Seasonal variation in agar yield and quality of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Bory) Dawson, Acleto et Foldvik, from the Gulf Of Califoria, Mexico

Abstract

Seasonal variation in agar from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Bory) Dawson, Acleto et Foldvik from Bahía de las Ánimas was studied; samples were collected between August 1995 and May 1996. Minimum yield (81.6%) occurred in summer and maximum (15.37%) in autumn; 3,6-anhydrogalactose content (3,6-AG) fluctuated from 35.5% to 47.8% between autumn and winter. The sulfate percentage was 0.8% in winter and 2.7% in autumn. The lowest gel strength (217 g cm–2) was recorded in autumn and the highest in spring (892 g cm–2). Melting temperature varied from 92ºC in summer to 98ºC in spring, while gelling temperature was 34.3ºC in autumn and 37ºC in winter. Gel strength was positively correlated with 3,6-AG and melting temperature, and from summer to winter with gelling temperature. Correlation with sulfates was inverse and did not correlate with yield. Higher quality of agar in G. lemaneiformis coincides with the maximum in situ biomass.