EFFICACY OF NUTMEG LEAF (MYRISTICA FRAGRANS HOUTT.) EXTRACT AS A BOTANICAL FUNGICIDE AGAINST ANTHRACNOSE IN RED CHILI PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)

Abstract

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sp. is one of the major diseases limiting red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production. The continuous use of synthetic fungicides has raised concerns regarding environmental contamination and the development of pathogen resistance, highlighting the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nutmeg leaf (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) extract as a botanical fungicide against anthracnose and to determine its most effective concentration. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven concentrations of nutmeg leaf extract (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%) and four replications. Incubation period, disease incidence, disease severity, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight were evaluated. The results showed that nutmeg leaf extract significantly affected disease incidence, disease severity, incubation period, and plant growth. The 3% extract concentration was the most effective treatment. These findings indicate that nutmeg leaf extract can be developed as a botanical fungicide for sustainable anthracnose management in red chili pepper cultivation.