First report on the allelopathic effect of Tychonema bourrellyi (Cyanobacteria) against Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria)

The allelopathic effect of the cyanobacterium Tychonema bourrellyi against the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa is reported for the first time in this paper. The filtrate of T. bourrellyi CHAB663 culture showed strong inhibitory effect on M. aeruginosa NIES-843, but the inhibitory effect was weakened by shaking culture, and such results implied that the allelopathic effect was probably mediated by the volatile substances secreted by T. bourrellyi. beta-Ionone was identified as a major ingredient in the volatile substances in the cultures of T. bourrellyi, and it may act as an important allelochemical responsible for this allelopathic activity. The filtrates of T. bourrellyi culture were shown to decrease the maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax) and elevate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cells of M. aeruginosa NIES-843.