Increasing Growth and Controlling Damping-Off of Chili Pepper Seedlings with Biocontrol Technology at Various Altitudes

Abstract

Biological agents in chili pepper nursery is an alternative for controlling soil borne diseases, i.e. the damping off caused by soilborne pathogenic fungi. This study aimed (1) to examine the effectiveness of biological agents in germination and growth of chili seeds and (2) their effectiveness in controlling damping off disease chili in nurseries at various altitudes. This research consisted of three experimental locations, (1) the first place/KT I (947 meters above sea level) in June-September 2019 in Bumijawa Village farmer's land, Bumijawa District, Tegal Regency, (2) second place/KT II (61 meters above sea level) in June-September 2019 in Jembayat Village, Margasari District, Tegal Regency, and (3) the third place/KT III (891 meters above sea level) in September-December 2020 in Tuwel Village, Bojong District, Tegal Regency. This study used a one-factor randomized block design, that is conventional nursery techniques and biological agent technology. The results showed that the application of biological control technology is effective in increasing germination (vigor index) and growth (plant height) of chili pepper seedlings. Biological control technology was able to control damping-off disease, indicated by delay of disease onset, and disease incidence reduction in the lowlands (KT II). Biological control technology is recommended in chili pepper nursery techniques.