Comparison of Tissue Culture and Local Kappaphycus alvarezii Seeds from Tanakeke Islands, Indonesia: Specific Growth Rate and Carrageenan Content

AbstractIn Indonesia, particularly on the island of Tanakeke, Kappaphycus alvarezii cultivation is an aquaculture product that is a source of carrageenan for the food industry. However, this region has limited cultivation technology and still uses local seeds. Therefore, this study aims to compare the specific growth rate and carrageenan content of K. alvarezii from tissue culture seeds and local seeds. Using initial weights of 50 g, 75 g, and 100 g for each seed type with a completely randomized factorial design, the seeds were grown for 45 days (6 weeks). This study found that K. alvarezii from tissue culture with an initial seed weight of 50 g had the highest average specific growth rate of 15.52 (SD 43%). The greatest average carrageenan content was obtained under this treatment (54.29%, SD 0.63%). However, its broader environmental effects, including potential impacts on biodiversity, remain to be examined.