Land-based Cultivation of Edible Green Seaweed Ulva from Spore-based Seedlings

The technology involves standardization of method for consistent production of Ulva’s spore-based seedlings at a scale of 1,00,000 seedlings per batch of 45 days. It has demonstrated the use of various abiotic stresses like fragmentation, salinity, fresh-water treatment, desiccation, temperature and a combined stress to get maximum number of viable seedlings consistently from a minimum use of mother tissue. In addition, a 45-day semi-controlled laboratory tank cultivation protocol has also been established. Media, stocking density, seedling size, light illumination were standardized at each stage of tank-based cultivation with different customized tanks, with specific conditions and nutrient compositions, which promote maximum growth. The invention provides a systematic approach to tank-based Ulva cultivation using spore-based seedlings, offering benefits such as increased biomass production, reduced mortality rates, and sustainability

The technology enables continuous, season-independent production of Ulva seaweed seedlings via induced sporulation and abiotic stress techniques, followed by semi-controlled land-based tank cultivation. Starting from just 5 g of fresh mother tissue, it yields 1,00,000 seedlings (0.5–1.0 cm) within 45 days and 2 kg fresh biomass in an additional 45 days. It supports the sustained supply of Ulva biomass for food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, bioenergy, and agricultural applications

Year-round seedling production — independent of season or wild plant availability.

• High scalability: 1,00,000 seedlings per batch from just 5 g of mother tissue.
• Standardised abiotic stress protocols ensure consistent, high-yield viable seedlings.
• Land-based, closed-system cultivation prevents ecosystem disruption.
• Reduced mortality rates and increased biomass yield compared to traditional methods.
• Non-polluting process — no harmful chemicals required