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Taxonomy of blue-green algae-problems and prospects
Abstract
Only in the past 10 years has attention again been focused on the blue-green algae. Physiological problems are doubtless the main point of interest. However, aside from this, several specialists are studying the taxonomy of this group of algae; they are unanimous in their conviction that the systematic of the blue-green algae must be revised with due consideration given to the plasticity, i.e.polymorphism of many kinds. Experiments were also carried out to this end (Drouet andDaily). Yet the results were unsatisfactory because the revision was mainly based on herbarium material.
Many taxonomic groups must be redefined, which presupposesautecologic andsynecologic studies. Moreoverstatistics of biometric-morphologic data and new taxonomic criteria are necessary. Particular importance must be attached to thecultivation of the forms in question by growing them parallel but in different culture media so that the degree of variation of the taxonometric characteristics can be determined. In this way the old classical system can be revised with the help and collaboration of all specialists.
... They are seen either as free-living forms or in symbiotic associations. The diversity and distribution of algae in paddy fields have been reported by numerous authors (Fritsch, 1907;Desikachary, 1970;Guru et al., 2013 andRay, 2015a,b). Cyanobacteria have been reported from varying altitudes, sea levels to hill ranges, temple ponds, and freshwater lakes in Kodaikanal, Ooty, and Yercaud (Thajuddin and Subramanian, 2005). ...
Algae form a large group of morphologically diverse micro flora inhabiting various agricultural fields. Their contribution to enhancing soil fertility is widely studied. The shrinking of arable land and an increase in anthropogenic activities raises the need for quality and quantity from existing crops. Biomagnification and destruction of natural micro flora caused by chemical fertilizers is a matter of serious concern. This stresses the need to reduce applications of chemical fertilizers and substitute them with better alternatives. An increase in agricultural productivity can be achieved in different ways which include preventing loss due to various stresses both biotic and abiotic, and ensuring the supply of nutrients and sufficient water supply. Microalgae play a vital role in nitrogen fixation thereby increasing the fertility in paddy fields. The uniqueness of the algal community in wetland paddy fields varies depending on the water quality, changes in monsoon seasons, crop stages, fallow, and other physicochemical factors. They show great potential in flood control, recharging water, groundwater conservation, bioremediation, and wastewater reclamation and carbon sequestration. Thus microalgae are gaining immense importance due to the presence of metabolites and essential compounds as substitutes for harmful chemical fertilizers, pesticides and growth-promoting compounds. The present study attempts to review the distribution of microalgae in paddy fields in India.
... Additionally, the distribution of various species of Anabaena was also undertaken for a better understanding of their proliferation vis a vis rice soil types. Desikachary[4]stressed that cultural studies are essential to understand the behavioural pattern of bluegreen algae. According to Stulp[34], incubation under different light and temperature conditions hardly affects the taxonomically important characters such as shape of vegetative cell, heterocyst and akinetes, posi ...
The genus Anabaena is one of the commonly observed genera in the rice fields in South-east Asia. Diversity analyses of a set of 70 Anabaena strains (including 67 strains isolated from diverse rice agro ecologies of India, and three International Reference/Type strains), was carried out using morphological and molecular datasets. The pattern of growth in liquid and solid medium and microscopic observations revealed tremendous diversity in the Anabaena germplasm analysed. The species wise distribution in different soil types and soil pH revealed that Anabaena iyengarii was present at pH ranging from 5.5-8.5 and all the species of Anabaena except A. oscillarioides were present in alluvium soils. Molecular profiling using primers based on HipTG, STRR(mod) and STRR1A sequences generated specific fingerprints for individual isolates. STRR1A was observed to be the most informative and useful for differentiating the isolates. Analyses of a combined dataset, including both morphological and molecular data, proved highly effective in discerning the genetic relationships among the 70 Anabaena strains. The present study provided useful information for the development of a comprehensive database based on the distribution of Anabaena strains in diverse agro ecologies of India and identified useful primers for PCR based differentiation of isolates.
Forty-two cyanoprokaryota strains were isolated from 10 diverse sites along Sharkia Governorate, Egypt (7 sites representing the fertile soils and 3 sites representing the new reclaimed soils). Eight genera and 11 species of N 2-fixing cyanoprokaryota were identified based on available morphological distinction and physiological characterization. On the basis of the obtained results, we classified these isolates to 3 genera and 5 species isolated from fertile soils and 7 genera and 8 species isolated from new reclaimed soils. Nostoc spp strains were the most common filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanoprokaryota (22 strains) and two species of Nostoc including 11 strains of N. muscorum and 11 strains of N. calicicola. Anabaena includes 10 strains in three species (A. oryzae (6 strains), A. circinalis (2 strains) and A. oscillarioides (2 strains). Nodularia spumigena were represented in this work by two strains from fertile soils. In addition Calothrix clavata (2 strains), Synechococcus sp. (3 strains) and one strain of each Oscillatoria homogenea, Dermocarpa olivacea and Xenococcus kerneri were inhabited in the reclaimed soils. This indicates that Nostoc spp. and Anabaena spp. were highly distributed in fertile soils more than new reclaimed soils. The latter species were the most important cyanoprokaryota genera to fix atmospheric nitrogen in rice field.
