Optimizing Caulerpa Lentillifera Cultivation: Maximizing Growth and Quality Through Multilevel Cultivation with LED Approach
Abstract
Caulerpa lentillifera is one of the marine green algae that has an important role for ecologicy in the Malaysian coastal ecosystem (Ismail et al., 2020). In Malaysia, Caulerpa seaweed is known as “Latok” or “Laktud”, which is highly in demand due to its nutritional value and mouthwatering taste. However, seaweed farming in Malaysia, especially Langkawi, faces a few challenges for cultivation which are inefficient space utilization in the ponds used and all the seaweeds do not receive enough and uniform light distribution. Thus, this study come out with an innovative solution which is multilevel cultivation with light emitting diode (LED) approach to increase productivity and optimize growth in indoor controlled condition system. The study was done by assessing the growth of Caulerpa lentillifera by using pink LED, white LED and natural sunlight. Weight, daily growth rate (DGR), biomass yield, frond density and frond length were observed in four weeks by cultivated onto nine plates as a medium for seaweed to grow. White LED showed the most promising and highest result for DGR which significantly promotes growth. On the other hand, natural sunlight showed the lowest DGR due to the ununiform light distribution received by the seaweed, especially at the lower levels. This study also supports and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) that include poverty mitigation and sustainable practices for marine resources. It is hoped and recommended that the multilevel cultivation system with LED approach will be used by locals to promote sustainable seaweed farming in Malaysia.
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