QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHITOSAN CONCENTRATION-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGAL GROWTH

CHITOSAN CONCENTRATION-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of varying concentrations of chitosan on fungal growth, measured by mycelial diameter, in a solid medium containing 2% malt extract agar (MEA). Concentrations of chitosan (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.25%) were compared against a control group. The results demonstrated a notable decrease in fungal growth as chitosan concentration increased, indicating a linear relationship between fungal growth and chitosan concentration. The fungal mycelium covered the chitosan-amended medium within 7 days at lower (0.05%), while a prolonged duration (18-22 days) was required for growth at medium (0.10 and 0.15%) and higher concentrations (0.15 and 0.25%), compared to the control. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for chitosan were determined at 0.25% for A. alternata, A. flavus, and S. rolfsii, while concentration > 0.25% was required to achieve complete inhibition in the growth of M. phaseolina. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to elucidate fungal growth inhibition at different chitosan concentrations signifying fungal sensitivity to chitosan concentrations. A. alternata exhibited a more sensitivity, followed by S. rolfsii and A. flavus, to chitosan concentrations. The findings of this study will contribute valuable insights into the potential utility of chitosan nanoparticles as an antimycotic agent against these pathogenic fungi