Field and laboratory studies of selected marine algae of south Texas

Abstract

Field studies of the seaweeds of South Texas reveal thirty-seven new area records and many state range extensions. Selected genera were isolated into culture and studied along with field collections to insure correct identification. In one of these cultures, that of Entermorpha lingulata, an abnormal spheroid thallus was produced and was found to be a mutation. The mutation appeared only in the haploid female state and affected direction of cell division in early development of E. lingulata. Based on mating studies, the abnormal thallus is a result of interaction between Mendelian and non-Mendelian controls. A Phodophycean unicell which has not been previously described was also isolated into culture. A new genus and specific epithet, Erythrolobos fottii, is created to accommodate this isolate and one from Washington. A revised key to the order Porphyridales, in which the new taxon belongs, is given.