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SUMMARY
The influence of light intensity on the growth of seven Microcystis isolates was investigated using a batch culture system. The growth of Microcystis cultures was generally inhibited by light intensities higher than 10 μEinsteins m−2 sec−1. The optimal light intensity determined over a growth period of 22 days ranged between 7,5 - 22 μEinsteins m−2 sec−1. M. aeruginosa (UV-008) was the most sensitive and M. incerta (UV-003) was the least sensitive. Maximum specific growth rates ranged from 0,52 to 1,32 day−1 for M. aeruginosa (UV-008) and M. incerta (UV-003) respectively. Sensitivity towards high light intensity was not related to toxicity, presence of bacteria in culture, colonial habit, cell size or presence of gas vacuoles. A very good correlation (r = >0,99) existed between turbidity and cell number in M. aeruginosa (UV-007) cultures before the initiation of the death phase or before cells started bleaching or lysing.