Pengaruh Konsentrasi dan Interval Waktu Pemberian Kitosan terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Bawang Merah (Allium ascalonicum L.) pada Wilayah Iklim Kering

Abstract

Shallots are commodities that are sensitive to environmental conditions. Cultivating shallots in dry climate areas can reduce production. The use of chitosan can increase production while helping plants endure dry conditions. In addition to the correct concentration, the proper interval for chitosan application is also needed to ensure chitosan works optimally. This study aims to analyze the effect of chitosan concentration and application interval on the growth and yield of shallots in dry climate regions. The research was conducted at the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Class 1 Climatology Station, North Sumatra, Sampali, Deli Serdang, at an altitude of 16 meters above sea level, from April 2023 to August 2023. The study used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 2 factors: The first factor was the chitosan concentration with 4 levels: 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 g/L. The second factor was the chitosan application interval with 3 levels: 10, 15, and 20 days. The results showed that the chitosan concentration significantly affected plant height at 4 Weeks After Planting (WAP), number of leaves at 4-6 WAP, bulb diameter, wet weight per sample, wet weight per plot, dry weight per sample, and dry weight per plot. The chitosan application interval significantly affected bulb diameter, wet weight per sample, wet weight per plot, dry weight per sample, and dry weight per plot. The interaction of chitosan concentration and application interval significantly affected bulb diameter, wet weight per plot, and dry weight per sample.