Chitosan Protection From Rice Diseases

In this chapter, the major rice diseases and their control methods are described. Results based on the direct action of chitosan against the main pathogenic fungi and bacteria of this crop are presented and discussed. The induction of defense mechanisms of rice mediated by chitosan and their role in plant protection from diseases under both controlled and field conditions are mentioned. Evidence shows that rice protection mediated by chitosan is achieved by a direct action of this biopolymer on the pathogen, and also indirectly by induced resistance. Therefore, enough data prove the feasibility of using chitosan to protect rice against diseases, with advantages over chemical fungicide application.