Respon Tanaman Katuk (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.) Terhadap Naungan dan Dosis Pupuk pada Beberapa Periode Panen

Abstract

Katuk (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.) is an indigenous plant that can be utilized as a leafy vegetable, food coloring, and herbal medicine. This research aims to determine the optimal shade intensity and fertilizer rate to enhance the growth and production of katuk plants. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RKLT) Split plot design, with shade intensity as the main plot and fertilizer rate as the subplot. Shade intensity consisted of 4 levels: N0 (no shade), N1 (shade intensity 55%), N2 (shade intensity 65%), and N3 (shade intensity 75%). Fertilizer rate also consisted of 4 levels: P1 (480 Kg ha-1/3 times harvest), P2 (880 Kg ha-1/3 times harvest), P3 (1280 Kg ha-1 /3 times harvest), and P4 (1680 Kg ha-1/3 times harvest). The research results indicate that the optimum result for the katuk plant's cutting population is achieved at a shade intensity of >60%. Shade application affects the growth and production of katuk plants up to 20 WAP (3rd harvest). The use of 45% paranet is recommended to obtain optimum growth and production of katuk, compared to cultivation in full sun conditions or using paranet with a higher shade intensity. Fertilizer rates showed linear results, therefore this research has not yet been able to recommend the optimum fertilizer rate for katuk growth and production.