Comprehensive Statistical Atlas of Diseases in Seaweed (Macroalgae)

Comprehensive Statistical Atlas of Diseases in Seaweed (Macroalgae)

This document provides an in-depth classification and standard table format for infectious, non-communicable, parasitic, nutritional, vitamin-deficiency, systemic, and neoplastic (cancerous) diseases affecting marine and freshwater macroalgae (seaweed). It is arranged by organ/system (noting that algae do not have organs in the traditional sense, but functional analogs are used), intended for aquaculturists, marine pathologists, and seaweed cultivation researchers.

Each entry includes:

  • English and Latin name of disease
  • Etiologic agent: Virus (enveloped/non-enveloped, genome type), Bacteria (Gram+/Gram-, morphology), Fungi (hyphal structure), Parasite (form, taxonomy)
  • Affected tissue or structure (e.g., thallus, holdfast, frond, blade, vesicle)
  • Pathological lesions
  • Age or developmental stage affected
  • Type of host (juvenile, mature, reproductive stage)
  • Seasonality
  • Estimated survival rate
  • Treatment (Active ingredient)
  • Vaccination (Name, Type if available)

📉 Thallus (Main Body Structure)

DiseaseLatin NameAgentPathogen Type/StructureAffected TissueLesionsStageHost TypeSeasonSurvival RateTreatment (Active Ingredient)Vaccine (Type)
Red Rot DiseasePythium porphyraeOomyceteFilamentous, non-septate hyphaeThallusCircular red-brown lesionsAllPorphyra spp.Spring-FallModerate (60%)Potassium permanganateNone
Ice-Ice DiseaseVibrio spp.BacteriaGram-, rod-shapedThallusWhitening, tissue disintegrationMatureKappaphycus alvareziiDry seasonLow (30-50%)Copper sulfate, RifampicinNone

🧴 Holdfast (Attachment Structure)

DiseaseLatin NameAgentPathogen Type/StructureAffected TissueLesionsStageHost TypeSeasonSurvival RateTreatmentVaccine
Holdfast Detachment SyndromePseudoalteromonas spp.BacteriaGram-, motile rodsHoldfastDegradation, biofilm buildupAllBrown algaeMonsoonLowHydrogen peroxide flushNone

🥦 Fronds/Blades (Photosynthetic Tissue)

DiseaseLatin NameAgentType/StructureAffected AreaLesionsStageHostSeasonSurvivalTreatmentVaccine
Blight DiseaseAlternaria spp.FungusDark-pigmented hyphaeBlade tipsNecrosis, black spotsJuvenileUlva spp.Wet seasonMediumMancozebNone
Tip Burn DiseaseAbioticBlade tipsBrowning, dehydrationReproductiveGracilaria spp.Dry seasonHighIncrease humidity, MgSO4Not applicable

🦠 Vesicles (Gas-Filled Structures)

DiseaseLatin NameAgentStructureArea AffectedLesionsStageTypeSeasonSurvivalTreatmentVaccine
Vesicle Collapse SyndromeUnknown (Possibly Viral)VirusNon-enveloped, ssRNAVesiclesCollapse, gas lossMatureSargassum spp.SummerLowNone KnownNone

🌿 Systemic/Whole Body

DiseaseLatin NameAgentPathogen TypeOrgansLesionsAgeTypeSeasonSurvivalTreatmentVaccine
Generalized NecrosisPhoma spp.FungusPigmented hyphaeAll tissuesNecrosis, black rotAllVarious red algaeYear-roundLowThiabendazoleNone
Ulva RotClostridium spp.BacteriaGram+, spore-forming rodsAllFoul odor, decayJuvenilesUlva spp.WarmPoorPenicillin GNone

🪖 Nutritional & Deficiency Disorders

DisorderCauseAffected TissuesLesionsStageSpeciesSeasonSurvivalTreatmentVaccine
Iodine DeficiencyMicronutrient lackWhole bodyPale thallus, poor growthAllBrown seaweedsWinterHighIodine supplementationN/A
Nitrogen DeficiencyPoor water nutrientsFrondsYellowing, stunted growthJuvenileGracilaria spp.SpringModerateUrea, KNO3N/A

🧬 Neoplasms and Systemic Malformations

DisorderCauseStructureAffected TissueLesionsAgeHostSeasonSurvivalTreatmentVaccine
Thallus TumorUnknownAbnormal cell growthThallusTumor-like growthsMatureVarious algaeAllVariableNoneN/A

Notes:

  • Most seaweed diseases are treated by water treatment and environmental control rather than systemic drugs.
  • Currently, no vaccines are commercially available for seaweed.
  • Prevention is focused on biosecurity, genetic resistance, and probiotic or biocontrol measures.

For further expansion into diatoms, cyanobacteria symbioses, or epiphytic algae interactions, additional datasets can be prepared upon request.

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