Test the Effectiveness of Vegetable and Chemical Fungicides on Leaf Blight Disease in Corn Plants in the Lowlands

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 1 views

Test the Effectiveness of Vegetable and Chemical Fungicides on Leaf Blight Disease in Corn Plants in the Lowlands

Introduction

Leaf blight disease, caused by the fungus Helminthosporium turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et SUGGS, is a significant threat to corn production worldwide. The disease can lead to significant yield losses and reduced crop quality. In this study, we aimed to test the effectiveness of vegetable and chemical fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants in the lowlands. Our research was conducted at the Tanjung Selamat UPT-BBI, Deli Serdang, with a height of ± 25 meters above sea level, from August to November 2009.

Materials and Methods

This study used a complete random design method (CRD) with five treatments: K0 (control/without treatment), K1 (300 gr/liter of water betel solution), K2 (300 gr/liter lemongrass leaf solution), K3 (Propineb Chemical Fungicide 1.4 gr/liter of water), and K4 (Hexaconazole Chemical Fungicide 1 ml/Liter of Water). Observed parameters included the intensity of H. turcicum (%) and corn production (tons/ha).

Results

The results showed that the intensity of the H. turcicum attack in the last observation was recorded at the highest in K0 (control) of 58.80%, followed by K2 (leaf solution) 57.42%, K1 (Betel Leaf Solution) 57.03%, K3 (Propineb) 54.87%, and the lowest in K4 (hexakonazole) 54.31%. Corn production also shows a similar trend, with K4 (hexakonazole) produces the highest production of 9.75 tons/ha, followed by K3 (Propineb) 9.51 tons/ha, K1 (betel leaf) 8.41 tons/ha, K2 ( lemongrass leaves) 8.39 tons/ha, and the lowest in K0 (control) 8.31 tons/ha.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the chemical fungicides hexakonazole and propineb are more effective in suppressing H. turcicum attacks and increasing corn production compared to the vegetable fungicide of betel leaves and lemongrass leaves. This can be caused by several factors, including:

Mechanism of Action

Chemical fungicide hexakonazole and propineb work by inhibiting the growth of H. turcicum fungus, while vegetable fungicides betel leaves and lemongrass leaves may work in different ways, such as stimulation of plant resistance systems or as repellent.

Concentration and Dosage

Concentration and dose of chemical fungicides used in this study may be more effective than vegetable fungicides.

Chemical Composition

Chemical fungicides contain active chemical compounds specifically designed to kill pathogenic fungi, while vegetable fungicides may have a broader spectrum of activity and are not specifically intended for H. turcicum.

Recommendation

Although chemical fungicides have proven to be more effective in this study, it should be remembered that the use of chemical fungicides has a potential risk for the environment and human health. Therefore, the use of chemical fungicides must be done wisely and according to recommendations.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to explore the potential of vegetable fungicides as an alternative to controlling leaf blight disease. This research can be focused on:

Identifying active compounds in effective vegetable fungicides in controlling H. turcicum.
Determine the optimal dosage and way of application of vegetable fungicides.
Developing a more effective and easily applied vegetable fungicide formulation.

Conclusion

Development of effective vegetable fungicides can be an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution in controlling leaf rot disease in corn plants. Our study highlights the need for further research in this area to explore the potential of vegetable fungicides as an alternative to chemical fungicides.

References

Leonard, K. J., & Suggs, E. G. (1962). Helminthosporium turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 10(3), 231-235.
Tanjung Selamat UPT-BBI. (2009). Tanjung Selamat UPT-BBI Research Report. Deli Serdang: Tanjung Selamat UPT-BBI.

Abstract

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of vegetable and chemical fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants in the lowlands. Our research used a complete random design method with five treatments: K0 (control/without treatment), K1 (300 gr/liter of water betel solution), K2 (300 gr/liter lemongrass leaf solution), K3 (Propineb Chemical Fungicide 1.4 gr/liter of water), and K4 (Hexaconazole Chemical Fungicide 1 ml/Liter of Water). The results showed that chemical fungicides hexakonazole and propineb were more effective in suppressing H. turcicum attacks and increasing corn production compared to vegetable fungicides. Our study highlights the need for further research in this area to explore the potential of vegetable fungicides as an alternative to chemical fungicides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vegetable and Chemical Fungicides in Controlling Leaf Blight Disease in Corn Plants

Q: What is leaf blight disease, and how does it affect corn plants?

A: Leaf blight disease, caused by the fungus Helminthosporium turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et SUGGS, is a significant threat to corn production worldwide. It can lead to significant yield losses and reduced crop quality.

Q: What are the common methods of controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants?

A: The common methods of controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants include the use of chemical fungicides and vegetable fungicides.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using chemical fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: The advantages of using chemical fungicides include their high effectiveness in suppressing H. turcicum attacks and increasing corn production. However, the disadvantages include their potential risk for the environment and human health.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: The advantages of using vegetable fungicides include their potential to be environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in controlling leaf rot disease in corn plants. However, the disadvantages include their lower effectiveness compared to chemical fungicides.

Q: What are some of the common vegetable fungicides used in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: Some of the common vegetable fungicides used in controlling leaf blight disease include betel leaves and lemongrass leaves.

Q: How can vegetable fungicides be used effectively in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: Vegetable fungicides can be used effectively in controlling leaf blight disease by identifying active compounds in effective vegetable fungicides, determining the optimal dosage and way of application, and developing a more effective and easily applied vegetable fungicide formulation.

Q: What are some of the future research directions in exploring the potential of vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: Some of the future research directions include identifying active compounds in effective vegetable fungicides, determining the optimal dosage and way of application, and developing a more effective and easily applied vegetable fungicide formulation.

Q: Why is it important to explore the potential of vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: It is important to explore the potential of vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease because they can be environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in controlling leaf rot disease in corn plants.

Q: What are some of the potential benefits of using vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: Some of the potential benefits of using vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease include reduced environmental impact, reduced human health risks, and increased crop yields.

Q: What are some of the potential challenges in using vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease?

A: Some of the potential challenges in using vegetable fungicides in controlling leaf blight disease include their lower effectiveness compared to chemical fungicides, the need for further research in identifying active compounds and optimal dosages, and the potential for variability in efficacy.

Q: How can farmers and agricultural professionals use the information from this study to make informed decisions about controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants?

A: Farmers and agricultural professionals can use the information from this study to make informed decisions about controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants by considering the potential benefits and challenges of using vegetable fungicides, identifying the most effective vegetable fungicides, and developing strategies for optimal application and dosage.

Q: What are some of the future research directions in controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants?

A: Some of the future research directions in controlling leaf blight disease in corn plants include exploring the potential of new vegetable fungicides, developing more effective and easily applied vegetable fungicide formulations, and identifying the optimal dosages and ways of application for vegetable fungicides.