Effects of salinity and nutrients on the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of Caulerpa lentillifera

Caulerpa lentillifera is a green algae that distributes worldwide and is cultivated for food. We assessed vegetative propagation of C. lentillifera by measuring the specific growth rate (SGR) and chlorophyll fluorescence of the green algae cultured at different salinities and nutrient levels. The results indicated that C. lentillifera can survive in salinities ranging from 20 to 50, and can develop at salinities of 30 to 40. The maximum SGR for C. lentillifera occurred at a salinity of 35. Both chlorophyll content and the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) were also at a maximum at a salinity of 35. Photosynthesis was inhibited in salinities greater than 45 and less than 25. Both the maximum SGR and maximum chlorophyll content were found in algae treated with a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L of NO3-N and 0.1 mmol/L of PO4-P. The photosynthetic capacity of photosystem II (PSII) was inhibited in cultures of C. lentillifera at high nutrient levels. This occurred when NO3-N concentrations were greater than 1.0 mmol/L and when PO4-P concentrations were at 0.4 mmol/L. As there is strong need for large-scale cultivation of C. lentillifera, these data contribute important information to ensure optimal results.