IPB Researchers Utilize Ambon Banana Stem to Prevent Catfish Death
Deaths reach 80-100 percent in catfish seeds can be caused by bacterial infection. Sri Nuryati, a researcher from the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University (FPIK IPB) explains that catfish seed deaths often occur in the size of 5-7 centimeters. The death is usually associated with bacterial infections of Aeromonas hydrophila. This bacterial disease can also be called red spotting disease since it is marked by red sores or ulcers. Phytopharmaca can be utilized in preventing and treating the disease. The stem of Musa cavendishii also known as ambon lumut banana is one of the phytopharmaca to be used in treating red spotting disease.
"The cultivators have been using chopped banana stem in the media for a long time without scientific foundation. Cultivators assume there should be material contained in banana stem that serves as an anti-disease. From this idea, we try to study its ingredients, properties, and the best application, "he said.
With this determination, she and other researchers, Qorie Astria, Kukuh Nirmala and Alimuddin tried to examine the benefits and application of banana stems in the prevention of disease in catfish seeds. From the experiment, the researchers found that soaking fish with banana stem juice extract at 13 milliliters per liter resulted a high catfish survival rate. This research also conveyed that soaking of catfish seeds in the juice could increase the immune system against bacterial infection of A. hydrophila.
"The catfish survival in the banana stem water media added with bacteria was good. With the addition of banana stem cuttings on the culture media such as in the water, the bacteria are expected to be inactive. The water containing the active compound of banana stems soaked at certain times, with the ability of fish osmoregulation, has an effect in increasing catfish endurance, "he said.
Therefore, the researchers recommends to the cultivators that banana stem or its extract water can be used as a material prevention or treatment for bacterial infections.
"Recommendation for catfish farmers do not forget to plant banana trees as well. At harvest time, the stem can be chopped and used in culture media. The extract water can be stored in the freezer, to be used one day. This ambon banana and also other types of bananas, has different variations of content."
She added, "This is good for prevention. We can add in each cycle as a precaution. When the fish in the phase of susceptible to the disease while banana is in the harvest time, we can just cut the stem and put in the media. However, if the pond is empty, while the banana stem is ready, the stem can be prepared as juice extract. It can be stored and used when catfish begin to produce again. In other words, it may be adjusted depend on the condition, "she said. (TK)
