Changes in growth, reproduction, alginic acid and Mannitol contents

Results obtained on the changes in growth, reproduction, alginic acid and mannitol contents of Turbinoria decurrens carried out for one year from March, 1973 to February, 1974 are presented. Young plants of T. decurrens appear in May and grow to a minimum size between December and February. Branching starts from August and maximum number of branched plants occur in November. Reproductive plants were observed throughout the year. The yield of alginic acid varies from 16.3 to 26.3 % and the estimated mannitol content from 1.5 to 8.7 %. T. decurrens may be harvested in the months between December and February for extraction of alginic acid.