Growth Performance Sargassum sp. Cultivated in Labuan Ijuk, Moyo Hilir Sumbawa Besar Regency, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Sargassum sp. is an alginate-producing brown alga that is used in the food, drug, and cosmetic industries. Sargassum sp. can be found in the waters of West Nusa Tenggara, namely on the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. Sargassum sp. has not been cultivated in the waters of West Nusa Tenggaracurrently, Sargassum sp. is only exploited from nature. So it is necessary to cultivate efforts in the waters of West Nusa Tenggara. The waters of Labuan Ijuk, Sumbawa Besar Regency, have the potential as a location for the development of Sargassum sp. This study aimed to study the growth performance of Sargassum sp. with different initial seedling weights by using the bottom-off method. The research method used is the experimental method with the experimental design is a completely randomized design. The treatment in this study consisted of five treatments with four replications. Treatment A with 50 gr seed weight, B 75 gr seed weight, C 100 gr seedling weight, D 125 gr seedling weight, and E 150 gr seedling weight. Data analysis using ANOVA and 5% BNJ follow-up test. The results showed that the highest absolute weight was obtained in treatment E, which was 39.75 g, as well as the highest specific weight was obtained in treatment E, which was 36.81%. The lowest absolute weight was obtained in treatment C, 24.25 g, with the lowest specific weight also being 26.47%. This research concludes the optimum growth of Sargassum sp. obtained in cultivation using an initial seed weight of 150 gs.