Application of Trichoderma sp 1. on Rhizophora mucronata Leaf Litter and Its Influence on Milkfish Feed in Belawan Sicanang, North Sumatra

Abstract

Leaf litter is the main component containing carbohydrates, proteins and nutrients. Litter must be decomposed first, so that it can be utilized by organisms and microorganisms in coastal environments. Fungi play an important role in the litter decomposition process. Trichoderma is a fungus that plays a role in the decomposition process. This study was conducted from June to September 2025 to determine the role of Trichoderma sp. 1, in decomposing Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter and increasing the growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) seeds. 50 g of R. mucornata leaf litter was placed into 20 litter bags measuring 40 x 30 cm, made of nylon with a mesh of 1 x 1 mm. Trichoderma sp. 1 fungus was cultured on PDA media. Agar pieces measuring 5 x 5 x 2 mm that had been grown with fungi were then suspended in a test tube filled with 2.5 ml of sterile water. Milkfish seeds were placed in cages, as many as 80 fish. Sampling was conducted every 15 days, using eight milkfish and one bag containing litter. The decomposition rate and weight of the milkfish were then measured seven times. The decomposition rate of R. mucronata leaf litter was 16.54 grams/year, and the weight of the milkfish fed Trichoderma  sp. 1 was 247.4 grams, while the control weighed 215.6 grams.