Effects of Varying Light Intensities and Temperature Levels on the Growth of Gracilaria spp.

This study aims to evaluate the best combination of light intensities and temperature levels on the growthof Gracilaria spp. Specifically, it aims to determine the significant interaction effect between lightintensities and temperature levels on the growth of Gracilaria spp. under laboratory conditions. TheExperimental set-up was conducted at College of Fisheries Laboratory and Research Station (CFLRS) inBrgy. Siguel, General Santos City for a period of 60 days. Eighteen (18) 3.5L glass tanks were used asexperimental units and was stocked with 3g of Gracilaria spp. The study tested for six treatments withvarying light intensity and temperature levels The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA andcomparison between significant difference and interaction were analyzed using post-hoc test (Tukey’sHSD). After the experiment, the highest mean body weight of Gracilaria spp. was obtained from TreatmentIII, with recorded value of 4.67g. Meanwhile, results also demonstrated that Treatment III obtained thehighest weight gain with 1.67g. Likewise Similarly, Treatment III recorded the highest specific growth ratewith 0.32% per day. Statistical analysis revealed that light intensity has a significant effect (p<0.05) andthat there is no significant effect (p>0.05) on temperature. On the other hand, there is a significantinteraction (p<0.0.5) between light intensity and temperature on the growth of Gracilaria spp. (MW, MWG,and SGR) after 60 days of culture. The study concluded that the best growth of Gracilaria spp. can be achieved ofwater at light intensity of 120 m-2 s-1 and temperature 30°C under laboratory condition.