INDEKS KADAR KLOROFIL JAGUNG YANG TERINFEKSI PENYAKIT BULAI PADA LAHAN DIAPLIKASI PUPUK SLOW REALEASE BERBASIS BIOCHAR TONGKOL JAGUNG

Abstract
Downy mildew is a significant disease of corn plants caused by the pathogenic fungus
Peronosclerospora maydis, with attack rates reaching 95%. The application of slow-release
fertilizer based on corn cob biochar is expected to increase the resistance of corn plants. Similarly,
Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. are known as antagonistic microorganisms. Bacteria can
produce antibiotic compounds that hydrolyze fungal cell walls, siderophores, and other antibiotic
properties that inhibit pathogen growth. This study aims to determine the morphological
characteristics of downy mildew-infected corn on biochar-applied land. Treatments were arranged
factorially in a Factorial Randomized Block Design repeated four times. The treatment was the
application of slow-release fertilizer from biochar mixed with NPK fertilizer, namely control,
slow-release fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer + cow urine, and slow-release fertilizer + cow urine
+ bacteria (Azobacter and Bacillus). The results showed that slow-release fertilizer gave the best
growth to both normal and downy mildew-affected maize plants. The stomata of typical corn
leaves were more open with regular vascular bundles, while those affected by downy mildew had
more closed and irregular stomata. The chlorophyll content index in downy mildew-affected
maize can also improve by applying biochar-based slow-release fertilizer.