Screening for resistance to Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Kediri, East Java

Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most economically important diseases reducing marketable yield from 10 % to 80 % of the crop production in some developing countries, particularly in Indonesia. Disease control using pesticides is costly and has adverse impacts. Using resistant varieties is expected to be more economical and environmentally friendly. This study aims to evaluate 20 genotypes of chili pepper from AVRDC and Indonesia against anthracnose disease. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in Kediri - East Java, Lembang - West Java respectively, during January to October 2012 using completely randomized block design with three replications. Twenty genotype developed by AVRDC, IVEGRI, private sector companies and farmers’ local variety were evaluated for resistance to anthracnose in the field, an experiment unit consisted of 20 plants per plot. The observations were recorded for yield and some important economic characters. Fruit weight (g), length and width (cm) were average of 10 ripe fruits of the second harvest. Plant height (cm), canopy diameter (cm), pest and disease incidences (%) and fresh biomass (g) were average of five plants randomly taken from central rows. Data on fruit yield were recorded at plot basis. The impact of chili genotypes to another important of pest and diseases and financial analysis also observed. Financial analysis was conducted using partial budgeting approach. A further experiment was conducted in Laboratory and screen house of Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute (IVEGRI). Artificial inoculation was performed on green mature and ripe red fruits using AVRDC developed method and Yoon procedure with anthracnose isolates (AN 114). Symptoms were evaluated 3 – 7 days after inoculation. The results indicated that AVPP1102-B, AVPP0513, AVPP0719, AVPP0207, AVPP1004-B were found to be promising lines of chili pepper in terms of fruit yield and tolerance to anthracnose infection. There was no significant difference among Kencana, Flash 750, AVPP0207, AVPP0513 and AVPP0704. AVPP0712, AVPP0207 and AVPP0718 were showed consistent resistance in both in field and laboratory test. Four cultivars showed the highest profit. High resistance to both whitefly transmitted Gemini virus and anthracnose has been shown by AVPP0207, however fruit type does not match with consumer preferences. Thus, this line can be used as the source of resistance in breeding activity to develop resistance varieties for anthracnose and Gemini virus. The identification and development of new varieties of chili pepper with resistance to the disease would be most effective alternative for disease management. The results may provide useful information for stakeholder and breeding chili pepper anthracnose resistance.