Observations on the Developmental Variability of Camptylonema lahorense Ghose

The variability of Camptylonema lahorense Ghose has been studied during its development both in nature and in unialgal cultures. In nature the alga is mostly unbranched whereas in cultures it shows profuse pseudo-branches, both single and geminate. Akinetes have not been found anywhere. Observations have also been recorded on the ecological factors determining the growth of the alga in nature. Slightly alkaline and base-deficient soils with variable nitrate content and moderate to high oxidation intensity determine its growth. In the light of present study, the systematic position and the affinities of the alga have been discussed.