Taxonomic review of the cyanoprokaryotic genera Planktothrix and Planktothricoides

Abstract

The cyanoprokaryotic/cyanobacterial genera Planktothrix and Planktothricoides belong to the planktic filamentous phormidiacean types. They are well characterized and delimited by phenotype, ultrastructure, and mainly by genetic criteria (molecular sequencing). However, their intrageneric diversity, which is important for ecological research (eutrophication of water reservoirs, toxicity), is complicated, and the classification on the specific level is difficult. The problematics of species identification is discussed in the present review. - The study was supported by the grants EU MIDI-CHIP EVK2-1999-00213, and GACR No. KSK 6005114.