Application of Trichoderma sp. 1 on Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter and its effect on milkfish feed in Belawan Sicanang, North Sumatra

¹ Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Forestry, University of North Sumatra Campus II Kuala Bekala Deli Serdang, 20353, North Sumatra, Indonesia
² Mangrove Center of Excelence, University of North Sumatra, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia
³ Water Resources Managemet Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture University of North Sumatra, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Leaf litter is is contains organic substances such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nutriens. Litter needs to decompose first so that organism and microorganisms can use it. Fungi help play break down litter in the environment. Trichoderma sp. 1 is a fungus that plays a role in the decomposition process. This study took place between June to September 2025 to determine the role of Trichoderma sp. 1, in breaking down Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter helps the growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) seeds. 50 grams of the R. mucornata leaf litter was put into 20 litter bags. Trichoderma sp. 1 fungus was grown on PDA medium. Fungal agar cultures were cut into pieces and then mixed in a test tube with 2.5 ml of sterile water. Milkfish seeds were put into cages, with as many as 80 fish. Sampling was carried out every 15 days, using eight milkfish and one bag containing leaf litter. Measurement of the decomposition rate and the weight of the milkfish were carried out seven times. The R. mucronata leaf litter decomposed at a rate 16.54 grams/year, and the weight of the milkfish feed Trichoderma sp. 1 was 247.40 grams, while the control weighed 215.60 grams.