Research Article Open Access

Potential of Chitinases as a Biopesticide against Agriculturally Harmful Fungi and Insects

Abstract

Due to an increasing sensibility and pressure of public and environmental agencies against the application of chemical based pesticides and their long lasting adverse effects on ecosystems and human health, has motivated the search for non hazardous alternatives. The most trustworthy substitute of chemical pesticides is considered as biocontrol agents. These agents could be formulations of bacteria, fungi, viruses, plant extracts or antibiotics. Inhibition or killing of harmful pests by biocontrol agents is environmentally safe and without creating any soil pollution. In last two decades, chitinases have received the attention of researchers for their anti-insects and antifungal biocontrol activities. This review critically focused on the successful studies (inside and outside of laboratory) has been done for the evaluation of biocontrol potential of chitinases from different sources.

Gursharan Singh, Aditya Bhalla, Jasvinder Singh Bhatti, Sanjeev Chandel, Ashima Rajput, Aftab Abdullah, Waseem Andrabi, Paramjit Kaur

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