Modeling organism‐organism interactions as a means of predicting Florida red tide management potential

Abstract

The interaction of an organism that produces cytolytic substances (APONINs) toward the Florida red tide organism, Gymnodinium breve, is considered through computer modeling. Specifically, the interaction of Nannochloris oculata with G. breve was reviewed through the use of differential equations and a computer program called TK Solver 3.32. The differential equations that define the growth of the APONIN producing organism are matched with the differential equation associated with the growth of G. breve and the rate of cell lysis to predict the interaction pattern and the time required for effective treatment. Obviously, certain boundary conditions or assumptions are involved and these are reviewed in detail. Under the conditions used, the model shows that N. oculata would eradicate a G. breve outbreak in a little less than two days.

Key words:

• red tide
• Gymnodinium breve
• Nannochloris oculata
• control