Determining of Seasonal Generative Reproduction and Attaching Preferences of Seaweed Spores (Eucheuma cottonii)

One of the few ways to improve the quality of seed types Eucheuma cottonii is to seek methods of regenerating seeds by generative ways. This study aims to determine the release of seaweed spores naturally, and seedling preferences of E. cottonii spores on the substrate. This research was conducted in the area of seaweed cultivation at Lakeba coast line, City of Bau-Bau, Southeast Sulawesi Province. To facilitate observation of the reproductive season, cages method is used for holding seaweed in bottom waters. And to know the preferences of spore attachment were used substrates from various basic materials hanging around the cages. During our research study, the seaweed morphology seens healthy. Seaweed has a dark brown and large diameter of main Thallus. At the base of the main Thallus, small bulge seens enough. The bulge were plenty and rebate expenses allegedly as a male and female gametocytes. At the end of September to middle of October would seens the attachment seaweed seeds on branching coral substrate and rocks. Seeds those found seen (invisible) after sized 0.3 to 0.6 cm with the weight 0.018 to 0.038 g. For wet weight, in the first week upkeep, size reaches 0.4 g and only reaching changes in weight of 2.7 g in the eighth week. This study has provided information on the generative reproduction which occurred on September - October. In addition spore of E. cottonii is commonly found attached to dead coral branches. Thereby, to get the generative seeds of E. cottonii in field especially at Southeast Sulawesi waters, can be carried out in September-October. Seeds which were collected in nature proved to have sufficient good growth compared to vegetative seeds were maintained in the cultivation area.