CHITOSAN AND CHITO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES EXTRACTED AND PURIFIED FROM EXOSKELETONS OF CRUSTACEANS: POTENT GROWTH PROMOTIONAL AND PESTICIDAL ACTIVITIES ON COTTON CROP

Abstract

Chitosan and chito-oligosaccharides (COS) are the natural molecules having significant pharmacological action and
promising agricultural activities. Such preparations were obtained from exoskeletons of crustaceans after series of
processing steps. These molecules are responsible for inhibiting microbial growth attacking the crops, inducing natural
defensive mechanisms in plants and enhancing the growth of the crops. In the present study, the antifungal activities of
chito-oligosaccharides (COS), growth promoting and pesticidal activities of chitosan were determined on cotton crop
and the reduction in percent population of cotton boll worm was studied. The results of the study showed promising
activities of Chitosan and chito-oligosaccharides (COS) as illustrated in the study.