Chitosan as a potential natural compound to control pre and postharvest diseases of horticultural commodities

Chitosan, a given name to a deacetylated form of chitin, is a natural biodegradable compound derived from crustaceous shells such as crabs and shrimps, whose main attributes corresponds to its polycationic nature. Chitosan has been proven to control numerous pre and postharvest diseases on various horticultural commodities. It has been reported that both soil and foliar plant pathogens fungal, bacterial and viral may be controlled by chitosan application. Microscopical observations indicate that chitosan has a direct effect on the morphology of the chitosan-treated microorganism reflecting its fungistatic or fungicidal potential. In addition to its direct microbial activity, other studies strongly suggest that chitosan induces a series of defence reactions correlated with enzymatic activities. Chitosan has been shown to increase the production of glucanohydrolases, phenolic compounds and synthesis of specific phytoalexins with antifungal activity, and also reduces macerating enzymes such as polygalacturonases, pectin metil esterase etc. In addition, chitosan induces structural barriers for example inducing the synthesis of lignin-like material. For some horticultural and ornamental commodities, chitosan increased harvested yield. Due to its ability to form a semipermeable coating, chitosan extends the shelf life of treated fruit and vegetables by minimizing the rate of respiration and reducing water loss. As a nontoxic biodegradable material, as well as an elicitor, chitosan has the potential to become a new class of plant protectant, assisting towards the goal of sustainable agriculture. r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.