Researchers are studying the effects of chitosan on mycorrhiza. Good effects on mycorrhizal and root systems of related plants can be observed, leading to healthier crop growth and fruiting. The enzyme-resistant enzymes (chitinase) produced by plants are particularly effective against the phytopathogenic fungi cell wall, but they don’t have such function against the cell wall of mycorrhiza.
It would be no harmful increase in the mycorrhiza, chitinase after observing the soil chitosan-treated. The increase in lignification of plant cell walls after treatment with chitosan can defend the mycorrhizal fungi of arbuscular or ectodermal layers because both of them were contacting the side roots of plants near the root crown, meanwhile, the rhizomes are completed and form the root hairs.
Regarding the root, the ectoderm has not been lignified, so the mycorrhiza can bind unhindered with the root layer of the crops.
- There are two patents created, a solution on adding chitosan into fertilizer to enhance the plant, promote mycorrhiza.
- Chitosan is aimed at improving the soil living conditions against soil-borne pathogens. The mycorrhiza could live better under this good condition chitosan created. A study shows that chitinases could not affect the growth of mycorrhizal fungi
- Compare with the traditional fungicide, chitosan can help crops defend the late blight and promote the growth of the mycorrhiza at the same time. Studies also show that chitosan can increase the yield of crops.