Adaptability and growth performance of Avicennia marina seedling within Silvofishery pond

Abstract

The application of silvofishery pond raised the question on the suitability of particular mangrove species to be integrated. This research aimed to study the survival and growth rate of Avicennia marina seedling within silvofishery pond, to analyze its growth performance compared to its natural habitat and to determine the appropriateness of A. marina plantation in the silvofishery pond. Experiment was designed to apply variation of mangrove composition, including pure (monoculture) and mixed (polyculture) mangrove species. The experiment was conducted for a year involving 5 observations periods to 27 expected samples with 3 months interval. Data collection was conducted to seedling survival, height and diameter. The result showed low survival of A. marina during the research. Survival of A. marina in pure (monoculture) treatment was fluctuated among periods with the ranged of 1 - 7 stands, while in the mixed (polyculture) treatment was ranged from 1 - 3 stands. Average height growth was higher in the pure (monoculture) treatment with 41.94 mm.month-1, 96.43 mm/month, 95.60 mm/month and 39.56 mm/month compared to 41.94 mm/month, 50.55 mm/month, 41.21 mm/month and 37.91 mm/month in the mixed (polyculture) treatment respectively for the first, second, third and forth periods. While the diameter growth was fluctuated. This result indicated better growth performance compared to previous researches. This research concluded that mangrove silvofishery pond environment is not suitable for the establishment of A. marina, even though it might provide a good growth performance. But, this species is not recommended for plantation in the pond due to its low survival which inhibit ecosystem establishment and expected environmental services.