Life cycle and growth of Porphyra okhaensis sp. nov. in culture

Abstract

The life history of an Indian species of Porphyra okhaensis sp. nov. was completed in culture. The leafy thallus, collected from fields showed three types of reproductive bodies-aplanospores (neutral spores), carpospores (alpha-spores) and spermatia (beta-spores). Liberated aplanospores produced macroscopic leafy plants within one week. Carpospores developed into conchocelis filaments within a week. Conchospores produced leafy plants in 20-30 d. Within the period of 3-4 months, conchocelis filaments also developed monosporangia. Development of leafy thalli from aplanospores was faster than those from conchospores. Aplanospores raised plants showed best growth under free floating condition.