A biopolymer with antimicrobial properties and plant resistance inducer against phytopathogens: Chitosan

Abstract

Some synthetic fungicides have been currently prohibited due to their adverse effects; thus, searching for alternatives to decrease their application is a priority worldwide. An alternative to the application of synthetic fungicides is chitosan -a natural biopolymer- because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Chitosan has been used in different industries, such as cosmetology, pharmaceutics, food, among others. In agriculture, it has been used as a resistance inductor and bio-fungicide because of its antimicrobial activity and for plant development as growth promoter. Although many works have been published on chitosan for its characteristics and mode of action, the direct effects on agriculture -both in plant and fruit phytopathogens- have not been reported. Therefore, the objective of this review is to summarize recent advances and achievements of chitosan application in agriculture with special attention to its antimicrobial properties and plant defence induction mechanisms.

Keywords

• antimicrobial activity; induced systemic resistance; main sources of chitin; fruit protection; chitosan nanoparticles