Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a bioactive derivative of chitosan, produced through enzymatic or chemical degradation. With its low molecular weight, excellent water solubility, and biocompatibility, COS has gained significant attention in agriculture. It functions as a plant growth promoter, elicitor of defense mechanisms, and antimicrobial agent. This article explores the applications of COS in seed treatment and turf management, highlighting its benefits for crop productivity and lawn health.
Seed Treatment with Chitosan Oligosaccharide
1. Enhancing Germination and Vigor
COS has been shown to improve seed germination rates by stimulating metabolic activity. When seeds are soaked in a COS solution before planting, the oligosaccharide penetrates the seed coat, activating enzymes responsible for breaking dormancy and mobilizing nutrients. Studies indicate that COS-treated seeds exhibit faster and more uniform germination, leading to stronger seedlings.
2. Strengthening Disease Resistance
Seed-borne pathogens can significantly reduce crop yields. COS acts as an elicitor, triggering systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants. By pre-treating seeds with COS, farmers can reduce the incidence of fungal and bacterial infections, such as Fusarium wilt and damping-off disease. This reduces reliance on synthetic fungicides, promoting sustainable agriculture.
3. Improving Stress Tolerance
Seeds treated with COS demonstrate enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. The oligosaccharide upregulates stress-responsive genes and promotes antioxidant enzyme activity, helping young plants withstand unfavorable conditions.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide in Turf Management
1. Promoting Lawn Health and Density
Regular foliar application of COS on turfgrass enhances chlorophyll synthesis, leading to a darker green color and improved photosynthesis. It also stimulates tillering and root development, resulting in a denser, more resilient lawn.
2. Suppressing Turf Diseases
Turfgrass is susceptible to diseases like brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani) and dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa). COS induces defense mechanisms in grass, reducing pathogen susceptibility. Its antimicrobial properties also inhibit soil-borne pathogens, making it an effective alternative to chemical fungicides.
3. Reducing Environmental Stress
Lawns treated with COS recover faster from heat stress, drought, and heavy foot traffic. The oligosaccharide enhances water retention and nutrient uptake, maintaining turf quality under challenging conditions.
Conclusion
| Seed Treatment | Enhancing Germination and Vigor | Strengthening Disease Resistance | Improving Stress Tolerance |
| Turf Management | Promoting Lawn Health and Density | Suppressing Turf Diseases | Reducing Environmental Stress |
Chitosan oligosaccharide is a versatile biostimulant with significant benefits for both seed treatment and turf management. By enhancing germination, disease resistance, and stress tolerance in crops, COS supports sustainable farming practices. In turfgrass, it improves lawn density, color, and resilience while reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals. As research continues, COS is poised to become a key tool in modern agriculture and horticulture.
Dora team will focus on optimizing the concentration of chitosan oligosaccharides in different plant species and exploring its synergistic effects with other Dora bio-fertilizers, especially OMRI listed fertilizers. It hopes to integrate chitosan oligosaccharides into crop and lawn management programs and apply chitosan oligosaccharides in combination with Dora Kelpreal so that growers can obtain healthier plants, higher yields and more sustainable landscapes.