Life cycle and growth of Porphyra okhaensis sp. nov. in culture

262-267The life history of an Indian species of Porphyra okhaensis sp. nov. was completed in culture. The leafy thallus, collected from fields showed three types of reproductive bodies-aplanospores (neutral spores), carpospores (alpha-spores) and spermatia (beta-spores). Liberated aplanospores produced macroscopic leafy plants within one week. Carpospores developed into conchocelis filaments within a week. Conchospores produced leafy plants in 20-30 d. Within the period of 3-4 months, conchocelis filaments also developed monosporangia. Development of leafy thalli from aplanospores was faster than those from conchospores. Aplanospores raised plants showed best growth under free floating condition