Unusual Rhizoidal Development in Bangia (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) – Another Form of Vegetative Reproduction?

doi:2007.22.1.31

Algae > Volume 22(1); 2007 > Article

Algae 2007;22(1): 31-36. doi: https://doi.org/10.4490/algae.2007.22.1.031

Christian Boedeker¹^*, Tracy J. Farr² and Wendy A. Nelson²

¹National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Leiden University Branch, P.O. Box 9514, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
²National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 14-901, Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand

*Corresponding Author

Email: boedeker@nhn.leidenuniv.nl

ABSTRACT

The gametophytic filaments of two genetically distinct taxa of Bangia from New Zealand showed unusual rhizoidal development in comparative culture experiments. In the past Bangia has been reported to possess simple, colourless rhizoids that extend from the basal cells of the unbranched filaments, whereas in this study the rhizoids observed became pigmented and multicellular. A reversal of growth direction occurred and filamentous extensions developed from the rhizoids under some culture conditions. These extensions were either prostrate or resembled new gametophytic filaments. This is the first report for filamentous members of the Bangiales of the development of such stolon-like rhizoids, apparently serving as a form of vegetative reproduction.

Key words: Bangia, perennial phase, stolon-like rhizoids, vegetative reproduction