EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE ON GROWTH OF HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The growth characteristics of Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow were determined in batch culture. Optimal temperature for growth of the alga was between 25° and 28°C, at which the specific growth rate was 0.054 h^?1. At higher temperatures, no cell division was observed, and cell diameter increased from 5 to 25 μm. The saturated irradiance for growth of the alga was 90 μmol quanta · m^?2·s^?1; under higher irradiances (e.g. 400 μmol quanta·m^?2·s^?1) astaxanthin accumulation was induced. Growth rate, cell cycle, and astaxanthin accumulation were significantly affected by growth conditions. Careful attention should be given to the use of optimal growth conditions when studying these processes.     

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE ON THE SEASONAL VARIATION OF A SPIROGYRA (CHLOROPHYTA) POPULATION IN A MIDWESTERN LAKE (U.S.A.)

Although Spirogyra Link (1820) is a common mat‐forming filamentous alga in fresh waters, little is known of its ecology. A 2‐year field study in Surrey Lake, Indiana, showed that it grew primarily in the spring of each year. The population consisted of four morphologically distinct filamentous forms, each exhibiting its own seasonal distribution. A 45‐μm‐wide filament was present from February to late April or early May, a 70‐μm‐wide form was present from late April to mid‐June, a 100‐μm‐wide form was present from February to mid‐June, and a 130‐μm‐wide form appeared only in February of 1 of 2 study years. The 70‐ and 100‐μm‐wide forms contributed to the peak amount of biomass observed in late May and early June. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the presence of the 45‐, 70‐, and 100‐μm‐wide forms was negatively correlated with temperature. Presence of the 130‐μm‐wide form was negatively correlated with irradiance. Isolates of these filament forms were exposed to temperature (15, 25, and 35° C)/irradiance (0, 60, 200, 400, 900, and 1500 μmol·m^?2·s^?1) combinations in the laboratory. Growth rates of the 45‐μm‐wide form were negative at all irradiances at 35° C, suggesting that this form is susceptible to high water temperatures. However, growth rates of the other forms did not vary at the different temperatures or at irradiances of 60 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 or above. Net photosynthesis was negative at 35° C and 1500 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 for the 100‐ and 130‐μm‐wide forms but positive for the 70‐μm‐wide form. All forms lost mat cohesiveness in the dark, and the 100‐ and 130‐μm‐wide forms lost mat cohesiveness under high irradiances and temperature. Thus, the morphological forms differed in their responses to irradiance and temperature. We hypothesize that the rapid disappearance of Spirogyra populations in the field is due to loss of mat cohesiveness under conditions of reduced net photosynthesis, for example, at no to low light for all forms or at high light and high temperatures for the 100‐ and 130‐μm‐wide forms. Low light conditions can occur in the interior of mats as they grow and thicken or under shade produced by other algae.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING GERMINATION OF PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AKINETES1

Akinetes of Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittrock, formed in stationary phase cultures, were induced to germinate by transfer to fresh media. Changes in various physiological parameters were monitored during the first 20 d of germination. Ungerminated akinetes contained a greater percentage of lipid, starch, and dry matter and exhibited lower photosynthetic rates than did vegetative cells. Germination consisted of four phases. Phase I (day-0 to day-1) was marked by a rapid increase in respiratory rates. Phase II (day-2 to day-6) involved protrusion of the germination tube and was insensitive to cyanide, a respiratory inhibitor, and simazine, a photosynthetic inhibitor. Phase III (day-7 to day-14) was marked by rapid elongation of the germination tube, increasing photosynthetic rate, increasing chlorophyll and water content and declining levels of lipid and starch. Germination tube elongation during phase III was not inhibited by simazine, but was cyanide sensitive. Phase IV (day-15 to day-20) was characterized by a reduction in respiratory rate and an abrupt increase in the ratio of photosynthesis to respiration. Germination tube elongation during phase IV was inhibited by simazine. The data indicate that germination in Pithophora oedogonia akinetes consists of an extensive period (phases I, II and III) during which reserve materials are respired. Utilization of internal food reserves apparently permits akinetes to germinate and supports the initial growth of the germination tube in light limited microenvironments.     