Forty two cyanobacterial strains were isolated from 10 diverse sites along Sharkia governorate, Egypt (7 sites representing the fertile soils and 3 sites representing the new reclaimed soils). Eight genera and 11 species of N2-fixing cyanobacteria were identified based on available morphological distinction and physiological characterization. On the basis of the obtained results, we classified these cyanobacterial isolates to 3 genera and 5 species isolated from fertile soils and 7 genera and 8 species isolated from new reclaimed soils. Nostoc spp strains were the most common filamentous heterocystforming
cyanobacteria (22 strains). Two species of Nostoc including 11 strains of N. muscorum and 11 strains of N. calicicola. Anabaena includes 10 strains in three species (A. oryzae (6 strains), A. circinalis (2 strains) and A. oscillarioides (2 strains). Nodularia spumigena were represented in this work by two strains from fertile soils. In addition
Calothrix clavata (2 strains), Synechococcus sp. (3 strains) and one strain of each Oscillatoria homogenea, Dermocarpa olivacea and Xenococcus kerneri were inhabited in the reclaimed soils. This indicates that Nostoc spp. and anabaena spp. were highly
distributed in fertile soils more than new reclaimed soils. The latter species were the most important cyanobacteria genera to fix atmospheric nitrogen in rice field.
Two isolates ofAulosira were cultured under uniform laboratory conditions in order to make a taxonomic investigation. The isolates were grown in
Chu 10 and biphasic soil water media, and identified using well known manuals. Study of the isolates revealed differential
behaviour of the same isolate and identical behaviour of dissimilar isolates in different environments (culture conditions).
A revision of the genus is suggested.
A set of thirty Calothrix strains, isolated from diverse geographical regions of India, were characterised using morphological and physiological attributes. Significant differences were observed among the Calothrix strains with regard to the shape and size of trichomes and individual cells within a filament, besides the activities of the enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. Informative morphological and physiochemical characters have been identified that could aid in differentiation and utilisation of Calothrix strains as bioinoculants or as sources of pigments.
Five species of Phormidium and eight species of Oscillatoria were compared in terms of carotenoids, biliproteins, protein profiles and α-esterases, leucine aminopeptidase and phosphatase zymograms. The data from protein profiles and α-esterase zymograms support morphological criteria in recognizing four groups of conspecific taxa: O. tenuis, O. amoena, and O. animalis; O. chalybea and O. formosa; P. foveolarum and P. luridum var. olivacea; and P. persicinum and P. ectocarpii. Problems of Cyanophycean taxonomy are considered in terms of biochemical adjuncts to conventional criteria in characterizing and distinguishing species.
Abstract-Thirty cyanobacterial strains of Calothrix (family Rivulariaceae) isolated from diverse geographical regions of India were analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches. Most of the isolates were planktonic while some grew benthically. Significant differences were observed with regard to the shape and size of the vegetative cells, heterocysts, and akinetes. Analyses of molecular polymorphisms using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) of 16S rRNA genes with the reference strain led to unambiguous differentiation of the isolates as well as understanding of their genetic relationships.
A set of 30 Anabaena strains, isolated from diverse geographical regions of India, were characterized using morphological and physiochemical attributes as well as molecular marker profiles. Significant differences were observed among the Anabaena strains with regard to the shape and size of trichomes and individual cells within a filament, besides qualitative and quantitative aspects of phycobiliprotein accumulation and activities of enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. Analyses of molecular polymorphisms in a selected set of 13 Anabaena strains, using primers based on repetitive sequences in the genome, led to unambiguous differentiation of the strains as well as understanding of their genetic relationships. Informative morphological, physio-chemical and molecular characters have been identified that could aid in differentiation and utilization of Anabaena strains as bioinoculants or as sources of pigments.
The conventions at present used in the classification of blue-green algae frequently prove unsatisfactory. A solution is suggested which requires the simultaneous use of two different approaches. When a binomial is essential the flora of Geitler (1932) should be adequate for most purposes, but any long term attempt to sort out the present chaos will require the use of numerical taxonomy. This dual approach will necessitate various practical changes in current methods of naming and reporting on blue-green algae.
On the basis of measurements of the vegetative cells, heterocysts, and spores, it has been attempted, using statistical methods, to establish a more reliable delimitation of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (L.) Ralfs+var. klebahnii Elenk. and A. gracile Lemm. In addition, a description is given of a new variety of A. flos-aquae var. härdtli, n. var. (see Härdtl [8] and McLachlan [19]). It is pointed out that it is not possible to maintain species A. holsaticum P. Richt., A. incurvatum Cernov, A. platensis Seckt, A. americanum Reinh., and A. morreni Kufferath as separate taxonomic units. It is shown that they should be classes with A. flos-aquae and A. gracile. Mention is briefly made of the Phycomycete Rhizophydium subangulosum (Braun) Rabenh. which grows on A. gracile and was found in samples from Randsfjord collected on 18 May, 15 June, 3 and 9 August 1961. The algae attacked amount to 1·6%, 7·1%, 7·4%, and 12·7%, respectively, of the algal material examined.
