Chitosan treatment affects plant growth and flower quality in Eustoma grandiflorum

The effects of chitosan treatment on plant growth and flower quality of Eus toma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn, were investigated. The application of a soi l mix of chitosan (1%, w/w) at sowing time remarkably enhanced growth, wher eas coating seed with 0.1% chitosan in lactate was ineffective. Plants grow n in the chitosan-treated soil flowered 15 days earlier than did control pl ants, and the number and weight of cut flowers produced were greater than f or control plants or plants from chitosan-treated seed. Chemical name used: poly-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucoseamine (chitosan).