Algae. 1992; 7(2): 167-171.

24 Hours-Less Light-Dark Cycles and Growth Factors Increasing the Growth Rate of Tetraselmis sp.

V. Lopez-Rodas, E. Gonzalez-Chabarri, S. Gonzalez-Gil, E. Costas

Genetica. Dep. Produccion Animal. Fac. Veterinaria

Different light-dark cycles and growth factors were analysed to increase the growth rate of Tetraselmis sp. The growth rate of Tetraselmis sp. increase from 0.94d X d super(-1) in 12:12 hours LD to 1.62±0.03 d · d super(-1) in 16:6h LD. However, Tetraselmis sp. is hardly able to grow in an artificial medium without growth factors. But the addition of unspecific growth factors of FBS or specific growth factors (PDGF) achieves a spectacular increase in growth rate. Moreover, the maximum, growth rate was obtained in 16:6h LD and with platelet derived growth factor, and reached 1.94±0.04 d · d super(-1).

Keywords : algal biotechnology, light-dark cycles, growth factors, growth rates, Tetraselmis sp.