Growth, Carottenoid, Fiber and Mineral Content of the Sea Grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) Cultivated With Different Methods

Abstract

One of the main cultivation commodities currently being developed by the government is seaweed. C. lentillifera has a profitable selling value on the market, while the highest demand comes from Japan. Therefore, in order to develop C. lentillifera cultivation optimally, a comprehensive study was needed. Seaweed growth is influenced by several factors including the physics and chemistry of the cultivation environment. In addition, choosing the right cultivation method is based on the characteristics of the cultivation location. This research aimed to determine the best cultivation method for the sake of growth, with a positive effect on the fiber and ash content of C. lentillifera sea grapes. The method used in this research was an experimental research method with a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments, bottom method, off-bottom method and surface method, as well as 3 replications. The parameters observed were growth, carotenoid content, fiber and ash. Analysis of variance was carried out using the SPSS version 16.0 program. The highest absolute growth of C. lentillifera seaweed (98.33± 5.69) was obtained using the off-bottom method. Meanwhile, the lowest absolute growth (11.00± 3.61) was obtained using the bottom method. The fiber and mineral content of C. lentillifera is quite high at all depths. In general, the carotenoid content is strongly influenced by the intensity of light reaching the seaweed thallus. The measured water quality parameters are sufficient to support the physiological process of seaweed growing and developing with high quality. Different cultivation methods have significant differences in the absolute growth and quality of cultivated C. lentillifera seaweed. The best method in this research is using the off-bottom method.