Irma Yeny1,3, Cecep Kusmana2*, Fifi Gus Dwiyanti2, Suyadi3, Hani Sitti Nuroniah4, Chairil Anwar Siregar3, Nina Mindawati3, Virni Budi Arifanti3, Yulizar Ihrami Rahmila3, Mira Yulianti1,3, Sri Suharti3, Suliasih5, Arwan Sugiharto5, Sri Widawati5, Muksin Purnama6, Tien Wahyuni7
1Tropical Silviculture Study Program, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
2Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
3Research Center for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
4Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
5Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
6Postgraduate Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
7Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
*Corresponding author’s email: cecep_kusmana@apps.ipb.ac.id
Received: 07 September 2025 / Revised: 08 December 2025 / Accepted: 24 December 2025 / Published Online: 17 January 2026
Abstract
This study examined the growth performance of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings in a tidal nursery, employing a split-plot design that incorporated three shade levels (0%, 45%, 80%) and three varying biostimulant doses (0, 10, 30 g). Physiological indicators, morphological traits, biomass allocation, seedling quality, and microclimate variables were evaluated. Shading markedly improved seedling performance compared to non-shaded conditions, enhancing leaf greenness, photosynthetic efficiency, height growth, leaf development, and overall quality index. Among the treatments, 45% shade yielded the highest growth responses, though its performance was statistically similar to that of 80% shade. Biostimulants demonstrated a restricted impact, affecting solely the photosynthetic rate, with 10 g and 30 g doses exhibiting comparable enhancements compared to the control group. No interaction between shade and biostimulants was observed, indicating that the effects of biostimulant application had not manifested during the brief nursery period. The findings indicate that moderate shading significantly influences the early vigor of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings in tidal environments, offering practical recommendations for enhancing nursery protocols to facilitate cost-effective mangrove rehabilitation.
Keywords: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Shading, Biostimulants, Rehabilitation, Mangrove
