Pengaruh Lama Perendaman Benih Cabai (Capsicum annum L.) Dengan Kultur Cair Trichoderma harzianum Terhadap Penekanan Patogen Tular Benih Collectrichum

Abstract

This study aims to determine the best soaking time for chili seeds using liquid culture of Trichoderma harzianum in suppressing seed-borne pathogen Colletotrichum. The study was conducted in the laboratory and field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Graha Nusantara Padangsidimpuan at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level from March to April 2025. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments (control without soaking, soaking for 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours, and 12 hours) and 3 replications were applied. Each germination tub contained 36 chili seeds, so that a total of 540 seeds were observed. The results showed that the soaking time for chili seeds with liquid culture of T. harzianum had a significant effect on seed viability, as well as the initial growth of chili plants (plant height and number of leaves). The 9-hour soaking treatment (P3) consistently gave the best results, with the highest growth percentage on the 7th day (98.00%), and the highest growth percentage on the 14th day (90.00%), as well as the highest plant height and number of leaves up to 35 Days After Planting (DAP). The use of T. harzianum is biologically effective in suppressing early disturbances of seed-borne pathogen Colletotrichum while increasing plant growth through symbiosis and physiological stimulation.