The germling growth of Enteromorpha intestinalis (Chlorophyta) in laboratory culture under different combinations of irradiance and salinity and temperature and salinity

Abstract

The effects of environmental factors on germling growth in Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from the eastern coast of Korea (35°29′N, 129°27′E) were examined in laboratory culture at different combinations of irradiance, salinity, and temperature. Maximum growth rate was at 250 μmol m−2 s−1 and 24‰ in combinations of irradiance and salinity and at 15°C and 24‰ in combinations of temperature and salinity. The germlings survived over a wide range of irradiance, but showed a rather low irradiance optimum. The growth responses of germlings grown under a wide range of temperature and salinity were compared with seasonal occurrence and vertical distribution patterns in the survey area. The results suggest that E. intestinalis follows an annual growth cycle with high growth rate of germlings during spring and autumn. A broad environmental tolerance and rapid growth rate provide the germlings with a means of survival throughout the intertidal.