Short Communication: Effectiveness of cinnamon leaf extract to control anthracnose disease on large chilies in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

The use of synthetic fungicides for plants is very dangerous because it has a negative impact on the environment. In the context of implementing eco-friendly, sustainable agriculture, efforts need to be made to reduce the negative impact caused by the use of synthetic fungicides. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a crude extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii Blume) leaves, observe the inhibition effect on fungi by scanning electron microscope, and test the formulation of cinnamon leaf extract against anthracnose disease on large chilies in the field. Cinnamon leaf crude extract showed inhibition zone of 35 mm diameter against Colletotrichum acutatum. The extract showed strong inhibition so further used as biofungicide in field experiments. Based on scanning electron microscopy, cinnamon leaf extract can damage to the fungal cell wall. Cinnamon leaf extract formula was found effective in reducing disease percentage and intensity of anthracnose disease in experimental fields. In the treatment, a concentration of 0.5% to 1.5% can inhibit the percentage of disease ranging from 29.4% to 100%. Concentrations of 0.5% to 1.5% can prevent disease severity from 35.8% to 100%.