Growth and yield response of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) to application of oil palm empty fruit bunches biochar and trichoderma

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of oil palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) biochar and Trichoderma sp. on the growth and production of Cayenne Pepper. The study was conducted at the Experimental Garden, Faculty of the Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. This study employed a factorial design comprising 2 factors. The first factor is the treatment of biochar concentration with 5 levels, namely (0, 5, 10, 15 tons ha−1), and the second factor is the treatment of Trichoderma asperellum dosage (0, 10, 20 g plant−1). The results showed that the combination of 10 tons ha−1 biochar and 20 g plant−1 Trichoderma gave the best results for stomatal density (292.94 stomata mm−2). Biochar application affected the vegetative phase, with 10 tons ha−1 increasing the area of stomata destruction (84.87 µm2) and 15 tons ha−1 increasing root length (16.96 cm). Trichoderma asperellum treatment significantly increased yield, with 10 g plant−1 producing the highest root length (17.97 cm), fruit number (46.92), fruit weight per plant (26.89 g), fruit weight per plot (599.13 g), and production per hectare (1.50 tons). This study concluded that PEFB biochar and Trichoderma asperellum, especially in combination, had a positive effect on the growth and yield of cayanne pepper.