Potency of entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana fungus as biofertilizer and biostimulant to increase the plant growth of Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the Beauveria bassiana entomopathogen fungus as a biofertilizer and biostimulant. The research was conducted at the Biological Control laboratory and Wire House, Universitas Andalas. The potency of B. bassiana produced the IAA hormone was carried out by a This was qualitative research by observing a pink color change in the Salkowsky solution while the potency of B. bassiana to dissolve phosphate by using Pikovskaya medium. The test results on Pikovskaya media showed that all tested isolates had the potential to dissolve phosphate at 7, 10, and 14 days. The largest clear zone area was in the 14 days, found in Bb WS isolates (5.42 mm) followed by TD312 isolates (5.28mm). To test of plant growth in the laboratory was carried out by testing the germination of seeds by blotter test and test on paper. The design used was a non-factorial Completely Randomized. The results showed that the highest percentage of germination was found in TD312 and BbWS isolates. The potency of B. bassiana isolates as growth promoters can be seen from an increase in plant height and the number of chili leaves. All of the results indicated that entomopathogen fungus can be applied as biological fertilizers and biostimulants on cayenne pepper plants.