Abstract
Chitosan is a linear heteropolymer consisting of β 1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and D-glucosamine (GlcN). We have compared the antifungal activity of chitosan with DPn (average degree of polymerization) 206 and F A (fraction of acetylation) 0.15 and of enzymatically produced chito-oligosaccharides (CHOS) of different DPn alone and in combination with commercially available synthetic fungicides, against Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of gray mold in numerous fruit and vegetable crops. CHOS with DPn in the range of 15–40 had the greatest anti-fungal activity. The combination of CHOS and low dosages of synthetic fungicides showed synergistic effects on antifungal activity in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Our study shows that CHOS enhance the activity of commercially available fungicides. Thus, addition of CHOS, available as a nontoxic byproduct of the shellfish industry, may reduce the amounts of fungicides that are needed to control plant diseases.
Highlights
Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr. causes gray mold in over 200 plant species worldwide, which results in great damage to agricultural crops
Enzymatic Production of CHOS CHOS were produced by degrading chitosan (DPn of 206 and fraction of acetylation (FA) of 0.15) with either ChiA or ScCsn46A, as described above
It is well known from several studies that chitosan and CHOS have anti-microbial properties, and it is known that the degree of acetylation of chitosan is an important factor affecting antifungal activity [22,23]
Summary
Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr. (anamorph of Botryotinia fuckeliana) causes gray mold in over 200 plant species worldwide, which results in great damage to agricultural crops. (anamorph of Botryotinia fuckeliana) causes gray mold in over 200 plant species worldwide, which results in great damage to agricultural crops. Other economically important plant pathogenic fungi include Mucor piriformis Fischer, causing postharvest rots on strawberries as well as on several other fruit crops [3,4], and Alternaria brassicicola (Schw.) Wiltshire, causing black spot on crucifers [5]. The control of these plant pathogens relies heavily on synthetic fungicides. Excessive use of synthetic fungicides has caused environmental pollution and development of fungicide resistance in plant pathogens [6]. There is a need to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides by increasing their efficacy or by finding alternatives
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