ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
agar
;
agarans
;
3
;
6-anhydrogalactopyranose
;
Gracilaria
;
seaweed
;
Brazil
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The agaran yield, 3,6-anhydrogalactopyranose (3,6-AG) and sulphate content were compared in four commercial species of Gracilaria grown under parallel conditions in vitro. Gracilaria chilensis Bird, McLachlan et Oliveira from Chile provided the highest agaran yield (59%), followed by G. tenuistipitata Zhang et Xia var. liui Zhang et Xia from China (53%), Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, Irvine et Farnham from Namibia (34%) and from Argentina (26%), and Gracilaria caudata J. Agardh from Brazil (32%). The algae from Chile, China and Namibia gave higher yields after alkali treatment while those from Brazil and Argentina gave higher yields for the native agarans. Lower percentages of 3,6-AG and higher sulphate contents were found in the species from warmer waters (Brazil and China), indicating agarans of lower commercial value. The results indicate that the Chilean Gracilaria had a superior yield of agaran, although G. gracilis from Arg entina presented the highest 3,6-AG content after alkali treatment compared to other species considered for commercial cultivation in Brazil.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1017055506167
Permalink
