Increase of Fucus vesiculosus fertilization success: Testing of different receptacle drying methods to increase spore release

Abstract

Seaweed biomass is a valuable marine resource that can be used for energetic purposes or high value-added product production. Cultured locally, seaweed is considered to reduce pressure on agricultural lands and reduce eutrophication. Seaweed cultivation success is dependent from several factors which includes seaweed reproduction, where spore release takes important place. Stress induced spore release is a part of fertilization material preparation. Stress can be obtained by drying seaweed. Drying in aluminium foil and in wet paper were tested on brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus to determine if they have an impact on the amount on released spores and on spore fertilization. Wet paper and aluminium foil were used for material drying. Drying in foil increase the number of released gametes, but do not have an impact on fertilization rate. Drying length 6 days and 2 days were tested and 6 days gave better results.