ChitoGuard is a chitosan biostimulant made from the most bioactive and bioavailable form of chitosan oligosaccharide on the market
Plants are equipped with defense signaling pathways to sense chitosan. Chitosan triggers a defense alarm for the plant and begins a cascade of defense responses.
During pathogen infection, plant cells use their chitin-degrading enzymes (chitinases) to break down the chitin in the pathogen. This process releases chitosan oligosaccharides (sometimes called chitooligosaccharides). These small molecular fragments sound the
biological alarms and activate a defense signaling pathway, improving the “immune systems” of plants.
By pretreating plants with ChitoGuard™ (bioavailable chitosan oligosaccharide), it primes the plant for a stronger response to pathogens. It is similar to a vaccine – exposing plants to molecular fragments commonly found in pathogens helps plants be on guard and respond more efficiently.
Chitosan has also been shown to improve yield, nutrient uptake, root growth, and stress tolerance in various crops.
The Science of Chitosan – Getting the Terms Straight
Chitin is a polysaccharide found in crustacean shells (shrimp, crab), fungal cell walls, yeast, nematodes and other organisms. It is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, but it is not found in plants. It is a polymer of N-acetyl-D- glucosamine.
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide made by treating the chitin in shells of crustaceans or other organisms with an alkaline substance. Chitosan is formed by the partial deacetylation of chitin.
Chitosan oligosaccharide, which is the active ingredient in ChitoGuard, is a low molecular weight form of chitosan that is particularly bioavailable for plants.
Chitinases are enzymes that break down chitin. These enzymes are found in organisms that have a reason to break down or digest chitin in fungi or certain animals.
ChitoGuard™ is available from most distributors of turf nutritional products. If not easily available in your area, contact us and we will assist you with placing an order.
ChitoGuard is available throughout the United States and can be purchased in 2.5-gallon jugs (two jugs to a case), 275 gallon totes, or full tankers. Please plan your shipments to fit your needs.