Abstract
Short-term exposure to the enzymes actinidin and pepsin can be used to separate the stalked epiphytic diatoms Synedra tabulata (Agardh) Kutzing and Licmophora spp. (Araphidineae) from their brown or green algal hosts. Only actinidin can be used on red algae which disintegrate on acidified pepsin treatment. Cocconeis scutellum Ehrenberg and Achnanthes brevipes Agardh (Monoraphidineae) and Gomphonema pseudexiguum Simonsen (Biraphidineae) were, during the 1 min exposure period, not sensitive to this separation technique. Enzyme separation can be used in conjunction with familiar radiotracer procedures to obtain primary productivity values for the components of a natural assemblage of epiphytic diatoms and their host. Apparently, by varying the exposure period the technique may also be used to remove other groups of epiphytic diatoms.

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