Intrapopulation variation in reproduction of Lessonia variegata J. Agardh

Abstract

Lessonia variegata is an Aotearoa‐New Zealand (A‐NZ)‐endemic kelp with significant commercial potential. Overseas, Lessonia spp. are harvested for use as human and animal food, cosmetics, and bioactives for biomedical applications. In A‐NZ, interest in developing cultivation methodologies and commercial applications for L. variegata is growing, especially because it is an exposed‐shore species which makes it an ideal candidate for exposed‐coast or open‐ocean aquaculture. However, establishing cultivation of L. variegata in A‐NZ is currently challenging because essential knowledge about its reproduction and sporophyte development is generally unknown. This preliminary study investigated the intrapopulation variation in the reproductive output of L. variegata individuals collected from one population on the north‐east coast of the South Island, A‐NZ by quantifying the number of spores released, the percentage and number of spores settling, their germination, sex ratio, sporophyte production and growth. There were significant differences among individuals in the number of spores released and germinated, as well as the production of sporophytes and their growth. However, the sex ratio and the percentages and numbers of spores settling were similar among individuals. Evident differences reported in spores released and development can have possible implications for aquaculture including biobanks or sporophytes production.

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