<![CDATA[Fadli, R., Saputra, R. A. A., Nurhayati, N., & Pratama, R. (2025). Prevalence and Severity of Cercospora spp. Leaf Spot Disease in Pepper Plants (Capsicum annuum L.). In: Herlinda S et al. (Eds.), Prosiding Seminar Nasional Lahan Suboptimal ke-13 Tahun 2025, Palembang 20 Oktober 2025. (pp. x–y). Palembang: Penerbit & Percetakan Universitas Sriwijaya (UNSRI).Leaf spot disease on chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) is a significant factor contributing to reduced chili productivity in Indonesia. This plant disease, caused by the fungus Cercospora spp., diminishes both yield and the quality of the fruit produced. The tropical environment, characterized by elevated rainfall and humidity, facilitates the proliferation and dissemination of diseases in agricultural settings. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence and severity of leaf spot disease in field-cultivated cayenne pepper crops. Observations were conducted on 45 sample plants for a duration of six weeks post-planting. Microscopic and macroscopic identification was conducted to corroborate the observation results, utilizing the distinctive morphological characteristics of chili leaves to confirm the presence of the fungus Cercospora sp. The research findings indicated that leaf spot symptoms emerged in the second week post-planting, characterized by small, round, dark brown spots. The peak assault intensity reached 4.54%, while the minimum was 0.68% during the sixth week of observation. The peak disease severity was seen in the sixth week post-planting, reaching 18.36%, while the minimum recorded was 2.78%. The progression of Cercospora leaf spot disease exhibited an upward trajectory from the early to the reproductive phase. This study substantiates that the prevalence and severity of the disease remain significantly elevated in chili cultivation regions, necessitating comprehensive focus on disease control in the field.]]>
