M. Apoya, H. Ogawa, N. Nanba
Alginate Content of Farmed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar from the Three Bays of Iwate,
Japan during Harvest Period
The alginate content of the blades, stipes and sporophylls of farmed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar collected during harvest period (February–April 1999) from the three bays Otsuchi, Okirai and Hirota of Iwate Prefecture, Japan were analysed and compared. High values were obtained from the blades and less amounts from the sporophylls of the plants for all farm sites. The alginate content of the parts did not differ considerably between and among sites. Alginate content of the blades and stipes appeared to be higher before the appearance of sporophylls for the entire time of harvest, irrespective of site. This suggests that the development of reproductive structures has an effect on the alginate production of the plants. The nutrient, temperature and salinity of the water showed significant fluctuations within the harvest period in each bay. However, this does not vary between bays. Temperature and salinity changes of the water suggest a possible influence on the alginate content of the reproductive structures of the plants. The nitrate and nitrite concentrations of the water seemed to influence the alginate content of a specific part of the plants in a particular bay. This suggests that assimilation and metabolism of the different parts of the plants vary and other environmental factors prevailing in each bay might have brought about such an effect.
Botanica Marina, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0006-8055
Volume: 45, 09/2002
Pages: 445 - 452
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