Dr João N. Franco1, Cláudia Garcia1, Álvaro Gallego, Dr. Sara C. Novais1, Tiago Simões1, Catarina Abrantes1, Carina Félix1, Hugo Monteiro1, Paulo Maranhão1, Dr Marco F. L. Lemos1
1Mare – Marine And Environmental Sciences Centre, Peniche, Portugal
The marine red algae Asparagopsis armata is an invasive species acquiring competitive advantage by fast spreading and substrate occupation and releasing large amounts of toxic compounds to the surrounding environment. Field evidence and laboratory studies indicate that allelopathy occurs in all aquatic habitats are capable of producing and releasing allelopathically active compounds.
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this invasive seaweed on kelp early life stages by exposing zoospores of Laminaria ochroleuca to the exudate of this seaweed. The effects of exudate (and released secondary metabolites) on gametophytes were examined using ten different exudate concentration treatments, conducted over a 15-day period. Survival and development of kelp zoospores were investigated every third-day.
All the concentrations of this algal exudate showed a negative effect on kelp spores and posterior development that significantly increased towards highest concentrations and along the experimental period.
Results will be discussed and represent an important evidence on the research of natural toxic exudates released to the environment and potential allelopathic effects of this seaweed in invaded communities under increasing climatic change or in environments where open aquafarming of Asparagopsis seaweed at scale is being considered.
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