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OF PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AKINETE GERMINATION1

Abundance of Pithophora oedogonia akinetes displayed seasonal changes, being greatest in winter and lowest in summer. Akinete abundance showed significant (P < 0.001) negative correlations with photoperiod(r = -0.53) and water temperature (r= -0.75) during the period February 1978 through June 1979. Experiments in which akinete germination was studied in response to manipulations of nutrients (NO₃-N and PO₄-P), photoperiod and temperature indicated that temperature was the primary factor regulating the timing of the vernal flush of akinete germination observed in Surrey Lake.     

IRRADIANCE,DAYLENGTH AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON ZOOSPOROGENESIS IN COLEOCHAETES CUTATA (CHAROPHYCEAE) 1

Using a factorial design, we investigated the effects of 150 different combinations of irradiance, daylength and temperature on zoosporogenesis in Coleochaete scutata. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that irradiance and daylength did not .significantly influence the response, out that temperature was highly significant. Exposure of thalli to 20°C for one to several days is sufficient to induce zoospore production in C. scutata and several other northern temperature species of Coleochaete. Results of the factorial experiment correlate well with field observations on the seasonal occurrence of asexual reproduction in several Coleochaete species. A technique based on results of this factorial study is described for using zoospores to obtain morphologically normal, unialgal cultures of Coleochaete .sp. It was concluded that the factorial approach to investigation of environmental control of zoosporogenesis can be a powerful tool for understanding natural algal population dynamics, as well as controlling growth and reproduction of algae in the laboratory.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE IN SPIROGYRA (ZYGNEMATALES, CHAROPHYCEAE)1

Spirogyra Link (1820) is an anabranched filamentous green alga that forms free-floating mats in shallow waters. It occurs widely in static waters such as ponds and ditches, sheltered littoral areas of lakes, and stow-flowing streams. Field observations of its seasonal distribution suggest that the 70-μm-wide filament form of Spirogyra should have a cool temperature and high irradiance optimum for net photosynthesis. Measurements of net photosynthesis and respiration were marie at 58 combinations of tight and temperature in a controlled environment facility. Optimum conditions were 25°C and 1500 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, at which net photosynthesis averaged 75.7 mg O₂ gdm⁻¹ h⁻¹. Net photosynthesis was positive at temperatures from 5° to 35°C at most irradiances except at combinations of extremely low irradiances and high temperatures (7 and 23 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ at 30°C and 7, 23, and 35 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ at 35°C). Respiration rates increased with both temperature and prior irradiance. Light-enhanced respiration rates were significantly greater than dark respiration rates following irradiances of 750 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ or greater. Polynomials were fitted to the data to generate response surfaces; such response surfaces can be used to represent net photosynthesis and respiration in ecological models. The data indicate that the alga can tolerate the cool water and high irradiances characteristic of early spring but cannot maintain positive net photosynthesis under conditions of high temperature and low light (e.g. when exposed to self-shading ).     

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE ON THE GROWTH OF TWO FRESHWATER PHOTOSYNTHET1C CRYPTOPHYTES1

Effects of light and temperature on growth of two freshwater photosynthetic cryptophytes of different cell size were studied in batch cultures. For the smaller Cryptomonas 979/67, Steele's model and equation of Platt et al. described the relationship between growth rate and photon flux density (PFD), whereas a hyperbolic tangent function gave a better fit for the larger Cryptomonas 979/62. Maximum growth rates given by the three models were consistent with each other, but the hyperbolic tangent function gave slightly lower estimates. Maximum growth rates in relation to temperature were well described for both species by the model of Logan et al. The optimum temperature for growth for Cryptomonas 979/67 was ca. 24.5° C and 19.0° C for Cryptomonas 979/62. The lethal temperatures were 30.4° C and 23.1° C for 979/67 and 979/62, respectively. The estimated maximum growth rates were 1.38 div.·day^?1 for Cryptomonas 979/67 and 0.87 div.·day ^?1 for Cryptomonas 979/62. There were interspecific differences in photoadaptation strategies, as Cryptomonas 979/67 required relatively high PFDs to show net growth, whereas Cryptomonas 979/62 grew at lower irradiances. Cryptomonas 979/67 showed photoinhibition soon after the saturation point, but Cryptomonas 979/62 tolerated a much wider range of irradiance. From their growth responses to light, Cryptomonas 979/ 67 appears to be a stenotopic and Cryptomonas 979/ 62 a eurytopic strain.     

