Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of plant material compost and Trichoderma asperellum TR3 for enhancing the growth and yield of BM-VLP shallots in the Palu Valley. A factorial Randomized Group Design was employed to investigate the interactive effects of three Trichoderma asperellum TR3 dosages (0, 20, and 40 g) and four compost treatments (no compost, 5 kg Chromolaena compost, 5 kg gamal leaf compost, and 5 kg rice straw compost) on the growth parameters of BM-VLP shallots. The results indicated that the interaction between Trichoderma asperellum TR3 and compost treatments did not significantly influence BM-VLP plant height. However, the single application of Trichoderma asperellum TR3 at a dosage of 40 g significantly enhanced leaf greenness, with an average greenness value of 40.00. Among the compost treatments, gamal leaf compost exhibited the most favorable effects on the growth parameters, producing an average of 22.84 leaves per plant. Straw compost, on the other hand, promoted the highest plant height (25.65 cm) and leaf area ratio (155.00 cm²/g). These findings suggest that the combination of Trichoderma asperellum TR3 (40 g) and gamal leaf compost (5 kg) can effectively enhance the growth and yield of BM-VLP shallots in the Palu Valley.