Concise review of green algal genus Ulva Linnaeus.

The green algal genus Ulva is widely distributed around all continents. Plants with both distromatic or monostromatic thalli now form a single taxon based on ITS rDNA and rbcL gene sequencing. Ulva is known to occupy several ecological niches including freshwater and marine (intertidal and subtidal) habitats, attributed to its tolerance to key determinants such as light, temperature, and salinity. The genus is perceived as model system to study life cycle, morphogenesis and development from simple to complex multicellularity. The life cycle is isomorphic and biphasic type, knowledge of which is important in developing viable cultivation techniques. The culture of Ulva is by photo-bioreactor, land-based, and open-sea farming producing about 1500 t dry annum⁻¹ biomass. The understanding of scientific basis for eutrophication-driven green tide events is of paramount importance for coastal ecosystem management. Studies related to cross-kingdom cross-talk between Ulva and surrounding microbes have been recently undertaken through high-throughput techniques to understand their role in growth, development, and morphogenesis. Several regional species are rich in vital nutrients and thus qualify in the functional food sector, and recent research is poised to develop a bio-refinery model for complete utilization of feedstock. Ulva spp. are also used as a feed source in aquaculture and for environmental bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]