Effects of nutrients on growth and development of embryos of Fucus edentatus Pyl. (Phaeophyceae, Fucales)

Abstract

Growth of embryos of Fucus edentatus varied with the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron added to sea-water. Rapid growth occurred with relatively low concentrations of these elements, and an added N: P ratio of 30: 1 did not retard development. Omission of added silicon did not affect growth, even though germanium was previously reported toxic. Growth and development in a synthetic medium was comparable to that in enriched seawater provided bromine was added to the latter. Boron was also found to be essential, and a deficiency resulted in moribund embryos during the four-week period of incubation.