FACTORS REGULATING THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE FILAMENTOUS ALGA PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN AN INDIANA LAKE1

Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittr. biomass in Surrey Lake, Indiana was greater in the littoral than in the pelagial region. Although mean soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations did not differ between the two areas, nitrate concentrations were almost six times higher in the cove than in the open water. Using laboratory cultures of Pithophora, the half saturation constant (K_s at 20° C relating filament growth to external concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen was determined to be 1.23 mg L^?1 (=88 μM)and for phosphate-phosphorus, 0.1 mg L^?1 (=3.22 μM). These values were used to calculate a NO₃-N/PO₄-P atomic ratio of 27.6. Comparison of this value with NO₃-N/PO₄-P ratios in Surrey Lake showed that nitrogen limiting conditions were prevalent in the open water section of the lake. Alkaline phosphatase and dark ammonia uptake analyses on field collected filaments from the shallow and deep water sections confirmed the hypothesis that nitrate is the major factor limiting growth of Pithophora in Surrey Lake.     

PRODUCTIVITY OF THE FILAMENTOUS ALGA PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYTA) IN SURREY LAKE,INDIANA1

Biomass, akinete numbers, net photosynthesis, and respiration of Pithophora oedogonia were monitored over two growing seasons in shallow Surrey Lake, Indiana. Low rates of photosynthesis occurred from late fall to early spring and increased to maximum levels in late spring to summer (29–39 mgO₂·g^?1 dry wt·h^?1). Areal biomass increased following the rise in photosynthesis and peaked in autumn (163–206g dry wt·m^?2). Photosynthetic rates were directly correlated with temperature, nitrogen, and phosphorus over the entire annual cycle and during the growing season. Differences in photosynthetic activity and biomass between the two growing seasons (1980 and 1981) were apparently related to higher, early spring temperatures and higher levels of NO₃-N and PO₄-P in 1981. Laboratory investigations of temperature and light effects on Pithophora photosynthesis and respiration indicated that these processes were severely inhibited below 15°C. The highest P_max value occurred at 35°C (0.602 μmol O₂·mg^?1 chl a·min^?1). Rates of dark respiration did not increase above 25°C thus contributing to a favorable balance of photosynthetic production to respiratory utilization at high temperatures. Light was most efficiently utilized at 15°C as indicated by minimum values of I_k(47 μE·m^?2·s^?1) and I_c (6 μE·m^?2·s^?1). Comparison of P. oedogonia and Cladophora glomerata indicated that the former was more tolerant of temperatures above 30°C. Pithophora's tolerance of high temperature and efficient use of low light intensity appear to be adaptive to conditions found within the dense, floating algal mats and the shallow littoral areas inhabited by this filamentous alga.     

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON GROWTH,LIGHT ABSORPTION,AND QUANTUM YIELD IN DUNALIELLA TERTIOLECTA (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The effects of growth temperature on the marine chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher were studied to provide a more mechanistic understanding of the role of environmental factors in regulating bio-optical properties of phytoplankton. Specific attention was focused on quantities that are relevant for modeling of growth and photosynthesis. Characteristics including chlorophyll a (chl z)-specific light absorption (a*_ph(λ)), C:chl a ratio, and quantum yield for growth (φ_μ) varied as functions of temperature under conditions of excess light and nutrients. As temperature increased over the range examined (12°-28°C), intracellular concentrations of chl a increased by a factor of 2 and a*_ph(λ) values decreased by more than 50% at blue to green wavelengths. The lower values of a*_ph(λ) were due to both a decrease in the abundance of accessory pigments relative to chl a and an increase in pigment package effects arising from higher intracellular pigment concentrations. Intracellular pigment concentration increased as a consequence of higher cellular pigment quotas combined with lower cell volume. At high growth temperatures, slightly more light was absorbed on a per-cell-C basis, but the dramatic increases in growth rate from μ= 0.5 d^?1 at 12° C to μ= 2.2 d^?1 at 28°C were primarily due to an increase in φ_μ (0.015–0.041 mol C (mol quanta)^?1). By comparison with previous work on this species, we conclude the effects of temperature on a*_ph(λ) and φ_μ are comparable to those observed for light and nutrient limitation. Patterns of variability in a*_ph(λ)and φ_μ as a function of growth rate at different temperatures are similar to those previously documented for this species grown at the same irradiance but under a range of nitrogen-limited conditions. These results are discussed in the context of implications for bio-optical modeling of aquatic primary production by phytoplankton.     

