Effect of Poultry Manure (litter) and Seagrass (Posidonia oceanic) Extract on Enhancing Pepper Plant Resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

Abstract

This study was conducted in the area of 27 East Sirte in 2022 to investigate the impact of different levels of poultry manure (poultry litter) extract (50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml per irrigation process) and levels of Posidonia oceanic seagrass extract (50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml) on enhancing resistance of pepper plants grown in pots to Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). The results indicated a decrease in the severity of infection compared to the control. The infection rate in the control sample was 55%, while the lowest infection rate was observed with the treatment of 150 ml of poultry manure, showing a 13% infection rate. Seagrass extract treatments also demonstrated a significant impact on infection severity, with a decrease of 47%, 40%, and 36% for 50 ml, 100 ml, and 150 ml of seagrass extract, respectively. Overall, the addition of organic fertilizer to the soil led to improved resistance against CMV infection and stimulated growth in pepper plants. Application of organic fertilizer in agricultural soil is considered a practical method to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve plant productivity, and enhance disease tolerance for sustainable agriculture