VEGETATIVE GROWTH RESPONSE OF CURLY CHILI (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) TO THE APPLICATION OF TWO MICROORGANISM-BASED LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Jujuk Juhariah (Agrotechnology Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, Boyolali University)
Margaretha Praba Aulia (Agrotechnology Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, Boyolali University)
Putri Indrastianingrum (Agrotechnology Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, Boyolali University)

Multicience
Vol. 6 No. 02 (2026): INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTISCIENCE - MAY-AUGUST 2026

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a strategically important horticultural commodity in Indonesia whose vegetative phase strongly determines subsequent productivity. Microorganism-based liquid organic fertilizers represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic inputs, yet comparative efficacy data under local conditions remain limited. This study evaluated the vegetative growth response of curly chili treated with two commercially available microorganism-based liquid organic fertilizers (Fertilizer A and Fertilizer B) at the Experimental Field of Universitas Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia. A comparative design with five replications per treatment was employed; observations were carried out at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after transplanting (DAT). Growth parameters included plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter. Fertilizer A consistently outperformed Fertilizer B from 14 DAT onward. At 28 DAT, Fertilizer A produced higher mean plant height (34.31cm vs. 30.88cm) and greater leaf number (24.89 vs. 22.87). Stem diameter was equivalent between treatments at 28 DAT (3.86mm). These findings suggest that Fertilizer A more effectively supports vegetative development of curly chili, likely through enhanced biological nitrogen availability and plant growth-promoting substance production. Results support use of microorganism-based organic fertilizers as a viable approach for sustainable chili cultivation in Boyolali.