Three New Records from Karnataka State, India of Genus Trentepohlia Mart. (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)

Abstract

Genus Trentepohlia is a subaerial green alga (Chlorophyta). The present study recorded 3 Trentepohlia species (Trentepohlia odorata (F. H. Wiggers) Wittrock, Trentepohlia abietina (Flotow ex Kützing) Hansgirg, and Trentepohlia rigidula (J. Müller) Hariot) for the first time from the 3 distinct regions (Belagavi, Dharwad and Haveri) of the 13 districts of North Karnataka, India during the survey conducted in the year 2022 – 2024. The Trentepohlia species were found as yellow, orange and red coloured patches on both natural (bark of tree stem) and artificial (electric poles, concrete cementing walls of buildings and water tanks) substrata. Based on Sampling sites and substrata Trentepohlia shows host specificity rather than the artificial substratum specificity. According to date of collection the winter season is more appropriate for growth of Trentepohlia as the physical factors as temperature, humidity and light intensity at the time of collection had pronounced effect on growth of Trentepohlia. Hence, these physical factors can be considered as critical key factors for the growth of Trentepohlia. Morphometric studies revealed various distinct characters like shape of cell, cell dimensions, branching pattern and structure of sporangia. Since meager research work has been done on Trentepohlia, this article throws more light on the addition to Trentepohlia in Karnataka. Hence, study of Trentepohlia species is first basic attempt made in Karnataka for further research.