Seasonal growth and reproductive status of Grateloupia subpectinata (Rhodophyta) on the east coast of Korea

Abstract

Reproductive phenological pattern on tetrasporophytes and carposporophytes of Grateloupia subpectinata thalli were observed at Yangyang, on the middle east coast of Korea from January to December 2013. DNA sequences of cox1 gene from 48 selected samples were compared to assure that sample collection is single species, and they were all identical G. subpectinata. Density, length and width of thalli were significantly changed monthly. The maximum of density, length and fresh weight occurred in September, and continuous growth was observed during the autumn and winter. Tetrasporophytes were grown dominantly in October and November, whereas carposporophytes were dominated in September and March. Upright thalli disappeared in June and July and then juveniles were abundant in August. There was a significant difference in length between tetrasporophytes and carposporophytes. These reproductive pattern and seasonality together with phenological data of G. subpectinata would provide valuable information about successful seedling supply for aquaculture of the species in the future.