Micronutrient requirements for Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C.A. Agardh (giant kelp) gametophytes determined by means of a chemically defined medium, aquil

Citation

Kuwabara, James S. (1980) Micronutrient requirements for Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C.A. Agardh (giant kelp) gametophytes determined by means of a chemically defined medium, aquil. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/ECSY-FZ64. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12122006-091318

Abstract

Requirements of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C.A. Agardh gametophytes for nine nutrients (Co, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Mo, N, P and Zn) were established by means of the chemically defined, artificial seawater, Aquil. Optimal growth ranges for total concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and NO3-N and for media temperatures were determined. Effects on Macrocystis gametophytic growth within these optimal ranges were then investigated. Mathematical equations modeling gametophytic length as a function of concentrations of NO3-N, Fe and Zn, and Zn, Mn, Cu and Co were generated by least squares fit of experimental data. An Aquil formulation was developed that consistently produced Macrocystis embryonic sporophytes after 12 culturing days. Sporophyte production was achieved in Aquil using sporophylls from a variety of southern California sampling sites to initiate gametophytic cultures. This marks the first instance that any macroalga has been successfully cultured in a chemically defined artificial seawater medium using ultraclean techniques.

Thesis Files