Magdi A.E. Abdellatef

By Magdi A.E. Abdellatef, Eman Elagamey and Said M. Kamel

In the spirit of returning to nature and using scientific applications to raise plant efficiency and reduce pathogen risk, scientists began searching for safe, natural alternatives to pesticides that are highly effective and low cost. On top of these alternatives, chitosan came with its biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and nontoxicity, which granted it dual energetic effects during the host-pathogen interaction. Chitosan promotes plant growth, regulates plant cell homeostasis and metabolic processes, and triggers plant defense mechanisms; on the other hand, it inhibits the ability of pathogens by disrupting pathogen growth and reducing reproduction, wherefore chitosan will become an increasingly prevalent and ideal resource for agricultural sustainability.

Part of the book: Chitin and Chitosan

By Eman Elagamey, Magdi A.E. Abdellatef and Hassan E. Flefel

Cyanobacteria are bioactive photosynthetic prokaryotes that have a superior ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and are highly competitive in the microflora community. They also improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and increase its water-holding capacity. Therefore, cyanobacteria are used as biofertilizers in agriculture. Cyanobacteria are able to promote plant growth by providing nutrients and producing many highly effective chemical compounds, such as enzymes and hormones, in the plant rhizosphere, giving the plant a highly competitive ability. In addition to activating plant defense responses against soil-borne pathogens, they have an effective strategy as a biocide against bacteria, fungi, and nematodes that attack plants. With multiple beneficial biological roles, the environmentally friendly cyanobacteria occupied the role of the maestro in sustainable agriculture.

Part of the book: Cyanobacteria