Controlling damaging ciliates in sea vegetable aquaculture with a focus on laver culture
Principal Investigator: Susan Brawley (UMaine, Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research)
Partners: Steve Eddy (CCAR)
Abstract: This project has two key aims: 1) developing protocols to eliminate cilates from stock and production cultures of the sea vegetables alaria, dulse, and laver, and 2) establishing conchocelis cultures on oyster shells of summer “laver” species in order to expand our candidate crops to a 12 mo period. Summer is an ideal time to begin this work since it is when ciliate problems most afflict our work at CCAR, and because species needed for starting conchocelis culture are available then. A series of compounds will be tested on ciliates + dulse/tetraspores, ciliates + laver/neutral spores, and ciliates + alaria gametophytes/zoospores in well-replicated experiments. A methodical approach to testing some of these compounds is needed, and it is ideal for the undergraduate RRF opportunity. Zygotospores will be isolated from Wildemania and Boreophyllum to establish conchocelis, and we will determine in the ensuing fall semester what photoperiods and temperatures to use to release conchospores for net-seeding. Results will be shared frequently with commercial partners (see Letters of Support). Outreach to the public by the student will be aided by meetings with the MCSV outreach team, at their invitation, to reach adults and local school children in the greater Ellsworth area.