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(العربية) تأثير الشيتوزان الزراعي على مكافحة أمراض البطاطس التي يسببها فطر الفيوزاريوم.

Antifungal Activity of Chitosan Against Fusarium Based on Laboratory and Field Tests

  • In the laboratory experiment, chitosan significantly reduced the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sambucinum, and Fusarium graminearum by 88.4%, 89.0%, and 89.8%, respectively.

  • In the field experiment, treating potato plants with chitosan two weeks after planting the tubers, followed by inoculation with Fusarium a week later, reduced the severity of dry rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium sambucinum by 60.0% and 48.2%, respectively.

  • When tested as a plant treatment, potato plants treated with chitosan and inoculated with Fusarium showed a 33.5%–45.3% reduction in wilting severity compared to plants inoculated with Fusarium but not treated with chitosan.

  • Chitosan treatment enhanced the activity of phenolic compounds and defense-related enzymes such as peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in potato tubers inoculated with Fusarium species.

  • The results clearly indicate that chitosan can be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling dry rot and Fusarium wilt by stimulating the plant defense system.

Source:
Mejdoub‐Trabelsi B, Touihri S, Ammar N, Riahi A, Daami‐Remadi M. (2019).
“Effect of chitosan for the control of potato diseases caused by Fusarium species.”
J Phytopathol.;00:1–10.

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Enhancing Plant Resilience: MSA vs. SiO₂ in Agriculture

Enhancing Plant Resilience: MSA vs. SiO₂ in Agriculture

The differences in plant physiology when applying monosilicic acid (MSA) versus silicon dioxide (SiO₂) primarily arise from their bioavailability, absorption mechanisms, and systemic effects on plants. Here’s a breakdown:

 

1. Bioavailability

• Monosilicic Acid (MSA):

  • MSA provides silicon in its most bioavailable form: H₄SiO₄ (soluble silica).
  • Plants can directly absorb monosilicic acid through their roots or leaves without further conversion.
  • This allows for immediate uptake and faster systemic effects.

• Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂):

  • SiO₂ is an insoluble and crystalline form of silicon.
  • For plants to utilize SiO₂, it must undergo slow dissolution into H₄SiO₄ in the soil or solution.
  • This process depends on environmental factors such as soil pH, moisture, and microbial activity, leading to delayed availability.

 

2. Absorption and Transport

• MSA:

  • Rapidly absorbed and transported through the plant’s xylem.
  • Promotes uniform silicon distribution in plant tissues, enhancing systemic effects.

• SiO₂:

  • Limited immediate absorption because it must first dissolve into H₄SiO₄, which occurs at a slow rate.
  • Often remains localized in the soil and is less efficient in supplying silicon to plants within a short timeframe.

 

3. Effects on Plant Physiology

• MSA:

  • Stress Resistance: Faster integration into cell walls as silica (SiO₂), enhancing structural strength and resilience against pests, diseases, drought, and salinity.
  • Growth Promotion: More direct influence on stress-related signaling pathways, improving photosynthesis and stress tolerance.
  • Nutrient Interactions: MSA does not interfere with other nutrients, ensuring optimal uptake.

• SiO₂:

  • Long-Term Benefits: Acts as a slow-release source of silicon, beneficial for maintaining soil silicon levels over time.
  • Localized Effects: Contributes to improving soil structure and microbial activity but provides less immediate physiological benefits to the plant.

 

4. Practical Applications

• MSA:

  • Best for crops requiring rapid stress mitigation, such as during drought, salinity, or pest attacks.
  • Effective in hydroponics, foliar sprays, or soil applications for immediate silicon supplementation.

• SiO₂:

  • More suitable as a long-term soil amendment to improve soil silicon levels over time.
  • Commonly used in agricultural practices aimed at maintaining soil health rather than achieving immediate physiological benefits.

 

Summary

  • MSA: Highly bioavailable, immediate effects, rapid absorption, and suitable for addressing acute stress or nutrient deficiencies in plants.
  • SiO₂: Slow-release source, less bioavailable, and beneficial for long-term soil management rather than immediate plant uptake.

 

Choosing between them depends on the crop’s specific needs, environmental conditions, and the desired speed of physiological effects.

Mr. Ihab Sharaf
CEO