A novel technique for propagation of Porphyra yezoensis Ueda blades in suspension cultures via monospores

The present methods for propagation of Porphyra blades in suspension cultures are inadequate for commercial production. A novel method for propagation of P. yezoensis blades in suspension cultures was tested. Blades were asexually propagated via monospores in suspension by cutting blades of various sizes into differently sized tissue sections and inoculating these in fresh medium. After 2-3 weeks, the sections completely disintegrated, producing monospores followed by a dense suspension culture of blades. This technique shows great promise for producing multiple crops from one initial blade inoculum, increasing production, and simplifying the propagation of this non-fragmenting alga in land-based tank mariculture.