Low Molecular Weight Xanthan Prepared by Gamma Irradiation and Their Effects to Development of Seedlings

Abstract

Low molecular weight (Mw) xanthan was prepared by gamma Co-60 irradiation at both dry and pastelike states. The viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) of the irradiated xanthan gradually decreased with the increase of the radiation dose. Its Mv slowly reduced to 1.8 × 10 3 kDa from 1.1 × 10 4 kDa of non-irradiated xanthan by irradiation at 500 kGy in the solid state, and quickly reduced to 5.3 × 10 2 kDa by irradiation at 50 kGy in the pastelike state. However, the viscosity of the xanthan is still high enough for utilization as a bio-adhesive polymer. Therefore, the low Mw xanthan prepared by gamma irradiation has been studied as the additive to improve the effectiveness of fertilizer. In this study, foliar fertilizers supplemented with xanthan and irradiated xanthan were applied to maize and soybean seedlings. The results suggested that their developments were much increased by the presence of irradiated xanthan compared to initial xanthan, as indicated by the increases of their plant height, root length and fresh biomass.

Evaluation of Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum and Depolymerized Chitosan Based Coatings for Pineapple Lily Plant Production

“…Among natural biopolymers, xanthan gum, an Horticulturae 2021, 7, 19 2 of 9 anionic, high-molecular-weight exo-polysaccharide secreted by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris is also known [37]. Application of xanthan gum can influence plant growth and physiology, content of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity [38][39][40]. Xanthan gum used in micropropagation as an alternative to agar has a positive effect on the regenerative potential of some plants [41], which may indicate its biostimulative action.…”