Salicylic acid functionalized chitosan nanoparticle: A sustainable biostimulant for plant.

In this work, salicylic acid-chitosan nanoparticles (SA-CS NPs) are reported as a biostimulant for promoting plant defense and growth in maize. SA-CS NPs were characterised for colloidal size distribution, functional group, surface chemistry, chemical composition, crystal structure and morphology. Investigation discloses a method of SA-CS NPs synthesis, release profile of SA from SA-CS NPs, antifungal and seedling growth promoting activities. Findings unveil that SA-CS NPs expressed significant physiological-biochemical responses in vitro and in vivo. The responses were recorded as elevated antioxidant-defense enzyme activities, balancing reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell wall reinforcement by lignin deposition, disease control and plant growth in maize. In field, 59.4% control of post-flowering stalk rot (PFSR) disease and 57.8% yield enhancement was evident in SA-CS NPs application compared to SA treatment. The obtained results claim commercial potential of SA-CS NPs as a biostimulant for plant disease control and higher yield.