Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the difference of growth rate Gracilaria verrucosa cultivated using bottom off method. This study was carried out in Saleh Bay, Bajo Island, Kwangko, Dompu, Nusa Tenggara Barat. The research method used the experimental method by using a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatments. The treatment is in the form of different spacing: 15 cm (Control), 10 cm (P1), 20 cm (P2), 25 cm (P3), and 30 cm (P4). Growth measurements are carried out once a week during the cultivated period of 45 days. The parameters measured were the absolute growth rate, daily growth rate, water quality, and agar percentage. Data were analyzed using statistic and analysis of variance. The results showed that the treatment of different spacing did not have a significant effect (p> 0.05) on the absolute growth and daily growth of Gracilaria verrucosa, but the highest Agar percentage is 24.93% and was found in the treatment of 20 cm (P2). The water quality was still in the appropriate range for Gracilaria verrucosa cultivation. The conclusion of this study is Gracilaria verrucosa cultivated with different spacing did not have a significant effect on the growth rate. Another method is needed to cultivate the Gracilaria verrucosa.