Chitosan Oligosaccharide - Water Soluble Powder
Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) is a biodegradable, natural polymer derived from chitin, which is derived from shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crab. COS has gained attention in agriculture for its numerous benefits, primarily as a plant growth promoter and a natural biostimulant. Read more below for more detailed benefits.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) is a biodegradable, natural polymer derived from chitin, which is derived from shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crab. COS has gained attention in agriculture for its numerous benefits, primarily as a plant growth promoter and a natural biostimulant. Read more below for more detailed benefits.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) is a biodegradable, natural polymer derived from chitin, which is derived from shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crab. COS has gained attention in agriculture for its numerous benefits, primarily as a plant growth promoter and a natural biostimulant. Read more below for more detailed benefits.
Some of the agricultural benefits of chitosan oligosaccharide include:
Enhanced Plant Growth: COS can promote plant growth by stimulating root development and increasing nutrient uptake. This results in healthier and more vigorous plants, leading to higher yields.
Improved Disease Resistance: COS has been shown to enhance a plant's natural defense mechanisms, making it more resistant to various diseases and pathogens. It can activate the plant's immune system and induce the production of defense-related enzymes and compounds.
Increased Stress Tolerance: Chitosan oligosaccharide helps plants withstand various abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. It can mitigate the negative effects of stress by improving the plant's overall health and resilience.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: COS can chelate essential nutrients, making them more available to plants. This leads to better nutrient utilization, increased nutrient efficiency, and reduced nutrient runoff, which is beneficial for both the environment and crop health.
Improved Soil Health: The application of COS can enhance the beneficial microbial populations in the soil. It helps establish a healthier soil ecosystem, promoting nutrient cycling and better soil structure.
Reduced Chemical Dependency: By improving plant health and disease resistance, COS can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Enhanced Fruit Quality: Chitosan oligosaccharide has been shown to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables by enhancing color, flavor, and nutritional content.
Extended Shelf Life: The application of COS can help extend the post-harvest shelf life of fruits and vegetables by reducing spoilage and decay.
Sustainable Agriculture: The biodegradable nature of COS aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, and its use can reduce the environmental impact associated with synthetic chemicals.
Depending on the application, studies on COS have shown it to be effective at concentrations anywhere from 25 ppm (25 mg per liter of water) to 5000 ppm (5 grams per liter). I personally use it on my many crops at a concentration of 500 ppm as I have found that amount to offer the best of both worlds, although you can certainly use less. Higher concentrations (over 1000 ppm) are generally used for the defense against and inhibition of active, aggressive fungal pathogens.
