Environmental control of gametogenesis in Laminaria saccharina. I. The effects of light and culture media

Abstract

Gametogenesis of Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamouroux has been investigated in unialgal culture using both defined media and natural seawater with various light intensities and photoperiods at 10C. The optimal conditions for gametogenesis were 18-h photoperiod, 860 lx, and ASP 2 M culture medium. Generally the more profusely branched plants were produced under conditions most favorable to gamete production; the percentage of fertile male gametophytes was appreciably greater than that of female gametophytes; and antheridia were produced before oogonia.