bio.fsm.undip.ac.id. Prof. Dr. Endah Dwi Hastuti, an expert in environmental physiology and a lecturer in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, has successfully unveiled the latest findings in her research on the physiological response of mangrove plants to different levels of inundation and salinity.
The research conducted by Prof. Endah aimed to analyze the impact of salinity and inundation on mangrove physiology processes, including water absorption, sediment salt accumulation, growth, and secondary metabolites. The results of this research are expected to provide in-depth information about the patterns of changes in mangrove physiology, serving as a foundation for mangrove rehabilitation practices and offering new insights for mangrove utilization.
The research findings indicate that salinity and inundation levels significantly affect water absorption and salt accumulation. The rate of salt accumulation is influenced by salinity and inundation, with R. stylosa demonstrating an adaptive response by excluding salt before the water uptake process. The optimal growth rate of R. stylosa occurs at a salinity of 15 ppt and tends to decrease until reaching 35 ppt salinity.
Prof. Endah, who focuses on mangrove plant research in the coastal areas of Central Java, is an environmental physiology expert affiliated with the Plant Structure and Function Biology specialization group in the Department of Biology. In addition to her role as a researcher, she is actively involved in teaching various courses related to environmental physiology, such as plant physiology, bioenergy, and plant embryology in the undergraduate Biology program.
Prof. Endah’s research activities also engage several students with a keen interest in plant physiology research. The success of her research not only contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also positively influences the development of skilled and competent students in the field of biology.
With these latest findings, it is hoped that Prof. Endah’s research will make a valuable contribution to mangrove conservation efforts and coastal ecosystem management in Indonesia.