Variations in caulerpenyne contents in Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa racemosa

Caulerpenyne (CYN) contents was measured in two Chlorophyceae algae, Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa racemosa, between July 1999 and July 2000. Sampling was performed at three stations exhibiting increasing levels of competition with the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Significant differences were observed as a function of the Caulerpa species, the season, and the level of competition. CYN concentrations were always greater in C. taxifolia, regardless of either season or level of competition (35-80 times greater, according to the season). For a given species, maximum concentrations were recorded in autumn (September/November) and minimum values occurred in spring (April/May). CYN contents decreased with increasing level of competition, whereas frond length increased over this same gradient. It would appear that when the algae are in competition with P. oceanica, Caulerpa is more inclined to accelerate vegetative growth (competition for light) than to produce secondary metabolites.