Experimental Culture of Gracilaria at the Mariculture Centre,Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu

Experimental culture of Gracilaria was done in the Kovalam Backwaters at the Mariculture Centre, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu. The study, conducted over two years, revealed that the period June to March was condusive to growth. The rate of growth was better in the open, unenclosed area than in ponds. Growth was best during the period June to September. The potential yield in the different growing seasons has been estimated for the open area as well as ponds. The relation between the growth of seaweeds and some environmental conditions in the farm is discussed. A strategy is suggested for the continuous culture and domestication of this species in the area.