Effect of Akruss 350fs Concentration and Seed Soaking Duration on Germination and Growth of Chili Plant (Capsicum frutescens L.) Plants

The cultivation of chili plants (Capsicum frutescens L.) is vital due to their economic and nutritional value. However, seed germination and growth are influenced by factors such as pre-sowing treatments. This study investigates the effect of Akruss-350FS concentration and seed soaking duration on chili plant germination and growth. A factorial experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three levels of Akruss-350FS concentration (0, 3, and 6 ml/L) and three soaking durations (0, 12, and 24 hours). Germination rate, percentage, plant height, leaf width, stem diameter, and number of branches were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and an Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that Akruss-350FS concentration significantly affected leaf width, with the highest width observed at 6 ml/L. However, neither Akruss-350FS concentration nor soaking duration had a significant impact on germination rate, plant height, stem diameter, or number of branches. The findings suggest that while Akruss-350FS may enhance specific growth parameters, it does not universally improve all aspects of chili plant development. In conclusion, optimizing Akruss-350FS concentration can enhance certain morphological traits, but further research is needed to determine its broader impact on chili plant productivity. These results contribute to improved agronomic practices for chili cultivation.