Seasonal variation in the growth of Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva cultured from spores

An year-round experiment was conducted in the culture of Gracilaria edulis by reproductive method in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, near Mandapam, along the southeast coast of India. The spores liberated on cement blocks were transplanted to Palk Bay in April after 17 days of spore output and nursery rearing. The germlings were transferred to the Gulf of Mannar during August when the size of the plants ranged between 0.3 and 1.9 cm (mean 0.88 cm) with a crop growth rate of 0.011 cm/day. The CGR was more pronounced from October being 0.043 cm/day and increased gradually till harvest reaching a peak value of 0.650 cm/day during March. The harvested plants were young, healthy and sterile. October to March was found to be the most suitable period for cultivation.