Growth, Reproduction and Liberation of Oospores in Turbinaria ornata (Turner) J. Agardh

Young plants of T. ornata appeared in April and grew to maximum size during October to December. Plants were mostly unbranched between February and June and thereafter branching started reaching maximum during September to November. Reproductive plants were found throughout the year with a peak spore output in November (33810 oospores/plant). There was no periodicity in the liberation of oospores. T. ornate may be harvested during the peak growth period from October to December for the manufacture of alginic acid.