Abstract
The chitosan (CHT) biopolymer is a de-acetylated chitin derivative that exists in the outer shell of shrimp, shellfish, lobster or crabs, as well as fungal cell walls. Because of its biodegradability, environmental non-toxicity, and biocompatibility, it is an ideal resource for sustainable agriculture. The CHT emerged as a promising agent used as a plant growth promoter and also as an antimicrobial agent. It induces plant growth by influencing plant physiological processes like nutrient uptake, cell division, cell elongation, enzymatic activation and synthesis of protein that can eventually lead to increased yield. It also acts as a catalyst to inhibit the growth of plant pathogens, and alter plant defense responses by triggering multiple useful metabolic pathways. This review emphasizes the role and mechanisms of CHT as a plant growth promoter and disease suppressor, and its future implications in agriculture.
Highlights
Chitosan (CHT) is a poly (1,4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D glucose, a de-acetylation derivative of chitin, found in arthropod exoskeletons, which includes crustaceans like lobsters, shrimps and crabs, insects, mollusc radulae, beaks of cephalopod and fish, and lissamphibian scales [1]
Three trials were conducted on orchids to determine the effect of CHT on organogenesis; the results showed that
It is apparent that CHT can be utilized as a potential control agent for plant diseases caused by bacteria
Summary
Chitosan (CHT) is a poly (1,4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D glucose, a de-acetylation derivative of chitin, found in arthropod exoskeletons, which includes crustaceans like lobsters, shrimps and crabs, insects, mollusc radulae, beaks of cephalopod and fish, and lissamphibian scales [1]. The biopolymer CHT is safe, cheap and its chemical structure can be converted to develop relevant polymers for specified applications These features make CHT a molecule of great significance in a wide range of potential users, from health care and biotechnological industries to farmers [5,6]. A wide range of studies showed that foliar application of CHT improves plant growth, yield and induces synthesis of secondary metabolites like polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignin, and phytoalexins in plants [15,16]. It influences seed plasma membrane permeability, enhances sugar and proline concentration, boosts peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), tyrosine ammonialyase (TAL) and catalase (CAT) activities [17]. This article will focus on the effects and mechanisms of CHT as a plant growth promoter and disease suppressor, as well as its future implications in agriculture
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