Spatio-temporal variability and association of diatom-dinoflagellate assemblages of Acanthophora, Hypnea and Gracilaria (Rhodophyta)

Issue Date

5-2020

Abstract

Epiphytic microalgae can significantly affect the host seaweed either by complementing, or competing for, resources. Here, epiphytic diatom and dinoflagellate species assemblages on the macroalgae Acanthophora spicifera, Hypnea pannosa and Gracilaria salicornia collected during the north-east (February), inter- (April) and south-west (June) monsoons in 2015 along the coast of Lucero, Pangasinan, North-western Philippines were examined and characterized. Results showed that diatom–dinoflagellate assemblages strongly clustered by season rather than by geographic location. Within season, a minor clustering by macroalgal forms, rather than host species identity, was also observed, which could be associated with the differences in the complexity and texture of the upright and prostrate seaweeds. Examination of the ‘thallisphere’ using confocal laser scanning microscopy further revealed the close proximity of some of the ‘resident’ epiphytic species to the cortical cells of the host, causing deformities and implying more complex interactions. Our results suggest that epiphytic community assemblages were influenced by both the environmental conditions associated with seasonal variation and the microhabitats in the surface of the different algal forms.

Source or Periodical Title

European Journal of Phycology

ISSN

0967-0262

Volume

55

Issue

3

Page

361-371

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations; diagram; graphs; table; references

Language

English

Subject

Community structure, diatoms, dinoflagellates, epiphytes, red seaweeds, thallisphere

Identifier

DOI:10.1080/09670262.2020.1740797.

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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