patterns in reproduction and gametophyte growth and survival of Ecklonia radiata (C. Agardh) J. Agardh in south-western Australia. These results were related to patterns in local environmental conditions in an attempt to ascertain which factors explain variation throughout the season. E. radiata was fertile (produced zoospores) for three and a half months over summer and autumn. Every two weeks during this time, gametophytes were grown in a range of temperatures (16–22°C) in the laboratory. Zoospore densities were highly variable among sample periods; however, zoospores released early in the season produced gametophytes which had greater rates of growth and survival, and these rates declined towards the end of the reproductive season. Growth rates of gametophytes were positively related to day length, with the fastest growing recruits released when the days were longest. Gametophytes consistently survived best in the lowest temperature (16°C), yet exhibited optimum growth in higher culture temperatures (20–22°C). These results suggest that E. radiata releases gametes when conditions are favourable for growth, and E. radiata gametophytes are tolerant of the range of temperatures observed at this location. E. radiata releases the healthiest gametophytes when day length and temperature conditions are optimal for better germination, growth, and sporophyte production, perhaps as a mechanism to help compete against other species for space and other resources.     

Parthenogenesis is rare in the reproduction of a sexual field population of the isogamous brown alga Scytosiphon (Scytosiphonaceae,Ectocarpales)

Parthenogenetic development of unfused gametes is commonly observed in laboratory cultures among various brown algal taxa. There is, however, little information on the contribution of parthenogenesis to the reproduction of field populations. In this study, we investigated whether parthenogenesis is present in a sexual population of the isogamous brown alga Scytosiphon with a 1:1 sex ratio. In culture, both female and male gametes showed higher mortality and slower development compared to zygotes. More than 90% of surviving partheno‐germlings formed parthenosporophytes irrespective of the culture conditions tested. Therefore, if parthenogenesis occurs in the field, most unfused gametes are expected to form parthenosporophytes. Contrary to this expectation, parthenosporophytes were rare in the field population. We collected 126 sporophytic thalli and isolated and cultured a unilocular sporangium from each of them. We confirmed that cultures of 120 unilocular sporangia produced both female and male gametophytes by the observation of zygotes or amplification of PCR‐based sex markers indicating that these sporangia originated from zygotic sporophytes. Only females were detected in cultures from two sporangia and only males from four sporangia suggesting that these sporangia originated from parthenosporophytes. In the Scytosiphon population, although parthenogenesis is observable in culture, our results demonstrate that the contribution of parthenogenesis to reproduction is small (≤4.8%) compared to sexual reproduction. Unfused gametes may not survive to form mature parthenosporophytes in significant numbers in the field partly due to their higher mortality and slower development compared from zygotes.