Growth of Gracilaria edulis in relation to environmental factors in field cultivation

Abstract

Field cultivation of Gracilaria edulis was carried out in the nearshore areas of Gulf of
\nMannar and Palk Bay near Mandapam to determine the various environmental factors which
\naffect the growth of this agar yielding seaweed. These culture experiments were conducted in
\nGulf of Mannar from October to April during the years 1986-89 and in Palk Bay from April to
\nOctober during the years 1987-88 when the sea was calm at both places. The epiphytes,
\nepifauna, Low light intensity and sedimentation caused by turbulence of water and grazing by
\nfishes were found to be the primary factors hampering the growth of cultured G. edulis. There
\nwas no good growth of G. edulis in Palk Bay during the entire period of this study. But in Gulf
\nof Mannar the growth of G. edulis was good between November and March with maximum yield
\nduring the months December to February1 March. The suitable period for field cultivation of G.
\nedulis in Gulf of Mannar is from December to March.