A POLYPLOID SPECIES COMPLEX OF SPIROGYRA COMMUNIS (CHLOROPHYTA) OCCURRING IN NATURE 1

Investigations were conducted to determine whether ploidal changes found in laboratory cultures of Spirogyra also occur in nature. In an earlier study filament types identifiable as three different species (Spirogyra singu-laris Nordstedt, S. communis (Hassall)Kütz., S. fragilis Jao) arose from an original clonal culture through vegetative growth and sexual reproduction. These three “species” or filament groups differed in filament width, chloroplast number, zygospore size, and chromosome number. The differences in chromosome number represented a polyploid series of diploid (S. communis), triploid (S. fragilis), and tetraploid (S. singularis) forms in which width increased with ploidal level. The three width groups constituted a “species complex.” Five years after isolation of the original strain in this species complex, filaments corresponding to two of the width groups (S. singularis and S. communis) were found at the original collection site in the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. The two field-collected groups were indistinguishable from the laboratory species complex in morphology and chromosome number. Homothallic conjugation within the two field width groups yielded progeny similar to those from homothallic conjugation of groups in the laboratory species complex. Filament widths of progeny were generally within the width limits of respective parental groups. The four possible intergroup crosses between the two laboratory and two field width groups yielded progeny similar to the wider parent (S. singularis) or the parent of intermediate width (S. fragilis). Progeny characteristics were determined by the width groups of parents, regardless of whether parents came from the laboratory or field. The similarities in morphology, chromosome numbers, and reproductive behavior of laboratory and field width groups imply that the laboratory species complex of S. communis has a natural counterpart in the field.     

PHOTOACCLIMATION AND GROWTH RATE RESPONSES OF ULVA ROTUNDATA (CHLOROPHYTA) TO INTRADAY VARIATIONS IN GROWTH IRRADIANCE1

A vegetative clone of the chlorophyte macroalga Ulva rotundata was maintained in an outdoor continuous flow system under nutrient sufficient conditions and various light regimes. Step changes between 9 and 100% incident irradiance (I^o) were employed to simulate cloud passage. Temporary (1–4 h) midday (I^o)perturbations evoked net changes in growth rate (μ) and chlorophyll (chl) content. Under I_o alternating at various periodicities from 15 min to 7 h, net μ was the average of the μ under steady state 9 and 100% I^o, regardless of periodicity. However, the μ in alternating light was considerably less than μ under steady state 55% I^o(? 9%+ 100%/2), as expected based on the nonlinear shape of the μ-I relationship. Unlike μ, chl content depended primarily on the total daily irradiance, probably clue to the slower response of chl compared to photosynthetic rate. On time scales ≥ one day, chl was linearly correlated with light-regulated daily μ under both steady state and intraday fluctuating irradiance, consistent with photosynthetic feedback regulation of chl concentration.     

