merged

Effect of Silicon Nutrient in Controlling the Invasion of Phytophthora Spp.
(Root Rot Disease) In Pepper Plant (Piper nigrum)
Syahirah Binti Sa’adi
Supervisor: Dr. Siti Nordahliawate Binti Mohamed Sidique
Bachelor of Science Agrotechnology (Crop Science)
School of Food Science and Technology
Currently, pepper plants (Piper nigrum) is severely infected with root rot disease
causing a significant economic loss. Symptoms on affected pepper plants include rapid
wilting and death of pepper plants caused by Phytophthora species. In this study, the
objectives are to identify the Phytophthora species and to determine effect of silicon
nutrient (Si) treatment on plant physical changes. Therefore, Si will be applied as root
applications starting from seedling stage in six months. The concentration of Si; 1.0%,
1.5% and 2.0% (v/v) whereas potassium silicate (positive control) and negative
control without Si. Throughout the experiment, plant growth and disease development
will be assessed. The amount of Si on leaves will be analysed by using ICP-OES and
leaves changes will be observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Si
applications may enhance physical changes of plant (thicker leaves cuticles, formation
of wax or phytoliths) consequently, reduce the root rot disease.
1131 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018