Impacto del nanocompuesto quitosano-yodato de potasio en el crecimiento de plántulas de calabacita y efecto fungistático en Podosphaera xanthii

Background: Chitosan nanoparticles (NPsCS) and potassium iodate (KIO₃) currently show biostimulation and bioprotection benefits in agricultural crops; however, there are few plant species and pathogens in which chitosan-iodate nanocomposite (NPsCS-KIO₃) have been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate low concentrations of NPsCS-KIO₃ dispersions in the growth of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) seedlings and the control of powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii). Methodology: Applications of serial dilutions of 10⁻¹, 10⁻², and 10⁻³ of the NPs-KIO₃, NPsCS, and KIO₃ treatments were carried out on the cotyledons of the seedlings under a completely randomized design. The results were processed with ANOVA and means tests were performed (Tukey, p = 0.05). Results: It was found that treatment with NPsCS-KIO₃ at 10⁻¹ (2.5 mg L⁻¹) was the most effective in reducing the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and stimulated the formation of leaves with a statistical difference from day 34 after its application. Implications: The results of this work contribute to the evidence of the biostimulant effect of NPsCS-KIO₃ in the foliar development of zucchini plants and in vivo fungistatic effect at low concentrations. Conclusion: The application of nanocomposite NPsCS-KIO₃ at a concentration of 2.5 mg L⁻¹ stimulates zucchini plant growth and promotes a fungistatic in vivo effect on P. xanthii compared to individual applications of NPsCS and KIO₃.