PENGGUNAAN EKSTRAK DAUN GELINGGANG TERHADAP PENGENDALIAN BUSUK BUAH CABAI RAWIT

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of senna leaf extract (Cassia alata) on controlling fruit rot disease in cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) plants. Fruit rot is a major constraint in chili cultivation, especially during the rainy season, caused by fungal and bacterial infections. Excessive use of chemical pesticides has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, senna leaf extract is used as an alternative botanical pesticide due to its antibacterial and antifungal compounds such as flavonoids and tannins. The research was conducted at the KTNA demonstration field in Sompe, Sabbangparu Subdistrict, Wajo Regency, from January to April 2024, using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four concentration treatments: D0 (control), D1 (100 ml/L), D2 (200 ml/L), and D3 (300 ml/L). The results showed that D3 treatment was the most effective in reducing fruit rot attacks, with the lowest average number of infected fruits and higher fruit weight per plant compared to other treatments. In addition to its function as a natural pesticide, senna leaf extract also acts as a nutrient source. This research demonstrates that using senna leaf-based botanical pesticides is safe, environmentally friendly, and can improve the cost efficiency of chili cultivation.