UNCOUPLING OF VARIOUS MEASURES OF GROWTH IN ULVA ROTUXDATA(CHLOROPHYTA) FOLLOWING A LARGE DECREASE IN IRRADIANCE1

A vegetative clone of the chlorophyte macroalga Ulva rotundata Blid. was maintained in an outdoor continuous flow system and subjected to a large decrease in irradiance. Specific growth rates based on changes in fresh (μ_FW) and dry weight (μ_DW) and surface area (μ_SA) were determined using precut disks over the 24 h following a post-sunset transfer from full sunlight (100% I₀) to 9% I₀ All three measures of growth rate were approximately equivalent for untransferred control plants at either limiting (9%) or saturating (100%)I₀. Transferred disks exhibited μ_FW and μ_SA which were slightly lower than 100%I₀ controls and much higher than 9% I₀ controls; μ_DW was nearly identical for transferred disks and 9% I₀ controls. Cell size was unchanged following transfer, indicating that surface area changes reflected a proportional increase in cell number. Cell division therefore continued at a high rate for one day following transfer of U. rotundata to irradiances which are subsaturating for photosynthesis (indicated by μ_Dw). Starch reserves were largely depleted, and the C/N ratio decreased during this period.     

THE RESPONSE OF GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION TO VARIATIONS IN DAYLENGTH, TEMPERATURE, AND IRRADIANCE IN THE MARINE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

The relationships between the growth rate of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) and irradiance, daylength, and temperature were determined in nutrient-sufficient semicontinuous cultures. The initial slopes of the growth versus total daily irradiance curves were not affected by temperature or daylength. Growth versus irradiance was best modeled as a hyperbolic function at short daylengths and better modeled as an exponential function at longer daylengths. The maximum or light-saturated growth rates at each daylength were modeled as a hyperbolic function of daylength. This model was extended in a novel manner to include temperature dependence providing a framework that can be used to interpret other experimental data on growth rate versus daylength. The resulting model should be useful in global models of phytoplankton growth. Carbon, nitrogen, and chl a quotas were influenced by daylength, irradiance, and temperature. Both C and N quotas were positive exponential functions of irradiance, whereas N and chl a quotas were significantly greater for cells grown at the lower temperature. The ratio chl a :C quota (chl a :Q_c) was a strong negative exponential function of total daily irradiance. Cells grown at 10° C had significantly greater chl a :Q_c ratios than those grown at 18° C, and daylength also had a significant positive influence on chl a :Q_c. The apparent effect of daylength on chl a :Q_c was removed by standardizing chl a :Q_c to growth rate (μ), resulting in a temperature-dependent relationship between chl a :Q_c·μ⁻¹ and irradiance that accounted for 95% of the variation in the data.     

EFFECTS OF FLOWING WATER ON NITROGEN- AND PHOSPHORUS-LIMITED PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND OPTIMUM N:P RATIOS BY SPIROGYRA FLUVIATILIS (CHAROPHYCEAE)1,2

The effects of flowing water on net photosynthesis, dark respiration, specific growth rate, and optimum N:P ratios by Spirogyra fluviatilis Hilse were assessed. The alga was cultivated under nitrogen or phosphorus limitation in laboratory streams at three flow velocities: 3, 12, and 30 cm·s^?1. The Droop equation adequately described respiration and photosynthesis (PS_net) as a function of N or P cell quota (Q^N or Q^p). The data show that for N- or P-limited Spirogyra fluviatilis, flowing water is physiologically costly. Generally, flowing water had little effect on respiration rates; however, the proportion of gross photosynthesis devoted to dark respiration did increase with flow velocity. For photosynthesis, the minimum N and P cell quotas increased with velocity, and the theoretical PS_net maxima for N and P both appeared greatest at 12 cm·s^?1. The Droop models showed that for any given Q^N or Q^p, PS_net, was reduced by the 30-cm·s^?1 treatment. Consistent with this finding, independent estimates of specific growth rates for P-limited S. fluviatilis in the laboratory streams were inversely related to flow velocity when ambient PO₄^?3 was undetectable. However, growth was not diminished at the fastest velocity when PO₄^?3 was available for uptake. Thus, the increase in cellular phosphorus demand can be offset by flow-enhanced P uptake when conditions permit; otherwise, growth will be impaired. The optimum N:P ratios for S. fluviatilis at 3, 12, and 30 cm·s^?1 were 50, 58, and 52 by atoms, respectively, when calculated for PS_net= 0. The optimum ratios were inversely related to PS_net and decreased to approximately 20 when PS_net was near maximum. The potential for flowing water to mediate nutrient partitioning among lotic algae by altering growth rates and optimum nutrient ratios is discussed.     

