DEPTH-DEPENDENCY OF THE AGAROPHYTE RED ALGA Gracilaria corticata J. AGARDH FOR AGAR YIELD AND QUALITY DURING ITS GROWING SEASON

• Published in: Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 76 - 84
• Main Author: Abidizadegan, Maryam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Gracilaria corticata; Marine; ISW, Iran, Sistan and Baluchistan, Chabahar; ISW, Iran, Gulf of Oman
• ISSN: 2149-0236; 2149-0236
• DOI: 10.3153/JAEFR16010

The impacts of two depth ranges on the rhodophyte Gracilaria corticata for agar yield and quality were determined during its growing season (December to March) at intertidal waters. Average 4-month agar at 2-3 m and 5-6 m were 34 plus or minus 0.04% and 42 plus or minus 0.05%, respectively. The lowest and highest agar yields, respectively, were estimated in December at 2-3 m and in January at 5-6 m. At 2-3 m, the 4-month averages were not significantly different. G. corticata from a depth of 2-3 m yielded the strongest agar gel in December, and the alga sampled at 5-6 m in January revealed the lowest agar strength. Agar lightness (L) ranged from lowest (59.6 plus or minus 3.85) at 2-3 m in December to greatest (86.8 plus or minus 3.11) at 5-6 m in February. Agar yellowish factor was highest at 2-3 m in December and lowest at 5-6 m in February. Agar reddish factor was highest in March and lowest in December at a depth of 2-3 m. G. corticata growing at relatively deeper intertidal zone yields more quality agar, and December and late winter are the best times to obtain a more rigid and enhanced agar gel.