Dual utilisation of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae) as bokashi fertiliser and botanical pesticide to enhance growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.; Solanaceae)

Dhiva Kinanti Diadara (¹Plant Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya 30622, Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Weri Herlin (²Agroecotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya 30622, Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Astuti Kurnianingsih (³Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya 30622, Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia)

Bioma : Jurnal Biologi Indonesia
Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Bioma

The application of bokashi fertiliser and botanical pesticides offers a sustainable approach to improving crop productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae) as both a bokashi fertiliser and a botanical pesticide for enhancing the growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.; Solanaceae). A randomised block design with two factors was employed. The first factor was bokashi fertiliser at two rates (200 and 600 g plant⁻¹), while the second factor was botanical pesticide at four concentrations (0, 150, 200, and 250 g L⁻¹). Observed variables included plant height, flowering time, fruiting time, average fruit weight, and fruit number. Bokashi fertiliser significantly affected chilli growth and yield, with 600 g plant⁻¹ producing the best results. Botanical pesticide application also showed significant effects, with 200 g L⁻¹ providing the most favourable performance across several parameters. Although no significant interaction was detected between the two treatments, the combination of 600 g plant⁻¹ bokashi fertiliser and 200 g L⁻¹ botanical pesticide produced the highest overall yield. These findings demonstrate the potential of C. odorata-based inputs for sustainable chilli cultivation.