Seed Soaking with Synthetic Fungicides for the Control of Moler Disease in Shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum)

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed soaking with synthetic fungicides in controlling moler disease in shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) and to determine the optimal soaking duration. The experiment was conducted in Lameroro Village, Rumbia District, Bombana Regency, from May to August 2025 using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments and four replications, resulting in 20 experimental units, each consisting of 10 plant samples. Observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, disease incidence, infection rate, disease severity, bulb number, and bulb weight. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant differences were further tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that seed soaking in a synthetic fungicide solution containing mancozeb improved shallot growth and suppressed moler disease incidence and severity. The 60-minute soaking treatment (D4) produced the best results, with an average plant height of 49.02 cm, 40 leaves per plant, and the lowest disease incidence and severity (0%) at 8 weeks after planting. These findings highlight that seed soaking with synthetic fungicides is an effective strategy to enhance shallot productivity while suppressing Fusarium oxysporum infection. Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum, molar disease, seed soaking, shallot, synthetic fungicide.