Distribution and Identification of Ulva aragoensis (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta), a Constituent Species of Green Tides in the Southern Yellow Sea, Based on Molecular Data

Green tides are a serious global ecological disaster; the largest occur in Southern Yellow Sea (SYS). Early-stage green SYS composed of four species (Ulva prolifera, Ulva flexuosa, linza, and compressa). We found that U. aragoensis is constituent based on molecular data. Furthermore, this study re-evaluated proportion it was more prevalent micro-propagules cultured from surface seawater during an early-stage tide 2021. The internal transcribed spacers, tufA, 18S, rbcL, large subunit, psbA, rps2-trnL gene sequences were compared; tufA rbcL most suitable DNA barcodes for distinguishing aragoensis. A haplotype analysis floating its performed to correlation between macroalgae micro-propagules; close similarities occurred them. This further clarified composition provided reference assessing relationship macroalgae.