Effect of plant extracts and chemical fungicide on viability and percentage of seed-borne fungal infection on calliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus) seed

Abstract

Abstract Calliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus) is one of the potential tree species that can be used as bio-energy resources. Unfortunately, fungi are one of the factors that can infect and decrease the viability of calliandra seeds. Some efforts are needed to improve the viability and inhibit fungal infection through biological or chemical treatments. The study was conducted to determine the effects of various plant extracts and chemical fungicide on the germination capability, as well as the inhibition of fungal infection in calliandra seeds. Parameters observed in this study were seed germination and fungi infection percentage. Seeds were treated by immersing them in hot water (five minutes) followed by chemical fungicides (i.e., benomyl, mancozeb) or plant extracts (i.e., ginger, onion, garlic, turmeric) for one hour. The study design used was a completely randomized design. The results showed that all the treatments could increase seed viability significantly. The treatment with immersion in onion, ginger and mancozeb was more effective on seed germination ability (88.67%, 8.33%, 86%) and reduced in fungal infections (11.33%, 5.33%, 0%). These treatments resulted in a significant difference between seed germination compared with the hot water and turmeric treatments. The best germination and reduction of fungal infection on calliandra seeds were showed on treatment by onion and mancozeb, respectively. The results revealed that garlic, onion, turmeric have a significant effect in inhibiting all fungal species compared to the hot water treatment. Ginger and onion extracts were effective treatments for increasing seed germination and controlling the fungal infection.