Advances in cultivation technology of commercial eucheumatoid species: a review with suggestions for future research

An advance is defined as any technology that leads to an increase in production of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty, K. striatum Schmitz and Eucheuma dentictdatum (Burman) Collins et Harvey (commercial eucheumatoid species) per unit time, effort, area and cost in more than one cultivation area. The present review has shown that no true advances have taken place in commercial eucheumatoid farming in over a decade. These species have remained the primary source of carrageenan through expansion of cultivation area and increase in the number of farmers since fanner productivity has not increased through time. Priority should be given to researches that could replace tie-tie system currently being used in the vegetative propagation of the crops and the possible use of spores/sporelings in cultivation as in other economic seaweeds. Multifactorial experiments considering nutrients, salinity and light especially, need to be done to meet seasonality problems in growth/production of the crops. Understanding and developing the capability to mitigate or eliminate pests, herbivores and diseases need to be addressed more closely. Strains should be developed through a continuous selection of wild varieties, breeding programs and genetic manipulation or transgenic production/development. Increasing the quality of extract through superior post-harvest handling and strain improvement should be achieved. Practical and effective quarantine procedures should be explored, publicized and utilized for introduction of crops to new areas. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.