Foliar application of chitosan increases plant growth and ecofriendly control of Cucumis sativus leaf disease

Abstract

Biological prevention of plant disease with bio-pesticides is widely encouraged and recommended due to the high environmental risk of chemical pesticides. Because of their non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties, chitosan and oligo-chitosan are well-known biocontrol agents. The objectives of this research were to determine the best chitosan foliar concentration for Cucumis Sativus growth and yield, and its leaf and fruit disease control. Observation towards the impact of chitosan as an environmentally approach to plant disease control will be explored. To grow Cucumis Sativus the medium used was 100% cocopeat, with electrical conductivity (EC) nutrient solution 1.9mS/cm. The concentrations of chitosan applied were 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 ppm. The chitosan was applied once a week. It started 30 days after sowing from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. As a result, the highest length of fruits was achieved at 75 ppm and the highest average diameter at 100 ppm chitosan concentration. Next, at 75 ppm, the impact of chitosan on the total number of fruits and the total weight showed a positive result. Furthermore, the effect of chitosan as an environmentally friendly plant disease control indicated that chitosan has a positive influence on cucumber plant fruit and leaf disease. Chitosan concentrations of 75–100 ppm show the best performance in controlling diseases that affect fruits and leaves. Based on the result, increase the chitosan concentration will increase the plant growth and control the cucumber disease. In conclusion, foliar applications of chitosan resulted in increased vegetative growth, better cucumber fruit quality and plant disease control compared to control plants (0 ppm).