Taxonomy of blue-green algae-problems and prospects

Abstract

Only in the past 10 years has attention again been focused on the blue-green algae. Physiological problems are doubtless the main point of interest. However, aside from this, several specialists are studying the taxonomy of this group of algae; they are unanimous in their conviction that the systematic of the blue-green algae must be revised with due consideration given to the plasticity, i.e. polymorphism of many kinds. Experiments were also carried out to this end ( Drouet and Daily ). Yet the results were unsatisfactory because the revision was mainly based on herbarium material. Many taxonomic groups must be redefined, which presupposesautecologic andsynecologic studies. Moreoverstatistics of biometric-morphologic data and new taxonomic criteria are necessary. Particular importance must be attached to thecultivation of the forms in question by growing them parallel but in different culture media so that the degree of variation of the taxonometric characteristics can be determined. In this way the old classical system can be revised with the help and collaboration of all specialists.