Effect of an agricultural fertilizer on the growth of Chondracanthus chamissoi sporophytes from a carpospore culture under laboratory conditions

Chondracanthus chamissoi is a red alga whose commercial value has increased in recent years, as has its exploitation. In consequence, it is important to promote its cultivation as an alternative to the extraction from its natural habitat. Therefore, it is necessary to look for options that reduce costs and facilitate cultivation. Regarding the supply of nutrients, it has been proven that some agricultural fertilizers can be as efficient as analytical grade inorganic salts; moreover, they are profitable for algae cultivation in laboratory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate growth of C. chamissoi with different concentrations of an agricultural fertilizer (Bayfolan®) as a source of nutrients. The concentrations evaluated were 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL L^-1, plus one control (seawater without added nutrients). Significant differences were obtained in the growth rate of microthalli, where the highest growth was observed at the concentration of 0.2 mL L^-1 with a growth rate of 7.56% day^-1; in contrast, incipient growth and high mortality were obtained in the control and at the concentration of 0.4 mL L^-1. The results suggest that Bayfolan® is a good source of nutrients in early stages of C. chamissoi; however, high concentrations can inhibit its growth.