Chitosan and its derivatives: Promising biomaterial in averting fungal diseases of sugarcane and other crops

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)-a prominent cash crop accounts for around 80% production of sugar worldwide. However, the productivity of sugarcane is declining (~40%) due to the attack of a perilous fungus-Fusarium moniliforme responsible for pokkah boeng (PB) disease. Presently, chemical methods are incisive where their harmful effects on living organisms cannot be overlooked. Introduction of disease-resistant cultivars and other biocontrol measures protect sugarcane to some extent. The multifunctional biopolymers like chitosan (CH) and its derivatives (irradiated chitosan [IRC]), chitooligosaccharides (CO) and nanochiotosan (NCH) offer endless opportunities to spring numerous aids for crops. CH is a dynamic plant elicitor with multifarious antimicrobial properties. The current review unleashes information on CH and its derivatives in controlling PB and fungal diseases of sugarcane along with other crops. We highlight the strategies that deploy CH as "biofungicide" to mitigate F. moniliforme. CH delays the postharvest decay in fruits (apple, strawberry, mango, banana, papaya) and vegetables (tomato, finger millet, capsicum, fenugreek) (~500-1000 ppm).NCH has been utilized as a foliar spray successfully (0.1%-1%) to protect staple crops (wheat, rice, maize) as well. Overall, NCH based strategies are noteworthy to protect sugarcane and other crops.

Biosurfactants’ multifarious functional potential for sustainable agricultural practices

“…Along with their surface-active properties, BSs also exhibit noticeable pesticidal and antimicrobial properties ( Fracchia et al, 2015 ; Ceresa et al, 2021 ). This proves them as a prime candidate for leading the path toward the sustainable management of agricultural pests and pathogens and avoiding the use of chemical pesticides ( Naughton et al, 2019 ; Kumar et al, 2021 ; Karamchandani et al, 2022a ; Karamchandani et al, 2022b ; Adetunji et al, 2022 ; Sánchez, C., 2022 ). BSs are promising suitable and sustainable alternatives to chemical or synthetic surfactants mainly due to their lower toxicity to the human system ( Marchant and Banat, 2012b ).…”

Synergistic Activity of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant and Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Fungal Origin Chitosan Against Phytopathogens

“…Additionally, the homogenous polymer length of FCH proposes abundant advantages over crustacean CH ( Ghormade et al, 2017 ). CH and FCH are being explored continuously due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential ( Karamchandani et al, 2022 ). The matrix of these biopolymers functions as a shielding reservoir for the release of active ingredients by protecting them from the surrounding environment and controlling the release of agrochemicals ( Cota-Arriola et al, 2013 ).…”

“…CH biomolecule is also an active plant elicitor with massive antimicrobial potential. The well-appreciated biopolymer enables the delivery of agrochemicals and prevents postharvest decay ( Karamchandani et al, 2022 ). Nanomaterials due to their unique structure, chemical composition, small particle size, and solubility have attracted the scientific fraternity, particularly for the purpose of agrochemicals.…”

“…The agricultural sector needs to explore nano-empowered solutions to meet the food requirements in the global framework ( Pestovsky and Martínez-Antonio, 2017 ). Our recent overview on CH and its derivatives facilitated in the realization of their promising role in averting fungal diseases of crops ( Karamchandani et al, 2022 ). The protocols and nanoagrochemicals are to be well thought out for multifarious molecules discretely and/or in combination ( Kah and Kookana, 2020 ).…”

Formulation, In Vitro Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan-Decorated Cream Containing Bacitracin for Topical Delivery

“…Chitosan is a derivative of chitin. It is polysaccharide with molecular weight between 300 to 1000 kDa [ 1 ]. It is the second most commonly used natural polymer after cellulose [ 2 ].…”