The Culture Collection of Algae of Pakistan at Sind University

Abstract

The project is concerned with the collection and culturing of Algae of Pakistan. The culture collection centre was established with the financial assistance and cooperation of Pakistan foundation, Islamabad. The cultures of Algae belonging to Cyanophyceae, chlorophyceae are important as they serve useful materials for physiological and genetical research, as well as in basic studies in morphology, taxonomy, cytology and ecology of these groups. Since no algal culture was present in Pakistan where culture could be readily available; the project was started to collect identify and isolate the algal species to bring them into pure cultures. In the present report period from (April 1975 to March 1979) alga species, collected from temporary and permanent ponds of Thatta, Dadu, Larkana, Hyderabad and Khairpur Districts os Sind were brought into unialgal and pure forms. About 625 collections were made. In all 143 species were identified belonging to various orders and genres of chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae. Out of 143 species identified we were able to maintain 100 species up to July 78 in unialgal and pure forms. Due to conditions of 78, beyond our control all the species brought Into unialaal and pure forms were destroyed.