Sclerotium oryzae biocontrol in flooded rice fields with floating microcarrier technology: The effect of chitosan molecular weight

BACKGROUND Biocontrol strategies are of significant concern for their application in crops. Various green practices have been designed, but almost all them had delivery constraints. In particular, to design biocontrol against Sclerotium oryzae flooded rice fields, the active agent should be retained on plant leaves by spreading application, nevertheless direct onto water produces dilution. An effective model was needed. This work aimed evaluate effects chitosan molecular weight formation positively charged Pseudomonas fluorescens–chitosan complex as a floating microcarrier oryzae. To this end, three different sizes [molecular weights (MWs) 20 000, 250 and 1 000 g mol−1] at pH values (4, 6, 7) were tested. The electrostatic interaction analyzed through ζ-potential measurement. adjustment experimental carried out making predictions. bacteria antifungal activity into carrier with MWs analyzed. RESULTS Our results suggest that it is possible form bacteria–chitosan net positive charge under condition improve incorporation technology without harming viability activity. Thus, high MW (1 mol−1) 6 preferable technology. CONCLUSION findings provide relevant information about may useful programs involved these two components well situations which adsorption an anionic or surface desirable.