Production of rhizoids by Caulerpa prolifera in culture

Studies on Caulerpa prolifera rhizoids were carried out to determine the possibility of mass culture, because the rhizoids produce a bio-adhesive. Rhizoids can be induced by cutting the base of a blade and floating it in a media or planting it in sand. Measurement of rhizoid production included determination of number, length, and the weight of attached sand grains. The growth experiments were for 1-2 weeks and fronds growth was compared to rhizoid production. Optimal conditions for rhizoid growth included low levels of nitrogen and phosphate (less than 5 and 2 μM, respectively), low irradiance (30 μmol photon m−2 s−1), moderate temperature (22-28°), continuous shaking, addition of microelements and auxin (1 ppm) and initially detached fronds followed by attachment. Under these optimal conditions maximal weekly growth reached 70-170 rhizoids per blade, 7-11 mm length and maximal attachment to sand grains. Blade growth of C. prolifera responded similarly to rhizoid production and reached a weekly growth rate of 30-130%.