Tifeng Shan, Norio Tanada, Han Gil Choi, Norishige Yotsukura, Rui Zhang, Kazuma Yoshizumi, Minoru Miyadai, César Peteiro
Undaria is an economically important genus of macroalgae belonging to the Laminariales (kelp species), whose most prominent species is Undaria pinnatifida, commercially known by its Japanese name wakame. It has been harvested from the wild and subsequently cultivated extensively for decades in East Asia (Japan, Korea, and China) and, more recently, on a smaller scale in some European countries (France and Spain). Focusing on U. pinnatifida, this chapter first presents a comprehensive overview of its fundamental biology, commercial utilization, and production aspects. It then provides a detailed synthesis of current cultivation practices and recent advancements, including cultivation techniques, yield optimization, harvesting, and biosecurity constraints associated with its non-native culture. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for advancing knowledge and supporting future research and development of environmentally responsible mariculture involving this commercially important seaweed species of global significance.