Potensi Pupuk Hayati FertoMAX dalam Mengendalikan Penyakit Layu Fusarium Pada Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

FertoMAX is a biofertilizer developed by the Palm Oil Research Center that requires validation of its effectiveness in promoting plant growth and controlling diseases in cultivated crops such as red chilli (Capsicum annuum). This study aims to determine the potential and formulation of the FertoMAX biofertilizer in controlling Fusarium wilt disease in red chilli plants. The research began with an in vitro antagonistic test of FertoMAX against Fusarium oxysporum. Application of FertoMAX to red chili plants was arranged in a Factorial Randomised Block Design (RBDF) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was FertoMAX concentration (control, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%), and the second factor was pathogen inoculation (with and without F. oxysporum). The soil used for plant growth was subsoil. The observed parameters included disease incidence and severity, as well as growth parameters such as the plant height, the leaf count, the wet weight, and the dry weight. Results from the antagonistic test showed that FertoMAX could inhibit the colony growth of F. oxysporum starting at a 5% concentration, with the highest inhibition observed at 30%. Application of FertoMAX at 30% concentration to red chilli plants, observed 60 days after planting, reduces disease incidence and severity by 33.33% and 28%, respectively. Application of the FertoMAX biofertilizer, both with and without F. oxysporum infection, had a significant effect on the fresh and dry weight of chili plants. Liquid FertoMAX biofertilizer can enhance the growth of red chili plants and control Fusarium disease effectively at a 30% concentration.