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Potential triggers of akinete differentiation in Nodularia spumigena (Cyanobacteriaceae) isolated from Australia

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Abstract

Nodularia spumigena, like many cyanobacteria, produces specialised reproductive structures, known as akinetes, which are believed to allow survival under unfavourable conditions. This study investigated the effects of salinity, nitrogen and phosphorus concentration at two irradiances on akinete differentiation in a N. spumigena isolate from the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia. A computer image analysis program was used to photograph filaments and assess production of akinetes over time in separate experiments for each environmental parameter. Heterocyst production and cell morphology were also examined. The results suggest that akinete production increases over time. Production of akinetes is further increased at low and high salinities and with the addition of nitrate. Higher irradiance increases akinete differentiation, although in combination with different phosphorus concentrations causes varied effects. The development and sedimentation of akinetes may provide an inoculum for reoccurring blooms. Heterocysts were only observed during experiments with varying salinity and nitrogen exposures. Light quantity appeared to play a large role in heterocyst production. The ability of N. spumigena to produce akinetes and heterocysts is likely to be part of the reason for its success and continual occurrence in estuarine environments low in nitrogen, such as the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia. Factors known to reduce heterocyst and akinete production will provide new insight to possible management controls for this species.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Gippsland Coastal Board Future Directions and Action Plan Funding Project EG0405-04-16 and by an ARC Linkage grant (LP0669755) to J Beardall and L Gunthorpe.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, Monash University (Clayton Campus), Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Jackie H. Myers & John Beardall

  2. Centre Aquatic Pollution Identification Management (CAPIM), Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3025, Australia

    Jackie H. Myers & Graeme Allinson

  3. Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, DPI Queenscliff Centre, 114, Queenscliff, VIC, 3225, Australia

    Graeme Allinson

  4. School of Information Systems, Deakin University (Warrnambool Campus), 423, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia

    Scott Salzman

  5. Fish Ageing Services Pty Ltd, 396, Portarlington, VIC, 3223, Australia

    Simon Robertson

  6. Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Victoria, DPI Queenscliff Centre, 114, Queenscliff, VIC, 3225, Australia

    Leanne Gunthorpe

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  1. Jackie H. Myers
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  2. John Beardall
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  4. Scott Salzman
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  5. Simon Robertson
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  6. Leanne Gunthorpe
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Correspondence to Jackie H. Myers.

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Handling editor: David Philip Hamilton

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Myers, J.H., Beardall, J., Allinson, G. et al. Potential triggers of akinete differentiation in Nodularia spumigena (Cyanobacteriaceae) isolated from Australia. Hydrobiologia 671, 165–180 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-011-0714-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-011-0714-4

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