The effects of planting distances and seedling sources on Kappaphycus alvarezii growth

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the effects of planting distance and seedling sources on the performance growth of K. alvarezii cultured by using a long line method. The research was conducted in Bungin Permai Village, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. A factorially experimental design consisted of four seedling sources, namely tissue-cultured with nutrient enrichment (KJR-P), tissue-cultured without any nutrient enrichment (KJR-TP), conventional seedling with nutrient enrichment (KV-P), and conventional seedling without any nutrient enrichment (KV-TP). Three planting distances (10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm) with three replicates. The parameters like biomass growth, daily growth rate, and pigment content, were paid in attention during the research. Results of this research reveal that the planting distance has significant effects on biomass growth, daily growth rate, and chlorophyll content. It proves that the 20 cm long of binding distance conduces the highest biomass growth, daily growth rate, and chlorophyll content in each source of seaweed K.alvarezii seedling. The Duncan test analysis for the 20 cm of planting distance indicates that the KJR-P seedling source yields the highest biomass growth (464 grams), daily growth rate (7.24%), and chlorophyll content (6.21 mg/g), and it is significantly different (p<0.05) with three other seedling sources.