Introduction of non-native species of Kappaphycus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) in subtropical waters: Comparative analysis of growth rates of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum in vitro and in the sea in south-eastern Brazil

Abstract

We compared the growth rates of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P. Silva and Kappaphycus striatum (Schmitz) Doty, both, in vitro under different conditions of light and temperature, and in the sea. Temperature was the most important factor controlling the growth of both species, in vitro and in the field. In the sea there was a clear seasonal pattern in growth rate, attributed to temperature and salinity variation. The lower growth rates were registered in winter and spring, and the highest in summer and autumn months for both species. Based on growth rate in the field, and the production of viable tetraspores during the summer in Kappaphycus striatum, we conclude that is more profitable, and ecologically safer, to only continue with the introduction program of Kappaphycus alvarezii.

Contribuição ao protocolo de monitoramento ambiental da maricultura de Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva (Areschougiaceae - Rhodophyta) na baía de Sepetiba, RJ, Brasil

“…Ressalta-se que no período amostrado, a temperatura superficial da água do mar e a salinidade se mantiveram dentro dos limites adequados ao crescimento de Kappaphycus alvarezii (Tab. 1; Glenn & Doty 1990;Paula & Pereira 2003;Bulboa & Paula 2005) …”

Molecular identification of the exotic lineage of <i>Kappaphycus alvarezii</i> (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) cultivated in the tropical region of Brazil

“…In southeast region of Brazil, Paula et al (1999) observed tetraspore production from K. alvarezii in laboratory experiments only once. Although tetraspores of K. alvarezii germinated, they had low survival rates, suggesting that the strain studied is almost sterile (Bulboa & Paula 2005, Bulboa et al 2008. According to Paula et al (1999) the high mortality of tetraspore progeny of K. alvarezii cultivated in southeastern Brazil could be a consequence of their hybrid origin or clonal propagation, which may cause a reduced reproductive potential and abortive spore formation.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrated that K. alvarezii has remote invasion potential in southern and southeastern Brazil (Paula et al 1999, Bulboa & Paula 2005, Bulboa et al 2008, Castelar et al 2009, Hayashi et al 2011. Reproductive structures in cultivated K. alvarezii are rare (Doty 1985, Areces 1995, Castelar et al 2009Hayashi et al 2011), and even the spores produced in the laboratory are not all viable (Bulboa et al 2008).…”

“…All programs involved in the evaluation of the economic feasibility and the environmental risks of introducing K. alvarezii for the mariculture were authorized by the Governmental Agency Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) (Paula et al 1999). Experimental studies have focused on the introduction of the species and the resulting environmental risks in southeast and south Brazil (Paula et al 1999, Bulboa & Paula 2005, Bulboa et al 2008, Castelar et al 2009, Góes & Reis 2011, 2012, Hayashi et al 2011. Thus, following 18 years of research, the results showed favorable characteristics for commercial cultivation such as productivity and remote potential invasion (Paula et al 1999, Bulboa & Paula 2005, Bulboa et al 2008, Hayashi et al 2007a, b, 2010, Castelar et al 2009, Góes & Reis 2011, 2012.…”

Contribuição à maricultura da alga vermelha Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) para produção de carragenanas

“…Diversos estudos foram realizados com a espécie desde o início dos cultivos no litoral paulista: a) cultivo in vitro e taxas fotossintéticas (Erbert 2001, b) introdução no mar e maricultura (Paula 2001, Paula et al 1998a, c) cultivo integrado com camarões e mexilhões (Lombardi et al 2001a(Lombardi et al , 2001b, d) teor e propriedades de carragenanas ), e) seleção de linhagens (Paula et al 1999), f) aspectos reprodutivos e biológicos (Contador 2001, Bulboa & Paula 2005 …”