Effect of Nanochitosan and Biocapsule on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage cv. Golden Acre

Abstract

Nanochitosan, derived from chitosan, a biopolymer found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans has gained attention for its exceptional properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Nutritionally, cabbage is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals. Cabbage contains heat-sensitive compounds with antibacterial and anti-peptic ulcer effects, further enhancing its nutritional and therapeutic significance. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of nanochitosan and biocapsule applications on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage (cv. Golden Acre) under field conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising 15 treatment combinations involving different concentrations of nanochitosan (50, 100 and 150 ppm) and biocapsules (450, 500 and 550 ppm), along with control and was replicated in three times. The study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the rabi season of 2024-2025. The results revealed significant differences among the treatments for all growth, yield and quality parameters. The treatment T15: Nanochitosan 150 ppm & Biocapsule 550 ppm recorded the best performance with the highest plant height (33.70 cm), number of leaves per plant (28.45), plant spread (47.88 cm), polar diameter (17.97 cm), equatorial diameter (28.00 cm), gross head weight (1,955.26 g), net head weight (1,410.58 g) and head yield per plot (2.13 kg). The same treatment also showed the earliest maturity (65.76 days) and maximum quality enhancement in terms of total soluble solids (10.08 °Brix) and vitamin C content (38.82 mg/100g). The significant improvement observed with nanochitosan and biocapsule combinations can be attributed to the synergistic effects of enhanced nutrient uptake, improved physiological activity, and the bio-stimulatory impact of beneficial microbes. The findings highlight the potential of integrating nano-based biostimulants and microbial inoculants as a sustainable and effective approach to improving cabbage productivity and nutritional quality. The integration of nanochitosan and biocapsules represents a promising, eco-friendly, and economically viable strategy for sustainable cabbage production. Further research can focus on assessing the long-term environmental impact and scalability of this technology for commercial cultivation.