Application of Trichoderma viridae with organic fertilizers as carrier for controlling Sclerotium rolfsii disease in chili

Abstract

Stem rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is the main disease in chili plants that is difficult to control. The objectives of this study were: 1] to obtain the type of organic fertilizer that can increase the population of T. viridae, 2] to determine its effectiveness in controlling S. rolfsii that causes stem rot disease, and 3] to improve the growth of chili plants. This study consisted of two stages, which were mass propagation of T. viridae in various organic fertilizers to increase its population before application to the rhizosphere of chili plants and the testing of the effectiveness of T. viridae to control stem rot and improve the growth of chili plants. The research was arranged in a Randomized Block Design consisting of four treatments with six replications within treatments. The treatments were various organic fertilizers, including cow manure, chicken manure, crop residue compost, and control. The variables observed were the population of T. viridae in each organic fertilizer after 15 days of incubation and the attack rate of chili stem rot [incubation period, disease severity, and plant growth]. The results showed that the crop residue compost was the best medium for increasing the density of T. viridae conidia and propagules. Crop residue compost was also the best in suppressing stem rot disease caused by S. rolfsii, as well as in increasing the growth of chili plants.