Eta Pisan, Growth Solution for Tilapia Fish’ Larvae a La IPB Students
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the important commodities in the fishery, both in commercial, production and in terms of consumption among the community. However, the cultivation of Tilapia fish is constrained by the attack of several diseases.
The larval phase of Tilapia requires more attention than another phase of its growth. At this stage, fish are very susceptible to death or high mortality. One of the causes is Saprolegnia disease or white cotton growth disease caused by fungus Saprolegnia sp.
Three students of the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) tried to solve the problem of this tilapia fish. They make a synthesis material from Ambon banana extract. They are Rudy Asa Nurafif, Agus Danu Prakoso, and Zahrotul Amanah.
"The initial idea is that we see aquaculture in Indonesia is still not optimal. We are looking for the point of concern to what each farmer cultivates. It turns out that fish larvae are a very vulnerable stage due to the presence of pathogenic factors that attack and infect fish larvae. From here comes the idea to find a solution of what natural ingredients can prevent the growth of fungal infections in the fish body, " said Rudy, the team leader.
Rudy and his friends use the Ambon banana stem as an enhancer of survival for Tilapia larvae. "Ambon banana stem is a waste that is not utilized but useful for health. Extract of banana stem proved to contain saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, hydroquinones, and triterpenoids that can inhibit the growth of fungi, " said Rudy.
Under the supervision of Dr. Majariana Krisanti, S.Pi, M.Si, a lecturer in the Department of Resources Management Living Aquatic, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB, the three students conducted a research entitled 'Effectiveness of Ambon Banana Extract (Musa paradisiaca) as a Larval Growth Supplement and Growth Supplement for Tilapia (Oreochromis nilotic) ', which is shortened to "Eta Pisan". Eta Pisan is included in the Student Creativity Program Year 2018.
Rudy and his friends hope that natural resource in the form of stem bananas that are generally rarely harnessed and tends to be wasted can be utilized more leverage for aquaculture. "We also hope that through this study, mortality rates in larvae of Tilapia can be declined, post-harvest production of Tilapia can be increased and created products or supplements that can be used to increase the stability of fish larvae stadia," added Rudy. (flw)
