While searching for ways to boost crop yields, the authors explain that natural, biodegradable, and nontoxic compounds like chitin and chitosan are gaining attention for their contribution to agro-environmental sustainability.
The researchers point out that these substances act as plant growth promoters and help defend against both biological and environmental stress conditions. According to the study, applying chitosan can increase stomatal conductance and reduce transpiration, while also serving as an effective coating material for seeds.
The authors also highlight that these compounds can promote chitinolytic microorganisms and extend the storage life of horticultural crops through post-harvest treatments. Furthermore, the study notes that they improve nutrient delivery to plants by preventing leaching and supporting the slow release of nutrients in fertilizers.
Beyond plant growth, the researchers explain that these materials can remediate polluted soils by removing cationic and anionic heavy metals and improving soil properties. Ultimately, the authors conclude that chitin and chitosan play an important role in modern sustainable crop production, while also outlining current limitations and future prospects for their use as biostimulants.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060819
Reference:
Shahrajabian, M. H., Chaski, C., Polyzos, N., Tzortzakis, N., & Petropoulos, S. A. (2021). Sustainable Agriculture Systems in Vegetable Production Using Chitin and Chitosan as Plant Biostimulants. Biomolecules, 11(6), 819.