Abstract Detail

Phycology

Waldee , Benjamin Joseph [1], Lewis, Raymond [2].

The effect of salinity on oogenesis and sporophyte production in the brown alga Alaria marginata.

Alaria marginata is a cold-water brown macroalga native to rocky coastlines from California to Alaska. Research into the effects of abiotic factors on kelp growth and reproduction has centered around light and temperature, but the literature is lacking on the optimal salinity range for species like A. marginata. This study measured egg and sporophyte production, as well as sporophyte length of A. marginata gametophytes grown at salinities of 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 psu at seven-day increments of growth. The results suggest that A. marginata has an optimal salinity of around 30 psu for oogenesis, sporophyte production and length, matching the salinity found across most of its range. Additionally, results suggest that sporophyte production does not depend on salinity and is solely dependent on the number of oogonia. By investigating how these specific species of algae respond to changes in abiotic conditions, inferences can be made on how populations of algae will be affected by the projected changes in salinity induced by climate change.

1 - Wheaton College, 1621 English Oak Court, Wexford, PA, 15090, USA
2 - Wheaton College, Dept Of Biology, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL, 60187, United States

Keywords:
phycology
macroalgae
salinity.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Phycology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PPY002
Abstract ID:731
Candidate for Awards:None