Intrinsic factors influence the attachment of fragments of the green alga Caulerpa filiformis

M Khou; Nicholas A Paul; J T Wright; P D Steinberg

doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2007.08.010

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Intrinsic factors influence the attachment of fragments of the green alga Caulerpa filiformis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Intrinsic factors influence the attachment of fragments of the green alga Caulerpa filiformis

M Khou, Nicholas A Paul, J T Wright and P D Steinberg

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol.352(2), pp.331-342

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2007.08.010

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Abstract

asexual reproduction

dispersal

fragmentation

invasive

rhizoid

seaweed

Asexual reproduction via fragmentation is an integral component of the life history of many marine organisms. In south-eastern Australia the green macroalga Caulerpa filiformis (Suhr) Hering is abundant on many rocky shorelines and fragments are very abundant in the water column. We examined some of the factors that may influence the growth and successful reattachment of fragments of C. filiformis that potentially contribute to its success. Field surveys revealed that C. filiformis fragments were of variable morphologies (from small fronds to entire thalli) and sizes (0.1-60 cm in length). All fragments of C. filiformis were viable propagules that survived and grew well in the laboratory. However, some fragments grew more than others, in particular larger sizes (7.5 cm class) of certain morphologies (fragments that consisted only of a single frond). Rhizoids were produced by all fragments, but again, larger fragments produced more rhizoids than smaller fragments. The force required to detach fragments was proportional to the number (but not size) of rhizoids, demonstrating the importance of rhizoids for attachment. The rate of attachment of fragments was also fast, usually within 12 h, but the longer these fragments were attached to a substratum the greater the force required to dislodge them. Interestingly, fragments only produced rhizoids if they were resting on a substratum which may explain the small proportion of fragments with rhizoids in the field (< 5%). Ultimately, the long term success of C. filiformis fragments was low as only 1.6% of fragments attached within 24 h and none of these persisted for longer than 2 days. Nonetheless, the abundance and viability of fragments of C. filiformis available to attach suggest that asexual fragmentation is a successful reproductive strategy in this seaweed. Crown Copyright © 2007.

Details

Title: Intrinsic factors influence the attachment of fragments of the green alga Caulerpa filiformis
Authors: M Khou (Author) - University of New South Wales
Nicholas A Paul (Author) - James Cook University
J T Wright (Author) - University of Wollongong
P D Steinberg (Author) - University of New South Wales
Publication details: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol.352(2), pp.331-342
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/j.jembe.2007.08.010
ISSN: 0022-0981
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450534302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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