Effect of vermicompost and biostarter on the growth and photosynthetic rate of Echinacea purpurea

Abstract. Choirunnisa LF, Solichatun, Yunus A. 2022. Effect of vermicompost and biostarter on the growth and photosynthetic rate of Echinacea purpurea. Asian J Agric 6: 35-39. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench or purple coneflower is a medicinal plant that originated from North America and began to cultivate in Indonesia. A proper method is needed for improving its growth and development to adjust and cultivate in a tropical area like Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of vermicompost and biostarter on the growth and photosynthetic rate of E. purpurea. Split-Plot Randomized Complete Block Design was used. Two factors of this study were organic materials such as vermicompost and biostarter. Both of them can be the way to increase plant growth and photosynthetic rate of E. purpurea. The dosages of vermicompost were 0, 40, 60, 80 g/plant and different types of biostarter from banana peel waste and EM. Observed data included plant height and width, leaf numbers, leaf area, photosynthetic and transpiration rate, also stomata conductance. The results showed that the treatment of 80 g/plant vermicompost and EM highest resulted in plant height (73,6 cm), leaf numbers (82), and stomatal conductance (0,4585 mol m-2s-1). Leaf area (87,21 cm2) and photosynthetic rate (0,6839 µmol m-2s-1) showed the highest result with the treatment of 80 g/plant vermicompost and biostarter from banana peel waste. The treatment of 60 g/plant vermicompost showed the best result on plant width (50,25 cm) also transpiration rate (0,2390 mmol m-2s-1). This study concluded a significant effect between vermicompost and biostarter on the growth and photosynthetic rate of E. purpurea.