Reproduction and early development in Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot: Chlorophyceae

Reproduction and early development of Codium fragile from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, was studied in the laboratory. Zygotes and germlings were obtained in culture and observed over a period of several months. The possibility of parthenogenetic development of female gametes in this population was investigated. It was found that zygotes and germlings are produced only in the presence of both male and female plants. No utricles were produced by young germlings, even after 3 to 4 months in culture. The existence of a “juvenile filamentous stage” without utricles is suggested. Asexual propagation as an effective means of rapid dissemination is discussed.