The ecology and demography of the introduced macroalga Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia
Information from this thesis provides a critical understanding of the environmental factors that influence the growth and reproduction of different life stages of Undaria pinnatifida in Port Phillip Bay. Such information is important towards understanding the potential spread of this invasive species and may provide insight into methods that can be used to limit its expansion in southern Australian waters. In 1996 Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar (Laminariales: Phaeophyta) was found growing in coastal waters of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. Undaria pinnatifida is an opportunistic colonizer capable of high rates of reproduction and fast growth rates producing high density populations. It is the dominant macroalgal species at the site of invasion during winter and spring and has the potential for further spread from its current distribution in the northern part of Port Phillip Bay. This is the first in Australia examining the effects of temperature, nitrogen concentration, photon flux density and photoperiod on germination of zoospores, gametophyte growth and reproduction of U. pinnatifida in culture. Information on its recruitment, growth and reproductive capacity in the field is also presented for the first time for a population Australia.
School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 0405 Oceanography, 0607 Plant Biology
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