Propagation of chara vulgaris using sediment seed bank oospores and vegetative biomass / for Wisutec

Abstract

Methods have been developed whereby viable oospores of the charophyte Chara vulgaris‘ are routinely collected, concentrated, and tested for viability. High redox conditions (e.g. shallow tap water) at 20oC support oospore germination. Germination does not occur at 4oC. Four of five source populations tested could serve as a source of oospores for systems such as Poehla, while variability in oospore germination trials precludes the fifth site (Langmuir) as a reliable source. Oospore concentrate drying and storage at 4oC has been proven in the 2003 germination trial as an effective way to handle and store oospores in a viable state for the long term (1 year or more). Specific configurations of substrates which support both the germination of oospores and the rapid growth of sporelings have been tested. The results indicate that a 1 cm layer of washed sand over nutrient-enriched dried clay promotes germination and supports rapid sporling growth. Chara vulgaris growth rates in the laboratory were determined. In aquarium cultures growth rates of 0.71 to 1.58 gdw.m-2 .d-1 were measured.