EFEKTIVITAS DURASI PERENDAMAN BENIH MENGGUNAKAN CENDAWAN ENTOMOPATOGEN (CEP) TERHADAP PERKECAMBAHAN BENIH, INDEKS VIGOR DAN PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT JAGUNG

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) act as biocontrol against various types of insect pests and can live as endophytes on various types of plants. EPF also acts as a bio stimulant by producing hormones to increase germination and plant growth. EPF as a bio stimulant can be applied using the seed treatment method and its effectiveness is influenced by the type of fungus and the duration of seed soaking. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the duration of soaking seeds using EPF on germination, vigor index, and growth of corn seedlings. The EPFs used include Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Trichoderma asperellum. Research was carried out in laboratory and semi-field conditions. Corn seeds were soaked in EPF conidia suspension at a concentration of 1 x 108 conidia/ml and/or in sterile distilled water for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. The germination percentage was observed on the 7th day after inoculation, the vigor index was observed on the 12th day after inoculation and seedling growth was observed on the 28th day after inoculation. The research results showed that overall, soaking seeds in EPF suspension could increase seed germination, vigor index and growth of corn seedlings. Soaking corn seeds in EPF suspension for six hours is the best duration to increase seed germination, vigor index and growth of corn seedlings. B. bassiana is the best EPF in increasing seed germination and T. asperellum is the best EPF in increasing the vigor index and growth of corn seedlings.