Alexandra H. Campbell1, Cecilia Pascelli1, David Heynes1, Min Zhao1, Scott Cummins1, and Nicholas A. Paul1
1Seaweed Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, 4556, Australia
Correspondence: Alexandra H. Campbell, acampbe1@usc.edu.au
There is growing interest in farming red seaweeds from the genus Asparagopsis due to their potential application as a feed supplement for ruminant livestock, to mitigate methane emissions from these animals, which accounts for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, we understand very little about natural variation in biosynthesis of the bioactive compounds produced by Asparagopsis that have this important effect in ruminants. It has been well established that abiotic factors can affect the production of natural products in other seaweeds, however we do not understand how seasonal or experimental changes in temperature or other abiotic factors (e.g. light) affect the synthesis of bromoform in this seaweed. Furthermore, recent compelling evidence suggests that some microbes (or microbial functions) are essential for normal development, defence and even reproduction in seaweeds and that such associations can be similar amongst familial individuals. Although there are no examples of microbes influencing the biosynthesis of natural products by seaweeds, there are certainly examples of marine microbiomes influencing gene expression in their hosts. Understanding which conditions lead to enhanced biosynthesis in Asparagopsis and whether association with certain microorganisms can enhance biosynthesis in Asparagopsis will inform the development of an aquaculture industry for this species. We will present the results of a 12-month monitoring program measuring the concentration of bromoform in Asparagopsis taxiformis individuals in a natural population of this species and correlate this with physical, demographic and microbiological data.