Biological and Taxonomic Diversity of Pediastrum simplex in Andhra Pradesh, India

The present study primarily focuses on biological and taxonomic diversity of Pediastrum simplex in Andhra Pradesh, India. The exact and proper taxonomical documentation and classification of freshwater algae from various sources is a prior requisite for the proper use of the algal source in various exponential fields of biological science research including biofuel production, super foods, genetic engineering and as bio-indicators of water contamination. Freshwater algal samples have been collected from four districts of Andhra Pradesh, India and screened for the Genus Pediastrum. The examination of 40 samples collected revealed a number of rare and noteworthy Pediastrum taxa. In the present paper six varieties of Pediastrum simplex are depicted and discussed. These are Pediastrum simplex Mayen 1). Variety simplex Komarek, 2) var. clathratum (Schrot) Chod, 3) var.psuedoglabrum Parra, 4) var. sturmii (Reinch) Wolle, 5) var. echinulatum Wittr. 6) var. biwaense Fukush of these former two were more frequent with different morphotypes in all samples and later three were rare in distribution. The proper taxonomical identification and validation of the species is a prime requisite for genetic diversity studies, culture establishment and their possible biotechnological applications. The taxonomic key is provided and all taxa are described with microphotographs. Pediastrum simplex var. Psuedoglabrum Parra, var. sturmii (Reinch) Wolle, var. echinulatum Wittr. var. biwaense Fukush are reported as first distributional records to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Identification of a rich diversity of freshwater algae from these water bodies indicates that they were still undisturbed and need protection for preservation of algal biodiversity and their potential utilization.