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Growth and Filament Length of the Bloom Forming Oscillatoria simplicissima (Oscillatoriales, Cyanophyta) in Varying N and P Concentrations

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Abstract

The growth of the bloom forming cyanobacterial species Oscillatoria simplicissima Gomont from the Vaal River, South Africa, was studied under varying N and P concentrations. It was found that this species responds morphologically to N or P limitation by decreasing the length of its filaments. Especially in N-depleted treatments the length of the filaments decreased significantly, and production of hormogonia increased, when compared to filaments grown in nutrient replete conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biota BD, Tykistökatu 6B, FI-20520, Turku, Finland

    Mikaela Kruskopf

  2. School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University Potchefstroom, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Sandra Du Plessis

Authors
  1. Mikaela Kruskopf
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  2. Sandra Du Plessis
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Correspondence to Mikaela Kruskopf.

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Kruskopf, M., Plessis, S.D. Growth and Filament Length of the Bloom Forming Oscillatoria simplicissima (Oscillatoriales, Cyanophyta) in Varying N and P Concentrations. Hydrobiologia 556, 357–362 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1061-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1061-0

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