INHIBITION OF CHILI ANTHRACNOSE (COLLETOTRICHUM SP.) USING CERBERA ODOLLAM GAERTN. FRUIT EXTRACT

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sp. is one of the most destructive diseases affecting red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), resulting in significant yield losses. Although synthetic fungicides are commonly used to control the disease, their prolonged application may cause environmental pollution and harmful residues. Therefore, the development of eco-friendly botanical fungicides has become increasingly important. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cerbera odollam Gaertn. fruit extract on anthracnose development caused by Colletotrichum sp. and to determine the most effective concentration for suppressing the pathogen. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments consisting of fruit extract concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0%, each replicated four times. Observed parameters included incubation period, spore germination percentage, disease incidence, and disease severity. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results demonstrated that C. odollam fruit extract significantly affected anthracnose development caused by Colletotrichum sp., as indicated by changes in incubation period, spore germination, disease incidence, and disease severity. Extract concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% were the most effective treatments, prolonging the incubation period and reducing disease incidence more effectively than the other concentrations. These findings suggest that C. odollam fruit extract has potential as an environmentally friendly botanical fungicide for anthracnose management in red chili pepper cultivation.