Evaluation of Four Biodegradable Substrates for Periphyton and Fish Production.

Four locally available biodegradable substrates—sugarcane (Saccharum officinales) bagasse, palm (Borasus flabellifera) leaf, coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaf, and bamboo (Bambusa bambos) mat—were evaluated for the production of periphyton and a polyculture of rohu (Labeo rohita) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in poultry-manured ponds. Chlorophyll-a, phaeophytin-a, and total pigment content of periphyton were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among substrate types. Dry matter and ash-free dry matter of coconut leaf periphyton were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the other substrates. All four substrates induced significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth, production, and survival of rohu and common carp. Among the substrates used, coconut leaf was more effective in enhancing fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]