The Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract from Menteng Leaves (Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Müll. Arg.) on The Resistance of Red Chili Plants (Capsicum annuum L.) to The Fungus Colletotrichum sp

Abstract

One of the main obstacles to growing chilies is anthracnose, which can lower the harvest's quality and quantity. Colletotrichum sp., a fungus that infects the plant's fruit, leaves, and stems, is the source of this illness. Environmentally friendly management options are required since the extensive use of chemical fungicides may have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Bioactive substances with antifungal potential, such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, are known to be present in menteng leaves (Baccaurea racemosa). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of menteng leaf ethanol extract in enhancing chili plants resistance to Colletotrichum sp. infection. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 7 treatments of menteng leaf ethanol extract concentrations: 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%. The treatments were applied in two steps: first, the seeds were soaked for 2.5 hours, and then the extract was sprayed onto the leaves and soil. The incubation period, disease incidence, disease severity, and vegetative development were among the data that were noted. With the longest incubation period, the lowest disease incidence (49.5%), and the lowest disease severity (2.29%), the 3% concentration was shown to be the most effective in reducing disease intensity. The tallest plant height (12.5 cm) and the greatest number of leaves (12 leaves) were produced by the 1.5% concentration, which was shown to be ideal for promoting vegetative growth.