A material consisting of the bluish-green algaAnabaena variabilis Kütz. deriving from a lagoon with brackish water (Denmark) was studied for the purpose of evaluating the variations within the three types of cells: vegetative cells, heterocysts, and akinetes. The results of the measurements were subjected to statistical analysis, and the means and dispersions found appear from Table 1.
It is shown that the following taxa propounded in connection with this species: f.tenuis Popova, f.crassa Woronich., f.rotundospora Hollerb., var.ellipsospora Fritsch, var.kashiensis (Bharadwaja) Fritsch, f.monilis (Woroch.) Kossinsk, and f.parallela Elenk. et Dan. are all within the natural range of variability of the species and should not, therefore, be maintained as separate taxa.
In addition it has been shown that the following species are identical withA. variabilis Kütz.:Anabaena botulus Margalef,A. cavanillesiana Guerrero,A. ellipsospora (Fritsch) Ubochova,A. hallensis (Jancz.) B. et F.,A. Ghosei Welsh,A. anomala Fritsch (?),A. gelatinicola Ghose,A. kashiensis Bharadwaja,A. naviculoides Fritsch,A. propinqua Setchell. et Gardn.,A. pseudovariabilis Woronich.,A. sibirica (Popova et Degter) Elenk.,A. steloides Canab.,A. subtropica Gardn.,A. subvariabilis Archibald,A. thermalis Vouk,A. thermalis var.Indica Fritsch,A. thermalis f.rotundospora Aptek.,A. Vouki De Toni, andA. aeruginosa Gardn. (?). They must therefore be considered synonyms.
UnlikeFritsch [10] the present author considersGhose's [13] determination ofA. variabilis Kütz. correct.
Finally a new diagnosis is given ofA. variabilis Kütz. allowing the range of variability in the dimensions of the different cell types and in the shape of the akinetes—it being shown (p. 67) thatBornet andFlahault's [1] description of the species does not agree withKützing's [58, 59] original diagnosis.
Bacteriological studies of bottom deposits from Ensø indicate that the bacterial activity is on the whole slight and that the lake is oligotrophic.
In the sediments endophytic blue-green algae were found in colonies ofAphanothece microscopica Näg. As regardsPhormidium ambiguum andP. bigranulatum taxonomic problems are discussed, and it is mentioned that the denotation f.brevicellulata Claus (P. bigranulatum) is scarcely tenable.
Phormidium Franqueti has been examined in greater detail with regard to cell dimensions and taxonomic relationships. Reasons are given why the material from Ensø is considered to be identical withPhormidium Franqueti Bourr. and why the species should more correctly be described as an endophytic form ofMicrocoleus chthonoplastes (Mertenes) Thuret f.Franqueti (Bourr.) nov. comb.
This study originated as an inquiry, some twenty years ago, into what names should be employed for species of coccoid Myxophyceae found in general collections of algae from various parts of the world. Gradually we accumulated and examined many thousands of specimens. Equally gradually it became apparent to us that only a carefully executed revision of the group, with sufficient attention paid to the morphological variation and life history of each species and with strict adherence to the stern discipline of the science of historical taxonomy, would produce a classification and a nomenclature which would satisfy our desire.
Sporulation of the blue-green alga Anabaena cylindrica Lemm. generally ensues adjacent to heterocysts, in strings of from one to several cells. As a preliminary to an attempt to test whether heterocysts help to initiate sporulation of cells adjacent to them, environmental conditions conducive to rapid, sure sporulation adjacent to heterocysts were established. These conditions included the absence of phosphate from the medium, presence of alanyl-glycine or alanyl-alanine as a buffer, inclusion of sodium acetate and of a relatively high concentration of calcium ion, exposure to an optimal light intensity, and use of an adequate amount of inoculum.Evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that sporulation of a vegetative cell near a heterocyst is dependent upon two processes: (1) abatement of a sporulation-inhibiting influence which acts on the vegetative cell, and (2) a sequential process commencing adjacent to the heterocyst.
Z~tr Revision der Gaffing Gloeoca~sa Ki~tzing, Schweiz
- Golubi~
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Newer Trends in the Taxonomy ofA Igae, Bull natl
- T D Padmaja
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Cyanophyceae, in Rabenhorst’s Kryptogamenflora 14, 1196 pp
- L Geitler
- L. Geitler
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- T D Padmaja
Newer Trends in the Taxonomy of Algae
- T D Padmaja
- T V Anddesikachary
- T. D. Padmaja
Studies on Coccoid Blue-Green Algae-I. Synechococcus elongatus and Anacystis nidulans
- T D Padmaja
- T V Anddesikachary
Revision of the Coccoid Myxophyceae
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