Ecophysiological Studies of the Adriatic Seaweed, Fucus virsoides

Abstract. The Adriatic brown macroalga Fucus virsoides (DON.) J. Ac (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) was investigated with particular respect to basic physiological features such as photosynthesis, dark carbon fixation, and respiration. Values obtained are expressed in various reference systems. Chemical composition of the fronds and physiological activity (photosynthesis/dark fixation along with the respective carboxytating enzymes (ribulose-1,5-bisphophate carboxylase and phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase) show longitudinal profiles. Temperature characteristics of photosynthesis in long-term adapted specimens indicate reduced productivity at temperatures exceeding 20 °C. Photosynthesis during atmospheric exposure is markedly increased under moderate desiccation. Photosynthetic rates steadily decline under reduced salinity of the incubation medium, while respiration is stimulated. Net primary productivity of a F. virsoides stand at 15 °C ambient average temperature, tidal exposure for maximally 2–3 hours and light-dark regime = 12: 12 is calculated as 4.8-5.4 g C m^-2d-1. Culture experiments with polluted incubation media provide evidence that excessive nutrients including nitrate and phosphate as well as high concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Co, Mn) cause severe growth-rate reduction which may account for the steady decrease of F. virsoides in its natural habitat. The results are discussed with emphasis on the autecology of F. virsoides and its relationships to Atlantic representatives of the genus.