Seaweed Cultivation of Micropropagated Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) in Bungin Permai Coastal Waters, Tinanggea Sub-District, South Konawe Regency, South East Sulawesi.

Abstract

The Kappaphycus alvarezii or commonly called as cottonii is the most economically seaweed species in Indonesia. Farming of this seaweed is expanding widely as a main livelihood source for coastal communities in South East (SE) Sulawesi. This study was done in Bungin Permai coastal waters for 3 months from April-June 2017. One cycle of 35-day culture trials were conducted to describe the cultivation of micropropagated seedlings of K alvarezii and their daily growth rate (DGR) using long-line farming technique. Cultivation process was started from preparation of materials, tying of seedlings, planting, monitoring, and harvesting. This study found that DGR of K. alvarezii were 4.6%.day-1, ratio of dried weight: wet weight of the harvested seaweed was 1:6. In addition, epiphytes such as Sargassum polychystum and Hypnea musciformis were also found. This DGR result was comparable with those cultured from other countries. In conclusion, the micropropagated K. alvarezii seedlings can be used to increase seaweed production in Indonesia.