Pengaruh Pemberian Fungi Mikoriza Arbuskula (FMA) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Vegetatif Cabai Merah (Capsicum annuum L.)

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Application on the Vegetative Growth of Red Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

          The continuous and excessive use of inorganic fertilizers has the potential to degrade soil quality in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological properties. One environmentally friendly alternative is the application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as a biofertilizer because of their ability to establish a symbiotic association with plant roots, thereby improving nutrient uptake efficiency. This study aimed to analyze the effect of AMF application on the vegetative growth of red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The research was conducted at the Greenhouse of Universitas 45 Mataram from November to December 2025 using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments consisted of five AMF application rates: P0 (without AMF), P1 (10 g AMF), P2 (15 g AMF), P3 (20 g AMF), and P4 (25 g AMF). Each treatment was replicated four times, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. The observed parameters included plant height, number of leaves, fresh biomass weight, root weight, and shoot weight. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at the 5% significance level. The result demonstrated that AMF application had a significant effect on the number of leaves and root weight. The best vegetative response was obtained from the application of 20 g and 25 g AMF per pot. The 25 g AMF treatment produced the highest root weight, reaching 20 g per plant, while the 20 g treatment resulted in the highest number of leaves. In contrast, AMF application did not significantly affect plant height, fresh biomass weight, or shoot weight of red chili pepper.