Induction of conchospore release: ecotypic variation in northeast Pacific species of Porphyra

Abstract

Interest in Porphyra mariculture in Alaska and a proscription against importing non-indigenous species or stock prompted us to investigate conditions that stimulate release of conchospores in local species of interest. Many of these species had been investigated previously using strains from Washington State. We observed at least one significant difference in release conditions in Alaskan strains of Porphyra abbottiae, P. fallax, and P. torta compared to Washington strains. We have also produced blades from conchocelis of P. cuneiformis, P. pseudolanceolata, and P. pseudolinearis Ueda species complex, for which release conditions have not yet been documented in northeast Pacific strains. Our results show that species of Porphyra in this region have multiple and varying conditions for spore release and blade production, and that important differences in these conditions can arise between populations within a region. Archeospores are reported for the conchocelis of both P. abbottiae and P. torta for the first time.

Cryptic diversity, biogeography and genetic variation in Northeast Pacific species of Porphyra sensu lato (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

“…been called P. pseudolinearis (Lindstrom and Fredericq 2003), based on its morphological similarities to that species and the fact that a more or less continuous distribution across the northern rim of the Pacific between its type locality in Korea and Alaska has been assumed (Scagel et al 1993). Differences in sequences between western Pacific and Alaska specimens (this study) and in the behavior of the conchocelis in culture (Lindstrom et al 2008) suggest that the eastern and western North Pacific populations represent distinct species. Unknown #3 had been identified previously as P. pseudolanceolata by Lindstrom and Fredericq (2003), and it is called by that name in Lindstrom et al (2008).…”

“…Differences in sequences between western Pacific and Alaska specimens (this study) and in the behavior of the conchocelis in culture (Lindstrom et al 2008) suggest that the eastern and western North Pacific populations represent distinct species. Unknown #3 had been identified previously as P. pseudolanceolata by Lindstrom and Fredericq (2003), and it is called by that name in Lindstrom et al (2008). The two species share the same habitat and morphology.…”

“…Although species are not currently being cultivated in the northeast Pacific, they have been, and there may be interest in doing so again (Lindstrom 1989;Merrill 1990;Lindstrom et al 2008). Among indigenous people of the region, Porphyra remains an important food and cultural article (Betts 1991;Turner 2003).…”

Four new species of Pyropia (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from the west coast of North America: the Pyropia lanceolata species complex updated

“…For example, the haploid chromosome number reported by Mumford and Cole (1977) for this species was actually for Porphyra mumfordii , and the culture conditions for conchocelis growth and maturation reported by Waaland et al (1990) were probably for Pyropia conwayae . Moreover, the rbc L sequence reported for this species by Lindstrom and Fredericq (2003) was that of Pyropia lanceolata , as were the culture conditions reported for conchospore release (Lindstrom et al 2008). …”

The biogeography of seaweeds in Southeast Alaska

“…Dethier & Duggins (1988) noted significant differences in the response to herbivore removal of communities in northern Washington compared with northern Southeast Alaska: in Washington, removal of Katharina tunicata (Wood) resulted in the development of a persistent intertidal kelp bed, whereas in Alaska kelp abundance was highly variable and unrelated to Katharina abundance. Lindstrom et al. (in press) observed significant differences in environmental conditions causing release of conchospores in Alaskan strains of Porphyra abbottiae V. Krishnamurthy, Porphyra fallax S.C. Lindstrom and K.M.…”