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON LIGHT-LIMITED GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SKELETONEMA COSTATUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

Phytoplankton growth rate in response to irradiance can be approximated by a hyperbola defined by three coefficients: i) initial slope (α); ii) asymptote (μ_m); and, iii) X-axis intercept or compensation irradiance (I_c). To mathematically represent the interaction of temperature and irradiance on growth rate, one must describe the relationship between these constants and temperature. The marine diatom, Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve, was grown in unialgal culture at different levels of irradiance and 2-3 photoperiods at 0, 5, 10, 16 and 22 C. The value of I_c is ca. 1.0 ly·day^?1 or less at all temperatures. The initial slope (div·ly^?1) is a “u-shaped” function of temperature described by the second degree polynomial, α= 0.25–0.02T+0.001T². Within the range 0–10 C, μ_m (div·day^?1) is an exponential function of temperature described by the equation, μ_m= 0.48 exp (0.126T). At each temperature and selected levels of irradiance, cell size and cellular content of C, N and chl a were determined. The C:chl a and N:chl a ratios increased with irradiance because of increases in C and decreases in chl a. At lower temperatures (0, 5, 10 C), the rate of increase of both ratios with irradiance was greater than at the higher temperatures (16, 22 C). Cellular content of N was independent of irradiance and temperature, and the C:N ratio ranged from 5 to 8 with a slight tendency to lower values at low irradiance. Cell volume was not influenced by either temperature or irradiance.     

PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE KINETICS OF SPIROGYRA FLUVIATILIS (CHAROPHYCEAE) IN FLOWING WATER1,2

The inorganic phosphorus (P_i) uptake kinetics of Spirogyra fluviatilis Hilse were examined as a function of phosphorus cell quota (Q^P) and flow velocity in a laboratory stream apparatus. Short-term uptake and the acclimation of the uptake mechanism to flow were measured by the disappearance of P_i pulses in a recirculating flow cell. Short-term P_i uptake was biphasic. When the alga was P-deficient, Phase 1 and 2 half-saturation constants and maximum uptake rates were 11.0 and 47.2 μg P·L^?1 and 473 and 803 μg P·g dry wt^?1 h^?1, respectively. Flowing water altered short-term uptake when the alga was P-deficient, but not when it was P-replete. When Q^P was less than 0.21%, increases in flow velocity from 3 to 15 cm·s^?1 enhanced uptake with maximum uptake for any P_i pulse at 12 and 15 cm·s^?1. At 22 and 30 cm·s^?1, uptake was reduced by 12% or more relative to the maxima. If, however, the alga was cultivated at 22 and 30 cm·s^?1 and short-term P_i uptake was measured at 12 cm·s^?1, uptake was on average 33% greater than when the alga was cultivated at the latter velocity. Apparently, the alga could adjust short-term uptake to compensate for the suboptimal conditions of the faster velocities. Long-term P_i uptake and net phosphorus efflux were estimated by a non-steady state application of the Droop equation. Long-term uptake of very low P_i concentrations was not reduced by fast flowing water. Instead, uptake increased proportionately with flow velocity. Maximum phosphorus efflux from S. fluviatilis was 3% of cellular P per hour and occurred when Q^P was greater than 0.2%. At lower Q^P, the hourly efflux rate was typically less than 1%. Flowing water did not greatly enhance efflux, although when P_i was undetectable, efflux did tend to increase slightly with velocity. The data show that the effects of flowing water on P_i uptake were varied and not always beneficial. If the effects of flowing water on nutrient acquisition by other lotic algae are similarly varied and complex, flow may be an important determinant of nutrient partitioning among benthic algae in streams.     

