The effect of fruit characteristics of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) and biocontrol agents (Trichoderma sp and azoxystrobin) on severity of anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum)

Anthracnose disease is the most important constraint to cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) production in most major chili pepper - growing regions of the world, and often results in high yield losses. Anthracnose disease is due to several species of Colletotrichum (C. gloeosporiodes, C. capsici and C. acutatum are considered the major species). The incidence of anthracnose depends on cultivar susceptibility and weather. In warm and humid conditions cayenne pepper varieties are susceptible to anthracnose. Anthracnose is difficult to control after the symptoms appear, particularly when environmental conditions are favorable for infection. In order to identify an effective control measure, 4 varieties of cayenne pepper with 2 different color of immature fruits (green and yellow) and 2 type of fruit (straight up and decline) and used of 4 bio-control agents (Trichoderma species and azoxystrobin) were measuring the effects on disease incidence and yield. The experiment was conducted at Indonesian vegetables Research Institute from July 2014 to February 2015. The experiment was arranged as a split plot block design with four replications. Result of this experiment indicated that combination between tolerant varieties and application of bio control agent were the best option to control anthracnose of cayenne pepper rather than chemical control as it is cost-effective and environment friendly. Application of all bio control agents on immature green cayenne pepper + straight up type of fruit significantly reduced the incidence of anthracnose diseases which ranged between 3.51– 6.81%. Application of T. harzianum and azoxystrobin were significantly more effective than T. koningii and T. viride in reducing the incidence of anthracnose on different fruit characteristic of cayenne pepper. This study revealed that in green immature straight up type fruit cayenne pepper application of T. harzianum and azoxystrobin have good potential in controlling the anthracnose disease of C. acutatum and resulted higher yield than in other treatments.