Pengaruh Warna Mulsa dan Dosis Pupuk Phonska Plus yang Berbeda Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Gambas (Luffa acutangula L.)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the best mulch color, the optimal dosage of Phonska Plus fertilizer, and their interaction on the growth and yield of angled luffa (Luffa acutangula L.). The experiment was conducted at the DnR Garden, Pondok Bedadung Indah Housing Complex AA.01, Kaliwates, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia, at an altitude of 70 m above sea level. The study employed a 3 × 3 factorial experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was mulch color (M), consisting of three levels: M1 = transparent plastic mulch, M2 = silver plastic mulch, and M3 = black plastic mulch. The second factor was the dosage of Phonska Plus fertilizer (P), consisting of three levels: P0 = control, P1 = 4 g/L, and P2 = 8 g/L. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). When significant differences were detected, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level was performed using SPSS version 24. The results showed that black plastic mulch was the most effective treatment for enhancing the growth and yield of angled luffa, as indicated by the highest mean number of female flowers. The application of Phonska Plus fertilizer at a dosage of 8 g/L (P2) produced the best results for plant height, number of leaves, number of male flowers, number of female flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit length. No significant interaction was observed between mulch color and Phonska Plus fertilizer dosage for any of the growth and yield parameters of angled luffa.