The relationship between harmful algal blooms and cyst germination in Korea waters

Abstract

It has been known that the germination of resting cysts plays a key role in the onset of algal blooms in previousstudies. The population dynamics of Heterosigma akashiwo, Peridinium claudicans, and P. conicum, amulti-modal blooming species, support this hypothesis. In a laboratory experiment, the rejuvenation of H.akashiwo resting cells, which was induced by exposure to darkness, low temperature, and limited nutrients,occurs without a dormant period. This may explain why the population dynamics of this species in the fieldseem to be characterized by sporadic appearance and rapid disappearance of blooms. On the other hand,Scrippsiella trochoidea, Alexandrium tamarense, and Nostocales, including Anabaena cylindrica, had atemporal discrepancy between the peak of the vegetative population and the germination rate. The reason forthe delay from germination to algal bloom remains unclear. This paper reviews the role of resting cells in theinitiation of algal blooms and suggests a new perspective on the relationship between harmful algal bloomsand cyst germination.