DUCKWEED AS AN AQUATIC CROP - EVALUATION OF CLONES FOR AQUACULTURE

Several duckweed clones (Lemnaceae) were evaluated for potential high protein aquatic crop production. Five clones representing four species of duckweed were compared for amino acid composition and protein content. From the Lemna gibba-Lemna minor complex, two clones were tested for crop yield and relative growth rate under conditions of increasing biomass density in manured and unmanured ponds. Variation in amino acid composition was only negligible, while L. gibba L., as opposed to L. minor L., showed both greater crop yield and relative growth rate at high densities in the eutrophicated ponds. Expectations for maximum yield of duckweed in aquaculture are discussed. © 1979.