Effects of seed pelleting with fungicide on seed quality and inhibition of Fusarium sp. in Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Yellow wilt disease commonly affects chili seedlings, with the fungal pathogen attacking the roots or stem at the soil surface, leading to significant seedling mortality and severely impacting chili cultivation. Seed pelleting with fungicides can mitigate the risk of fungal infection of seedlings. This study aimed to identify the type and concentration of fungicide that does not affect seed quality while effectively inhibiting Fusarium sp. The experiments followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The results indicate that fosetyl-aluminium, at all three tested concentrations, inhibits (by 100%) mycelial growth. Furthermore, seeds pelleted with fosetyl-aluminium at 0.5 g.ai. and 1 g.ai. showed higher germination percentage, speed of germination, and shoot length, compared to non-pelleted seeds under laboratory conditions. In greenhouse conditions, seeds pelleted with fosetyl-aluminium at 0.5 g.ai. demonstrated higher germination percentage, speed of germination, and shoot length, compared to non-pelleted seeds. Both laboratory and greenhouse assessments showed that seed pelleting with fosetyl-aluminium at all concentrations significantly inhibited Fusarium sp. compared to non-pelleted seeds. Thus, pelleting seeds with fosetyl-aluminium at 1 g.ai. is recommended for enhancing seed quality and effectively inhibiting Fusarium sp. in chili seedlings.