Recent advances in the understanding of the biological basis for Gigartinaskottsbergii (Rhodophyta) cultivation in Chile

The demand in Chile for carrageenophytic algae has increased strongly durin g the last 3 years, with emphasis on Gigartina skottsbergii, a species repr esenting landings of 32 438 t (wet) during 1996. Various sources of informa tion indicate that this species is being over-exploited and therefore the d evelopment of cultivation technologies is needed to support the local carra geenan industry. In this study we summarize currently available information on laboratory, outdoor tank and open sea culture of G. skottsbergii. The r esults indicate that viable spores of G. skottsbergii can be obtained, main ly during winter, with germination rates of both tetraspores and carpospore s, up to 40%. Germlings of G. skottsbergii were succesfully transplanted fr om the laboratory to outdoor tanks, where they displayed survival values hi gher than 80% during spring. Experimental trials in the field indicate that G. skottsbergii can be cultivated on rope systems, with tissue fragments u sed as inoculum. This last result suggests that regeneration from fragments is an alternative method for propagation and massive cultivation of G. sko ttsbergii in Chile.