Importance of basic research in applied phycology

Utilization of algae has extended considerably from the middle of this century, with the consequence of more and more applied research in various directions and fields, the most important of which deals with phycocolloid production and algal cultivation to provide raw material and foodstuff. It is noteworthy that this research can not avoid the use of knowledge obtained by basic research; applied phycology is especially indebted to basic research in adopting biotechnologies which are typically coming from basic research. In counterpart, such a situation is beneficial to basic research. According to the dependence of applied phycology to basic research and the fact that restricted research programs only are nowadays financially supported, the fate of all research seems to be questionable.