Abstract

The agarophyte Ahnfeltia plicata is considered a high commercial potential macroalgae market phycocolloids, because it has a neutral agarose without sulfate groups, this opens the need for more information on its cultivation. However, aspects about biomass growth have not been evaluated in Chile, being necessary for a potential culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vegetative growth in hatchery by using commercial fertilizers and an evaluation of growth with a sea culture system (Skyring). The results in hatchery showed that the best daily biomass growth rate was 0,04% for treatment with Provasoli. In the sea culture system the individuals starts with an average of 1,2 g/individual and finished with an average biomass of 2,2 g / individual, after 9 months of cultivation in the sea. This represents a total growth of 0.9 g per tally in 9 months. The highest growth rate was observed in December (0,52%). Survival was 100%. In the seventh month of culture 56% of the thalli showed reproductive structures (nematecios). This research is the first small-scale cultivation experience of A. plicata in hatchery and sea in Chile. The evaluation of his growth shows that A. plicata has a slow increase in biomass over time, but with low mortality. It is essential to continue making new farming strategies that allow sustainable use of this agarophyte in the Southern part of Chile.