Abstract
The study investigated the possibility of enhancing natural disease resistance (NDR) of chili (Capsicum annuum L.), cvs. HYW and CA8, against anthracnose disease, using potassium silicate (Kasil®) as a soil drench or postharvest spray treatment. Anthracnose disease in chili, in this study, was shown to be caused by Colletotrichum acutatum. Potassium silicate (Kasil®), applied as a postharvest spray to the fruit of either cultivar, at 100, 200 and 400 mg/l, reduced anthracnose development significantly (p = 0.05) when the fruits were challenge-inoculated 3 days after treatment. Treatment was slightly more effective at 200 mg/l. There was 100% of reduction of anthracnose in treated fruits of cv. CA-8 throughout an 8th day period of storage following fruit inoculation. In the cv. HYW, the same treatment showed 100% disease reduction only initially, 4 days after inoculation. The treatment was also applied as a pre-harvest soil drench commencing from flower initiation, at 200 mg/l, weekly for 4 weeks. The treatment reduced anthracnose disease significantly (p = 0.05) in harvested fruits, challenge-inoculated with C. acutatum. Spore germination assay revealed that potassium silicate had no antifungal effect to C. acutatum. Potassium silicate (Kasil®)-treated fruits, inoculated with C. acutatum after harvest, showed greater accumulation of phytoalexins and increased level of β-1, 3-glucanase in fruit tissue.
Highlights
Anthracnose disease, caused by Colletotrichum species, is a threat in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in tropical and sub-tropical countries (Oanh et al, 2004)
Segments of diseased tissues from chili pepper, collected from local markets, were surface sterilized in 2% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min and after washing in sterile distilled water, the segments were transferred under sterile conditions onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium
C. acutatum was identified from the conidial characteristics; hyaline, unicellular, and cylindrical with obtuse apices and tapering bases
Summary
Anthracnose disease, caused by Colletotrichum species, is a threat in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in tropical and sub-tropical countries (Oanh et al, 2004). The enhancement of plant disease resistance plays a vital role in minimizing the postharvest losses and adjusting crop production to meet global population, increases It satisfies the requirements, such as, no toxicity to pathogens, plants or animals, not affecting plant growth, development and yield, broad spectrum of defense and long lasting (Kessman et al, 1994; Tally et al, 1999; Kuc, 2001). There were several studies in the past proved that the enhanced natural disease resistance could be achieved with silicon (Si) treatment, in a wide range of tropical and sub-tropical fruits and vegetables (Weerahewa and Somapala, 2016; Huang et al, 2011; French- Monar et al, 2010) This has been achieved through different role of silicon, include; reduced mineral toxicity, increased photosynthetic activity, superior nutrient imbalance, and enhanced drought and frost tolerance (Ma, 2004)
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