Evaluation of Trichoderma asperellum Effect toward Anthracnose Pathogen Activity on Red Chili (Capsicum annum L.) As Ecofriendly Pesticide

Abstract

The use of synthetic pesticides has been widely practiced by farmers to control plant diseases. However, it can promote negative impacts such as environmental pollution, threatening human health, and making pathogens more resistant. This study aims to determine the inhibition of Trichoderma Tc-Jjr-02 in vitro against Colletotrichum sp. and test its ability as a biopesticide and biofertilizer agent in suppressing the growth of anthracnose disease and chili production. The results show that, there was no interaction effect between the application of Trichoderma Tc-Jjr-02 as a biopesticide and biofertilizer agent. The in vitro test reveals that Trichoderma Tc-Jjr-02 could inhibit the growth of pathogenic colonies up to 61.4% at 11 days after inoculation. In vivo test show, that application of Trichoderma 6 hours before inoculation of pathogens (T1) and Trichoderma inoculation concurrent pathogens (T3) can reduce the symptoms intensity of anthracnose attacks 70% and 43%, respectively, then increasing the number of fresh fruit 62.66% and 76.58%, respectively, also increasing fresh fruit weights 84.83% and 91.90% respectively, compared with the pathogen inoculation treatment six hours before the application of Trichoderma. Thus, Trichoderma is more effective when applied before inoculation of pathogens and more suitable as a prevention agent. Using Trichoderma asperellum as biopesticed can protect the environment.