Pemanfaatan Biosaka terhadap Produktivitas dan Kadar Antioksidan Cabai Merah Keriting (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

Curly red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important agricultural commodity, valued not only for its high economic potential but also for its richness in antioxidant compounds beneficial to human health. To enhance both the productivity and antioxidant content of chili plants in a natural and eco-friendly manner, the use of Biosaka as a biotic elicitor presents a promising alternative in sustainable chili cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Biosacca on the growth, productivity, and antioxidant levels of curly red chili fruits. Biosacca was formulated by fermenting five weed species Ageratum conyzoides L., Euphorbia hirta L., Phyllanthus niruri L., Erigeron sumatrensis Retz., and Euphorbia denticulata Vahl with water, and applied to the plants. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with five treatments: Bi0 (Control), Bi1 (1.5 ml/L water), Bi2 (2.5 ml/L), Bi3 (3.5 ml/L), and Bi4 (4.5 ml/L). The Biosacca formulation contained 2.75% organic carbon, 1.69% total nitrogen, 2.08% phosphorus, 2.39% potassium, and had a pH of 5.17. The 4.5 ml/L concentration showed the most optimal results in terms of plant height (57 cm), number of branches (39.8), number of fruits (46.4), fresh weight (160 g), dry weight (16.6 g), and the lowest IC₅₀ value (1.53), indicating the highest antioxidant activity. Biosaka significantly affected plant height, number of branches, fresh weight, and dry weight, but had no significant effect on flowering time, fruit count, or antioxidant level. Nonetheless, Biosaka proved effective as an antioxidant agent, as indicated by its low IC₅₀ value, reflecting strong antioxidant activity.