Implication of calcium silicate in growth enhancement and alternaria leaf spot disease control in chinese cabbage
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Abstract
Calcium silicate is an inorganic compound that strengthens plant cell walls, enhancing resistance to environmental stress and fungal pathogens. Moreover, it has been reported to promote plant growth and defense mechanisms through physiological and biochemical pathways. In this research, the efficacy of calcium silicate in promoting seed germination and seedling physiological development, as well as its potential for inhibiting fungal pathogens that cause leaf spot disease in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) was investigated. The fungal pathogen was isolated from diseased Chinese cabbage in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Based on morphological identification and molecular techniques using PCR amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, the pathogen was identified as Alternaria brassicicola, with an identity level of 98.00-100.00%. The effect of calcium silicate on seed germination was investigated at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%). The finding indicated that calcium silicate did not affect on seed germination at 72 hrs. All treatments showed that 100% germination. Moreover, the 3% calcium silicate presented the highest concentration for plant-induced, with seedlings at 28 days exhibiting an average height of 15.80 cm, an average of 7 roots per plant, and a mean root length of 5.43 cm, significantly greater than the control. For the possibility of fungal control using the poisoned food technique, calcium silicate at the highest concentration could inhibit mycelial growth by 28.21%. This research suggests that calcium silicate may be a potential growth-promoting agent for Chinese cabbage, especially for enhancing the root system, while also inhibiting fungal mycelium. Therefore, calcium silicate could be considered as an effective seed coating or soil amendment to protect seeds during early germination and seedling establishment.
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