Overcoming propagule supply bottlenecks for seaweed production

Asparagopsis taxiformis, a red seaweed, is effective in reducing methane production when added to animal feed. To support the Australian livestock sector to reduce its emissions footprint, there is an urgent need and significant commercial incentive to rapidly develop next-generation ways to propagate, farm and process Asparagopsis taxiformis at scale. This project will develop micropropagation tools to enable year-round seedstock supply of seaweeds and the development of genetically improved strains. Micropropagation uses plant tissue in small amounts to produce large numbers of disease-free plants in a short period, using small spaces. The project will also assess the commercial practicality of workflow for micropropagation, using seedstock seedlings on ropes followed by grow-out in tanks or ponds.