Seasonal Growth, Phenology and Spore Shedding in Polysiphonia platycarpa Borgesen (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) of Visakhapatnam Coast, India

doi:2003.18.2.177

Algae > Volume 18(2); 2003 > Article

Algae 2003;18(2): 177-181. doi: https://doi.org/10.4490/ALGAE.2003.18.2.177

G. Subba Rangaiah, S. Sudhakar, E. Vanilla Kumari

Department of Botany, Andhra University

ABSTRACT

Variation in seasonal growth, phenology and periodicity in spore shedding in Polysiphonia platycarpa Borgesen occurring on the coast of Visakhapatnam, India, have been described to know the growth behaviour, reproductive periodicity and spore producing capacities. This alga occurs for a short period from December to May in the intertidal region of the Visakhapatnam coast, showing maximum growth during January/February. Tetrasporophytic, carposporophytic and antheridial plants were observed in all months of their occurrence in the field. But the vegetative plants were not seen in January and February and all the plants collected were reproductive. The tetraspore and carpospore shedding was observed during all the six months of their occurrence.

Key words: growth, phenology, Polysiphonia platycarpa, Rhodophyta, spore shedding