Some Aspects of the Growth of Gracilaria birdiae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) in an Estuary in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

The agarophyte Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & Oliveira was cultivated under field conditions in an estuary over a 6-month period. Biomass production varied significantly (p<0.01) and ranged from 900.0 to 3537.0 g m )2 with a mean of 2124.4±1004.36 g m )2 over the cultivation period. The epiphyte-biomass varied from 64.7 to 313 g m )2 , with maximum values observed in July. Relative growth rate (RGR) of G. birdiae varying from )0.59 to 4.67% day )1 , with a maximum mean observed in July. Correlation analysis showed that RGR was positively correlated with epiphyte-biomass (R-Pearson=0.69; p< 0.01) and negatively correlated with salinity (R-Pearson=)0.41; p<0.05). These correlations were used in a mathematical regression model to estimate the growth of Gracilaria in an estuary. The regression model explained 61% of RGR variability demonstrating that growth rates of Gracilaria were directly related to the variables salinity and epiphytes. The model was developed to help to predict production at a cultivation site in order to evaluate its suitability for Gracilaria cultivation.

Proteolysis, NaOH and Ultrasound-Enhanced Extraction of Anticoagulant and Antioxidant Sulfated Polysaccharides from the Edible Seaweed, Gracilaria birdiae

“…In order to minimize this devastation, communities are cultivating seaweed both for commercial purposes and for the protection of these natural areas [8]. In Brazil, G. birdiae has been cultivated under field conditions in several locations, such as Rio do Fogo Beach (Rio Grande do Norte state), which produces biomass ranging from 900 to 3l,537 g/m 2 [9]. In Rio do Fogo Beach, this alga is also used to feed native people.…”

Development of seaweed cultivation in Latin America: current trends and future prospects

“…Nonetheless, since this cultivation was based on the use of seedlings from natural beds, uncontrolled harvesting reduced their availability, and risked overexploitation (Hayashi et al 2013). The farming of G. birdiae in estuaries using effluent from shrimp ponds was proposed (Bezerra & Marinho-Soriano 2010;Marinho-Soriano et al 2006, 2009a. The latter strategy has also been studied for other Gracilaria species (Marinho-Soriano et al 2002, 2009b.…”

“…The farming of G. birdiae in estuaries using effluent from shrimp ponds was proposed (Bezerra & Marinho-Soriano 2010;Marinho-Soriano et al 2006, 2009a. The latter strategy has also been studied for other Gracilaria species (Marinho-Soriano et al 2002, 2009b. In Sao Paulo State, other colour variants of G. birdiae proved adequate for commercial farming in Ubatuba Bay, with growth rates up to 4.4% day −1 and agar yield and quality close to that obtained from wild specimens in this region (Ursi et al 2013).…”

SÍNTESE VERDE DE NANOPARTÍCULAS ANTIOXIDANTES FEITAS COM PRATA E POLISSACARÍDEOS SULFATADOS DA ALGA Gracilaria birdiae

“…Ela é uma alga comestível que é cultivada principalmente no litoral dos estados do Ceará e do Rio Grande do Norte. Neste último, ela é cultivada no município de Rio do Fogo pela AMAR (Associação das Maricultoras de Rio do Fogo -RN), que produz uma biomassa mensal de 0,9 a 3,5 Kg/m 2 (Marinho-Soriano et al, 2006). Foi demonstrado que animais que receberam essa alga como suplemento alimentar, apresentaram um ganho menor de peso em comparação com aqueles animais do grupo controle.…”