CHITOSAN-IODINE NANOPARTICLE COMPLEXES FOR THE CONTROL OF BREMIA LACTUCAE IN LEAFY VEGETABLES

Abstract

In the present invention, the use of chitosan-iodine nanoparticle complexes with potassium iodide (NPsCS-KI) and potassium iodate (NPsCS-KIO3) is proposed for application in leafy vegetables as an antifungal agent, especially to combat the phytopathogenic fungus Bremia lactucae that affects leafy vegetables such as lettuce. The chitosan-iodine nanoparticle complex with 5 mg L⁻¹ of iodate ion (NPsCS-KIO₃) reduces the severity of Bremia lactucae infestation by 47.1%, and the chitosan-iodine nanoparticle complex with 5 mg L⁻¹ of iodide ion (NPsCS-KI) decreases the incidence of the pathogen by 27.8%. This is evidenced by the reduction in the enzymatic activity of glucanase and chitinase by 77.5% and 65%, respectively. This invention is intended for the agricultural, healthcare, medical, food, and nanotechnology sectors.