PENGARUH PEMBERIAN KAOLIN KALSINASI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL CABAI MERAH (Capsicum annuum L.), SERTA SERANGAN LALAT BUAH (Bactrocera spp.)

Oleh :
Galuh Jagad Belantara - H0722061 - Fak. Pertanian

Red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a high value horticultural commodity with continuously increasing market demand; however, its production is frequently constrained by pest infestations, particularly fruit flies, which can significantly reduce yield and potentially lead to crop failure. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of calcined kaolin application on the growth, yield, and fruit fly infestation intensity of red chili as part of a sustainable agriculture approach. The research was conducted in paddy fields of Dlimas Village, Ceper District, Klaten Regency from June to September 2025. The method used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments, namely kaolin (2,5; 3,5; 4,5 kg.ha-1), flonicamid insecticide, and a control. Data analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 95% significance level, and correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships among variables. The result showed that kaolin did not affect the growth parameters of red chili peppers. However, kaolin increased harvest parameters at 110 Days After Planting (DAP), the number of fruits increased by (22%) at the 3,5 kg.ha-1dosage and by (69%) at the 4,5 kg.ha-1dosage, while fruit weight increased by (29%) at the 4,5 kg.ha-1 dosage. At 107 DAP, fruit weight increased by (42%) at the 4,5 kg.ha-1dosage. Kaolin spraying did not affect the intensity of fruit fly infestation. Overall, calcined kaolin application did not reduce fruit fly infestation intensity under the conditions of this study.