The autecology of Peridinium cinctum fa. westii from Lake Kinneret

Summary

The dinoflagellate Peridinium cinctum fa. westii is the dominant alga in Lake Kinneret from February till June. The effects of light, temperature and pH on growth and ¹⁴C incorporation were studied in Peridinium cultures. Orthophosphate uptake by the dinoflagellates was compared to that of concomitant nanoplankton in lake water. At early stages of development, Peridinium have specific uptake capabilities for C and N similar to those of the nanoplankton. Later they are much less active, but can partially compensate by swimming throughout the water column. A combination of physical (high temperature, radiation, turbulence) and chemical (high pH, low N and P) factors leads to the collapse of the Peridinium bloom.