Recent advances in the understanding of the biological basis for Gigartina skottsbergii (Rhodophyta) cultivation in Chile

The demand in Chile for carrageenophytic algae has increased strongly during the last 3 years, with emphasis on Gigartina skottsbergii, a species representing landings of 32438 t (wet) during 1996. Various sources of information indicate that this species is being over-exploited and therefore the development of cultivation technologies is needed to support the local carrageenan industry. In this study we summarize currently available information on laboratory, outdoor tank and open sea culture of G. skottsbergii. The results indicate that viable spores of G. skottsbergii can be obtained, mainly during winter, with germination rates of both tetraspores and carpospores, up to 40%. Germlings of G. skottsbergii were succesfully transplanted from the laboratory to outdoor tanks, where they displayed survival values higher than 80% during spring. Experimental trials in the field indicate that G. skottsbergii can be cultivated on rope systems, with tissue fragments used as inoculum. This last result suggests that regeneration from fragments is an alternative method for propagation and massive cultivation of G. skottsbergii in Chile.