Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Suruga Bay deep-sea water on the growth and maturation of gametophytes of Eisenia arborea Areschoug. The gametophytes were cultured under the laboratory conditions, e.g. in surface water (SW), Suruga Bay deepsea water (DSW), and Provasoli's enriched seawater (PES) without iron. Average growth rate of somatic cells in male and female gametophytes were 139, 93 % in SW, 200, 175 % in 397 m DSW, 245, 247% in 687 m DSW, and 266, 213 % in PES without iron, respectively. After each culture medium was replaced by one containing iron, the gametophytes were continuously cultured for another 21 days. At the end of culture, the maturity rates of female gametophytes in SW, 397 m DSW, 687 m DSW and PES were 30, 50, 80 and 100 %, respectively. These observations suggest that Suruga Bay deep-sea water is suitable for the growth and maturation of the gametophytes.
