Effects of light quality on the reproduction and morphology of sporophytes of Laminaria japonica (Phaeophyceae)

Responses of the sporophytes of Laminaria japonica to blue, red and white lights were investigated using segments, discs and whole plants. The relative growth rate with regard to the blade's length and width showed no difference among the light conditions during 2 weeks of culturing. On the contrary, the elongation rates of the stipe and the holdfast were 1.7-2.5 times higher under red light than that under white light as a control. Callus formation in the segments was also promoted more under red light conditions than under white or blue light. Blue light irradiation resulted in a 48% and 12% decrease in the relative growth rate of the stipe and the holdfast, respectively, in comparison with the control. When sporophyte discs were cultured for 10 weeks, all discs formed zoosporangial sori 2-3 weeks earlier under blue light than under white light. However, red light inhibited the formation of zoosporangia. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) oxidase activity was about two-fold higher under blue light than under red light, suggesting that the difference in response between the blue and red light conditions is related to the internal IAA level of the tissues. The developmental, reproductive and morphological effects of blue and red lights will be useful for the artificial control of the life cycle of Laminaria plants and for the development of more efficient cultivation techniques.