Nuisance Alga Gonyostomum Sement Implications for its Global Expansion

The large flagellated raphidophyte Gonyostomum semen is a nuisance species as it causes itching and allergic reactions to people swimming in lakes. It was first described by Ehrenberg in 1853 under the name of Monas semen from a small pond outside Berlin. Up to now, the occurrence of G. semen has been stated from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Slovakia, USA, Canada, South America (Bourrelly, 1970) and Africa (Gerrath & Denny, 1980) showing a world-wide distribution of the species. Mass development of G. semen was first recorded by Drouet & Cohen (1935) in Cedar pond, Massachusetts. High nutrient levels (especially of phosphorus) appeared to favour the alga, as was observed by Rosén (1981). The vertical migration ability gives to the species a certain independence from the phosphorus deficiency occurring in the epilimnion during stratification. This can be the main reason of success of this species up to now.

LAUGASTE Reet;  NOGES Peeter; 

2006-12-20

Capital Publishing Company

JRC31648

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC31648,