EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ELICITORS ON WHEAT PLA NTS

We studied the biological effects of limitedly depolymerized chitosan (mean molecular mass 10 - 20 or 2 - 4 kD) on the wheat plants by wetti ng the seeds or sprinkling the plants with water solutions of these dr ugs. Chitosan derivatives obtained and studied by us markedly affect t he cell cycle in the meristem of wheat seedlings and are very effectiv e regulators of plant growth and development that stimulate germinatio n, increase yield and improve harvest quality. Besides, these chitosan derivatives have significant elicitor properties which markedly incre ase the resistance of the wheat plants against the phytopathogenic fun gus Fusarium culmorum, a causative agent of root rot of cereals.