Abstract
Selecting the most appropriate species or strains is an important first step in the development of most algal cultivation systems and is usually a tedious, time-consuming, and expensive step. The functional-form model, first developed to synthesize the adaptive significance of easily assessed thallus-form attributes relative to the productivity and survival of benthic macroalgae, is applicable to the culture of seaweeds and can expedite species or strain selection. The production ecology aspects of the model are useful particularly for applications where the desired product is not species-specific, e.g., systems in which the emphasis is on algal production, such as algal biomass farms and wastewater treatment. A thallus-form with a high surface area: volume ratio is more suited for rapid production and nutrient uptake. The utility of this model to strain selection is demonstrated with the red alga Gracilaria tikvahiae, a species that has been considered a maricultural candidate for a number of utilizations. A continuum of surface area: volume ratios for eight clones of G. tikvahiae showed that this ratio decreased as morphological complexity increased and was a good predictor of both short-term photosynthesis and long-term growth rate. Clones near opposite ends of the surface area: volume ratio spectrum had significant differences for both photosynthesis and growth. Each clone of G. tikvahiae possesses concomitant combinations of benefits as well as costs, which should be carefully evaluated for the cultivation application of interest. Knowledge of functional-form relationships in seaweeds can significantly expedite their successful cultivation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Dixon, P. S., 1973. Biology of the Rhodophyta. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 285 pp.
Gaines, S. D. & J. Lubchenco, 1982. A unified approach to marine plant-herbivore interactions. II. Biogeography. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 13: 111–138.
Gutknecht, J., 1961. Mechanism of radioactive zinc uptake by Ulva lactuca. Limnol. Oceanogr. 6: 426–431.
Hanisak, M. D., 1987. Cultivation of Gracilaria and other macroalgae in Florida for energy production. In K. T. Bird & P. H. Benson (eds), Seaweed Cultivation for Renewable Resources. Elsevier, New York: 191–218.
Hanisak, M. D., M. M. Littler & D. S. Littler, 1988. Significance of macroalgal polymorphism: intraspecific tests of the functional-form model. Mar. Biol. 99: 157–165.
Kanwisher, J. W., 1966. Photosynthesis and respiration in some seaweeds. In H. Barnes (ed.), Some Contemporary Studies in Marine Science. Allen & Unwin, London: 407–422.
Kilar, J. A., M. M. Littler & D. S. Littler, 1989. Functional-morphological relationships in Sargassum polyceratium (Fucales): phenotypic and ontogenic variability in apparent photosynthesis and dark respiration. J. Phycol. 25: 713–720.
King, R. J. & W. Schramm, 1976. Photosynthetic rates of benthic marine algae in relation to light intensity and seasonal variations. Mar. Biol. 37: 215–222.
Littler, M. M., 1980. Morphological form and photosynthetic performances of marine macroalgae: tests of a functional/form hypothesis. Bot. mar. 22: 161–165.
Littler, M. M. & K. E. Arnold, 1982. Primary productivity of marine macroalgal functional-form groups from southwestern North America. J. Phycol. 18: 307–311.
Littler, M. M. & D. S. Littler, 1980. The evolution of thallus form and survival strategies in benthic marine macroalgae: field and laboratory tests of a functional form model. Am. Nat. 116:25–44.
Littler, M. M., D. S. Littler & P. R. Taylor, 1983. Evolutionary strategies in a tropical barrier reef system: functional-form groups of marine macroalgae. J. Phycol. 19:223–231.
Norton, T. A., A. C. Mathieson & M. Neushul, 1982. A review of some aspects of form and function in seaweeds. Bot. mar. 25: 501–510.
Odum, E. P., E. J. Kuenzler & M. X. Blunt, 1958. Uptake of P32 and primary productivity in marine benthic algae. Limnol. Oceanogr. 3: 340–345.
Pianka, E. R., 1970. On r- and K-selection. Am. Nat. 104: 592–597.
Rosenberg, G. & J. Ramus, 1984. Uptake of inorganic nitrogen and seaweed surface area: volume ratios. Aquat. Bot. 19: 65–72.
Steneck, R. S. & L. Watling, 1982. Feeding capabilities and limitation of herbivorous molluscs: a functional group approach. Mar. Biol. 68: 299–319.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers
About this paper
Cite this paper
Hanisak, M.D., Littler, M.M., Littler, D.S. (1990). Application of the functional-form model to the culture of seaweeds. In: Lindstrom, S.C., Gabrielson, P.W. (eds) Thirteenth International Seaweed Symposium. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 58. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2049-1_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2049-1_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-7419-3
Online ISBN: 978-94-009-2049-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive