The Diversity of Eucheumatoid Seaweed Cultivars in the Philippines

Collectively known as eucheumatoids, Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus alvarezii, K. malesianus, and striatus are the main farmed seaweed species in Philippines. The success of farming for over five decades country is due, part, to high diversity cultivars maintained by Filipino farmers. Notwithstanding fact that many eucheumatoid presently (and consistently) recognized farmers, there has been no attempt summarize current state local traditional knowledge about this group, especially with reference taxonomy, cultivar designation distribution. Factors based on present day what genetic identification Philippines were also discussed. A total 66 across 58 provinces documented. Most these morphologically identified either alvarezii or striatus, however, majority yet be genetically identified. In due higher demand kappa-carrageenan extract compared from iota type, widely cultivated than E. denticulatum. Only southern malesianus currently cultivated. diverse study suggest farmers possess important can useful future crop selection breeding.