In the heart of Telangana, a groundbreaking study is set to revolutionize the way we think about seed treatment and plant protection. Researchers at the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University have developed a novel Cu-chitosan composite that promises to enhance seed quality and combat soil-borne pathogens, with significant implications for the agricultural and energy sectors.
The lead author of the study, B. M. Sangeetha, from the Department of Plant Pathology, has been at the forefront of this innovative research. The study, conducted at ICAR-IIOR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, focused on creating and evaluating a Cu-chitosan-based composite as a seed treatment material. The results are nothing short of remarkable.
Chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, has long been recognized for its versatile properties in agriculture. It improves germination rates and seedling quality by creating a conducive microenvironment and protecting against soil-borne pathogens. However, the addition of copper to chitosan has taken this a step further.
The Cu-chitosan composite solution, prepared with 4% chitosan and a specific cross-linker, demonstrated superior film-forming ability, stickiness, and complete solubility in water. When groundnut seeds were coated with this composite, the germination percentage and seedling vigor were significantly higher compared to the control.
But the benefits don’t stop at improved germination. The Cu-chitosan composite also showed 100% compatibility with the biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum Th4d, a fungus known for its ability to control plant pathogens. “This compatibility is crucial,” Sangeetha explains, “as it allows us to combine the strengths of both the composite and the biocontrol agent for enhanced protection.”
The composite also inhibited the mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, a notorious soil-borne pathogen, by 44.81%. This dual action of promoting seedling growth and inhibiting pathogen growth could be a game-changer for farmers, especially in regions where soil-borne diseases are a significant challenge.
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector. As the demand for biofuels and bioproducts continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable and efficient crop production. This Cu-chitosan composite could play a pivotal role in enhancing crop yields and quality, thereby supporting the energy sector’s growth.
The study, published in the International Journal of Economic Plants, translates to the ‘International Journal of Useful Plants’ in English, underscores the potential of this composite in creating a sustainable approach to seed treatment. As we look to the future, this research could pave the way for more innovative and eco-friendly solutions in agriculture and beyond.
The commercial impacts are profound. Farmers could see increased yields and reduced losses due to soil-borne diseases. The energy sector could benefit from a more reliable supply of biofuels. And the environment could benefit from reduced use of chemical pesticides. It’s a win-win situation that could shape the future of agriculture and energy production.