| dc.description.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. | en_US |
