Effects of Chitosan and Silica Nanoparticles Against the Development and Growth of Red Chilli Anthracnose Disease Colletotrichum sp.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Colletotrichum</i> sp., is a pathogen that causes anthracnose disease that can reduce chilli production. One environmentally for controlling plant disease can be done using chitosan and silica nanotechnology. This study aimed to test the ability of chitosan and silica nanoparticles to inhibit the growth of <i>Colletotrichum</i> sp. and suppress the development of the diseases on chilli seeds. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This research consisted of the pathogenicity test of chitosan and silica nanoparticles and chilli seed germination inhibition test to control the development of <i>Colletotrichum</i> sp., using a completely randomized design within 10 treatments and 3 replications. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that 100 ppm chitosan nanoparticles inhibited the growth of <i>Colletotrichum</i> sp. and conidia germination with inhibition percentages of 92.20 and 99.4%, respectively. In addition, the development of anthracnose on chilli seed germination has been suppressed by 93% at a 100 ppm concentration of silica nanoparticles. <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, both single or mixed formulations of chitosan and silica nanoparticles were able to inhibit the growth and development of <i>Colletotrichum </i>sp. and increase the chilli seed viability.