Seedling production of Undaria pinnatifida using free-living gametophytes in a large indoor tank

Abstract

This study examined a new method for mass production of Undaria pinnatifida seedlings using free-living gametophytes in a large indoor tank. To attach the gametophytes onto strings of seedling collectors and to promote fertilization and germination, the stirring and spraying methods with flat vessels were used before culturing in the large tank. After the indoor culture, many juvenile sporophytes grew on the strings with uniformity. The juvenile sporophytes were transferred to the sea for nursery cultivation. After the cultivation, many seedlings were produced on seedling collectors. Thus, this mass seedling production is considered to be a simple and practical method, and will be helpful for stable and high-quality production of U. pinnatifida.