Biodiversity, Biogeography and Molecular Genetics of the Commercially Important Genera Kappaphycus and Eucheuma

Through the years, several strains and color morphotypes of Kappaphycus and Eucheuma have emerged in cultivation areas as a result of environmental and anthropogenic factors. This led to confusion in nomenclature of these seaweeds. However, the advent of molecular technology has brought notable changes to seaweed research over the past two decades. New molecular techniques have proved useful, particularly in the molecular identification and cataloging of economically important carrageenophytes, i.e. Kappaphycus and

Eucheuma which were commercially introduced into many countries worldwide. The following chapter discusses the application and findings of molecular studies within the context of these red seaweeds, along with potential areas for future research.