Polymer Science and Engineering

Biography

Biography: Ferdous Aktar

Abstract

Radiation processing of biomaterials is an area of current research for development of new applications. Consequently, the present study was designed to evaluate the potential uses of biomaterials like- Chitosan and Sodium alginate as plant growth promoter, nutrient contents and anti-fungal agent. Chitosan and sodium alginate solutions were treated with Co-60 gamma rays at 12 KGy radiation dose. At first different concentrations (20, 50, 120, 300 & 500 ppm) applied through foliar spraying at 7 days interval on selective vegetables, crops and fruits i.e. tomato, egg plant, cabbage, potato, maize, red leafy, green coriander, water melon, cucumber, rice, jute and betel vine for 30 to 90 days. It were found that the efficiency of irradiated biomaterials on these selective vegetables, crops and fruits were remarkable. However, further experiments are needed throughout the year to evaluate the actual growth promoting and anti-fungal activity of irradiated biomaterials on betel vine plants. Except this, their mixtures (70% alginate+30% chitosan) were also applied through foliar spraying on betel vine plants for 30 days. The results obtained by treatment with irradiated chitosan and sodium alginate showed increase in productivity and nutrient uptake and it reduced the disease and total fungal count dramatically. The mixture of these biopolymers also proved to reduce fungal count more than 100 times in contrast with the control, besides this other concentration of chitosan and alginate were also found to reduce fungal count at a high rate. Both of these oligosaccharides were showed the potent actions against the diseases of betel vine plants in contrast with control. In case of sensory evaluation test, chitosan treated betel leaves were positioned the best acceptance.