Effects of chitosan application on chitinase activity in shoots of rice [Oryza sativa] and soybean [Glycine max]

The effects of chitosan application on chitinase activity of rice and soybeans were investigated after incorporating it into soil before transplanting or seeding. In non-fertilized soil, the chitinase activity of rice increased from a chitosan application 2 weeks after transplanting, and it was continuously higher than control on 60, 90 and 120 days after the application. In fertilized soil, however, its effect was not clear. The effects of chitosan application on the chitinase activity of soybean were occasionally observed only in non-fertilized soil, and these effects of chitosan were found being different by crop.