This dataset presents the diameter of the larger green cells found in the thalli of Ulva lacinulata and Ulva compressa that became protoplasts after being released to the water.
This dataset presents the fresh weight of U. lacinulata's biomass during the degradation experiment. This allowed the calculation of relative growth rates (RGR).
This dataset presents the number of germinated individuals that originated from protoplasts from Ulva lacinulata and Ulva compressa. The individuals are separated into different morphologies (unattached discs and unattached germlings). Unattached discs are also separated into the color they presented at the end of the experiment to indicate fertility. Green discs: not fertile; Brown discs: fertile; White discs: dead discs after gamete release. This allowed to calculate the germination rate, morphology ratios and percentage of fertility.
This dataset presents the number of protoplasts collected during the degradation experiment with Ulva lacinulata and Ulva compressa. This allowed the calculation of protoplast yields.
Degradation in Ulva lacinulata and reproduction in Ulva compressa were observed and described for four weeks. The natural occurrence of protoplasts in both species was found. Protoplast yields were calculated each week for several weeks. At the beginning of the experiment, heterogeneity of the thallus was visible under the microscope. The diameter of the cells in the thalli that later became protoplasts were measured. A germination experiment was performed after protoplasts were collected. Germination rates were calculated based on the number of individuals visible by the naked eye at the end of the experiment. 2 % (U. lacinulata) and 4 % (U. compressa) of protoplasts germinated into two morphologies: unattached germlings and unattached discs. Because discs released gametes early in their development, their diameter was measured to estimate the gametes yields produced at the end of the experiment. During degradation of U. lacinulata, we found an increase in biomass after the first two weeks of the experiment. Fresh weight measurements were taken each week and relative growth rates were calculated. Our results provide the first evidence of the natural production of protoplasts in Ulva spp. and estimate that higher seeding yields can be obtained by natural protoplast production than direct gametogenesis.