Concise review of the genus Asparagopsis Montagne, 1840

Abstract

Asparagopsis (Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta) species are distributed in most temperate and tropical waters of the world, where they are considered an iconic invader. Despite a low number of species in the genus, Asparagopsis armata and A. taxiformis are considered species complexes, revealing remarkable genetic diversity in native and introduced distribution ranges. Macroscopic life stages that characterize the life cycle, gametophytes, and tetrasporophytes, present different morphologic, photosynthetic, physiological, and ecological features, which may aid in the course of an invasive process. Asparagopsis presence lowers diversity and abundance of native macroalgal communities. Despite hosting a relatively high number of epiphytes and epifauna, lower numbers are consistently found in these invasive species when compared to native flora. The chemical composition of A. armata and A. taxiformis and thus, its commercial applications have been studied since the 1970s. Recently, the discovery of its properties as a potent methane release inhibitor from ruminant animals has boosted a renewed scientific, media, and commercial interest in the genus. Sourcing biomass remains a challenge, and while techniques of cultivation are available, more needs to be done to reach the scale needed to fit such large-volume application. Much is yet to be expected from this red algal genus.