How to prevent early onset of Epiphytes and ‘Ice-Ice’ disease in cultivated seaweeds (Kappaphycus), Camarines Norte, Philippines

This brief research focused on the incidence of ice-ice diseases (IID) and epiphyte infestation (EI) in cultured seaweeds (Kappaphycus spp.), identifying a doable strategy to prevent early development and outbreaks. An assessment of the prevalence of IID and EI was carried out on 29 seaweed farms, taking notes on the stage of culture and current farming practice. The findings revealed that the onset of IID and EI occurs during the early stages of out-planting as a result of stressors acquired during the transplanting procedure. Because seedlings are lightweight after cutting and current flotation methods are inadequate, newly planted seaweeds are exposed to the surface and direct sunlight for an extended period during wave action, resulting in a high incidence of EI and IID. Therefore, a bamboo spacer (BS) is being proposed to be incorporated into floaters to prevent the early development of IID and EI in newly out-planted seaweeds. BS can aid in maintaining proper depth, improving seaweed line movement, preventing entanglement, and keeping seaweed from being exposed to the surface and direct sunlight.