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Effect of Silicon Nutrient on Stem Canker Disease of Pitaya Caused by
Alternaria species.
Nurul Syahirah Binti Abdul Rahim
Supervisor: Dr. Siti Nordahliawate Binti Mohamed Sidique
Bachelor of Science Agrotechnology (Crop Science)
School of Food Science and Technology
Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) or known as dragon fruit by local is rich in antioxidants
and vitamin C. However, stem canker disease reduce plant productivity as the diseases
spread quickly in farming area. Therefore, in this study the objectives are to determine
effect of silicon uptake on stem canker disease development and to observe the
physical changes on stems. Healthy pitaya stems will be selected and will be given
silicon as root applications; the concentration of Si; 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% (v/v)
whereas potassium silicate as positive control and negative control without Si.
Observation and assessment of stem canker disease will be done on treated stems
inoculated with pathogen (Alternaria species). The physical changes will be observed
under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Silicon nutrient may play an important role
as beneficial element in increasing plant resistance to pathogen cause by plant physical
changes (thicker stem, formation of wax or phytoliths).
1127 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018