Epiphyte Identification on Commercially Grown Kappaphycus alvarezii in Eastern Samar, Philippines [RESEARCH NOTE]

Authors

Ma. Carla Angelica Deladia, Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
Leni Yap-Dejeto, Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, PhilippinesFollow
Kenneth Abuda, Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
Margarita Dela Cruz, Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Publication Date

9-1-2021

Abstract

The decline in production and quality of Kappaphycus alvarezii is primarily associated with occurrence of "ice-ice" disease and epiphyte infestations. K. alvarezii var. tambalang (brown) in the nursery farms of Balangiga and Lawaan, E. Samar harbored such infestations. This study identified the dominant Epiphytic Filamentous Algae (EFA) on the seaweeds in these farms using microscopic morphological characteristics. Microscopic examinations revealed that the main epiphyte in the farms studied was Melanothamnus apiculatus (Hollenberg) Díaz-Tapia & Maggs (former: Neosiphonia apiculata (Hollenberg) Masuda et Kogame). The epiphytes observed have rhizoids separated from the pericentral cells, unicellular trichoblasts, globose cystocarp and tetrasporangia arranged in spiral series, with four pericentral cells and tapered apex with trichoblasts. Epiphyte percent cover was higher in Balangiga (17 ± 11.3%) than in Lawaan (3.6 ± 3.98%). The intensity of ice-ice disease remained low for both sites. The physico-chemical parameters measured, temperature, salinity, depth, turbidity and nutrients were within normal range; except for the recorded 19°C temperature in Balangiga which was below the range recommended for optimal growth of Kappaphycus. This may explain the higher epiphyte cover in Balangiga than in Lawaan.

Recommended Citation

Deladia, Ma. Carla Angelica; Yap-Dejeto, Leni; Abuda, Kenneth; and Dela Cruz, Margarita (2021) "Epiphyte Identification on Commercially Grown Kappaphycus alvarezii in Eastern Samar, Philippines [RESEARCH NOTE]," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 104: No. 3, Article 11.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol104/iss3/11