FACULTATIVE PARASITISM OF SPIROGYRA SP. (CHLOROPHYTA) BY SAPROLEGNIA ASTEROPHORA AND PYTHIUM GRACILE (EUMYCOTA,OOMYCETES)1

Spirogyra sp. Link was found to be parasitized by filamentous fungi tentatively identified as Saprolegnia asterophora de Bary and Pythium gracile Schenk, in field samples and when maintained in unaltered pond water in an 18 h fluorescent light–6 h dark regime at 18 ± 2°C. Collections were made periodically between March 1978, and November 1979, from a pond in Mill Seek Sanctuary near Oyster Bay, Nassau Co., Long Island, New York. Initially, less than 1% of the total field population of Spirogyra sp. was infected by either fungal parasite with Saprolegnia asterophora being the dominant parasite present generally alone in most samples or present in 80–95% of the total number of infected algal filaments when occurring concurrently with P. gracile. However, in the laboratory, approximately 100% of the Spirogyra sp. filaments in any given sample became infected by Saprolegnia asterophora and/or P. gracile within a 1—2 wk and 3–4 wk period, respectively, with vegetative hyphae involved in the spread of infection to neighboring algal filaments. Infection of algal filaments occurred at random points with cell to cell hyphal extension within the filament causing disruption of host cells. Development of S. asterophora, and possibly P. gracile, sexual reproductive structures was common in relation with the host with asexual sporangial production not observed. Saprolegnia asterophora and P. gracile were cultured on glucose, yeast extract, malt extract (GYM) medium from infected Spirogyra sp. filaments, with infection of healthy algal filaments using these cultures by Saprolegnia asterophora, but not by P. gracile, induced in the laboratory. Growth responses and tropic responses of the fungi to the algal host could not be demonstrated.     

OLISTHODISCUS LUTEUS (CHRYSOPHYCEAE) I. EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE ON GROWTH. MOTILITY AND SURVIVALS1, 2

The effect of salinity and temperature on Olisthodiscus luteus Carter has been examined to across the relative importance of these factory on dynamics of natural population. A salinity range 2–50% was observed with increased tolerance to low salinity (<5%.) at higher temperature (20–30°C). Slinities at 4–5%. Had densities of 10³ cells/ml^?1, and growth >0.5 division day^?1 at temperature of 15–30°C higher salinities (5–50%.) variable but distinct optima for density, growth and motility were observed 5, 10 and 30°C. Density and motility showed no clear optima from 10–10%.15–25°C where maximum growth rates >1.0 division/day^?1 were common. Temperature increased from (0.5–1.9 division. Day^?1) and increases of three orders of magnitude (10^2?10³) for maximum densities. Temperature optima 20°C for growth 5–35%. And 25°C for >40%. were observed. The implications of these findings to natural populations of O. luleus are discussed.     

TEMPERATURE,PHOTOPERIOD AND LIGHT INTERACTIONS ON GROWTH AND FERTILITY OF GLOSSOPHORA KUNTHII (PHAEOPHYTA,DICTYOTALES) FROM CENTRAL CHILE1

Excised ligulae of Glossophora kunthii from central Chile were cultured of temperatures of 5–25° C, photoperiods of 16:8 and 8:16 h LD cycles, with photon irradiances of 10 and 50 μmol · m^?2· s^?1. Growth of the ligulae, number of fertile ligulae and number of tetrasporangia forming on the ligulae were assessed. Ligulae tolerated temperatures between 10 and 23°C. Temperature interacted with daylength and photon dose, determining quantitative responses in the growth and fertility of ligulae. Growth was least at 8:16 h LD and was not affected significantly by temperature. It was greatest at 16:8 h LD, 50 μmol · m^?2· s^?1 and increased with temperature up to 20°C. Percentage of fertile ligulae and number of tetrasporangia increased with temperature at the 8:16 h LD cycle, reaching a maximum at 20°C. Fertility was low at 16:8 h LD, except at 20° C (and low photon dose) suggesting that reproduction at 20° C is independent of daylength in this species. Ligulae grew larger at the long-day photoperiods and the proportions of fertile ligulae were higher at the short-day photoperiods, irrespective of the total photon dose received. These results suggest that some aspects of growth and fertility are controlled by photoperiod.