EFFECT OF MALEIC HYDRAZIDE ON THE TOTAL CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF SEAWEEDS

Seaweeds Gracilaria verrucosa, Hypnea musciformis, Ulva lactuca and Padina gymnospora were cultured in different concentrations of Maleic hydrazide. Increase in total chlorophylls with increased concentration of Maleic hydrazide (50, 100, 150, 200 ppm) was found. Increase in chlorophyll was ranged between 7.6% and 62.9% in Gracilaria verrucosa, 10.2% and 231.2% in Hypnea musciformis, 14.7% and 87.3% in Ulva lactuca and 4.3 and 57.3% in Padina gymnospora.