Effect of temperature, salinity and biofilm on the zoospores settlement of Enteromorpha flexuosa (Wulfen) J.Agardh

Abstract

The effect of temperature (10-30 degrees C), salinity (15-35 psu) and biofilm on the settlement of Enteromorpha flexousa zoospores was assessed. Settlement of zoospores was significantly (p less than 0.05) influenced by both temperature and salinity. Highest percentage of settlement occurred at 25 degrees C and 30 psu respectively. Subsequently the influence of biofilm was evaluated at the optimum 25 degrees C and 30 psu culture conditions. Among these, the glass cover slip substratum preconditioned with biofilm facilitated higher settlement. Highest spore settlement occurred in the first 30 minutes of incubation and further increase was gradual with time until it reached the optimum.