Vectors bundles with theta divisors I—Bundles on Castelnuovo curves

Abstract.

In this paper we show that semistable vector bundles on a Castelnuovo curve of genus g ≥ 2 have theta divisors. As a corollary, we deduce that semistable vector bundles on a smooth, general curve of genus g ≥ 2 which extend to semistable vector bundles on any flat Castelnuovo degeneration of the general curve admit a theta divisor.