Differential temperature sensitivity of haploid and diploid spores of two red intertidal algae from the Magellan Strait

Abstract

Spores have crucial importance in the establishment and development of seaweed populations. When the spore release matches with the low tidal period, they experience an extreme variation in the environmental conditions including the temperature. In this study, we assess the photosynthetic responses and growth of haploid (tetraspores) and diploid (carpospores) spores of two Gigartinales species (Mazzaella laminarioides and Iridaea cordata) from sub-Antarctic populations when exposed to an increasing temperature. In the laboratory, freshly released spores were exposed to a temperature gradient (7 [control], 10, 15, and 20 °C) recreating the temperature increase experienced by these spores during typical spring tides. Germination and further growth of spores previously exposed to temperature treatments were assessed. Carpospores and tetraspores exhibited variation in their photosynthetic response (measured as effective quantum yield; Φ_PSII) to temperature increase. In Mazzaella laminarioides, only carpospores exhibited a reduction in Φ_PSII (by 7-24% at 15-20 °C), while both types of spores of Iridaea cordata were sensitive to temperature increase (12-24% of Φ_PSII reduction at 10-20 °C). Spores previously exposed to temperature treatments and maintained at 7 °C and low PAR germinated and developed in germlings. In general, germlings originated from carpospores pre-treated at high temperatures showed higher growth rates. The different responses to temperature increase exhibited by haploid and diploid propagules of both species highlight their ecophysiological capacity to face high-temperature variation ensuring successful recruitment survival.

Keywords: Isomorphic phases; Ploidy; Propagules; Reproductive cycles; Spores; Stress tolerance; Sub-antarctic region.