Idea of Biotech Startup #2

Chitin is found in the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs as well as in the exoskeletons of insects, some fungi and the tough eggshells of nematodes. Adding crushed chitin to garden soil has been shown to reduce the number of nematodes in the soil. When applied in the large amounts necessary for significant control, however, chitin is an expensive option. Nematodes Nematodes are microscopic worms that live in soil. Some kinds feed on bacteria and algae and are harmless to plants. Other kinds, known as plant parasitic nematodes, feed on plant roots, damaging the root system and causing stunted growth, yellowing and death of plants. Nematodes feed on plant roots by piercing the roots’ cells with a needlelike structure called a stylet and then sucking out the roots’ juices. As they move from plant to plant, they may transfer diseases they picked up from previous feeding sites. Chitin’s Effect Chitin was discovered in the cell walls of mushrooms in the early 1800s. Later, it was identified in insects and named “chitin.“ Chitin is composed of chains of sugar molecules. Dwelling alongside nematodes in soil are bacteria and fungi that feed on chitin. They produce an enzyme called chitinase that breaks down chitin into a compound they can digest easily. The release of this enzyme near nematode eggs, which contain chitin, causes them to hatch prematurely, and high enough levels of the enzyme damage the protective exoskeleton of adult nematodes. Incorporating chitin into soil helps to increase the number of chitin-attracted organisms. Chitin Application One application of chitin should be effective for two successive growing cycles. Apply it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, combining it thoroughly with the soil or other growing media. Consult the chitin product’s label to determine how much of the compound to apply. A waiting period of at least two weeks after applying chitin is necessary before planting. The initial breakdown of chitin produces ammonia, a compound that can damage plant roots. Other Benefits of Chitin In addition to acting as a biological control agent, chitin is also an organic fertilizer. It is a rich source of nitrogen and phosphate and is particularly high in calcium and magnesium. Additional calcium helps to prevent blossom end rot of tomatoes and is beneficial to bulbs. Chitin also is used as a seed treatment, making seeds more resistant to fungal diseases, and it increases crop yields as much as 50 percent in some cases. #NikolaysGeneticsLessons #businessIdea #business #idea #startWith0 #money #startYourBusinessOnline #onlineBusiness #remoteWork #workFromYourLaptop #teenBusiness #businessIdeaWithNoMoney #alux #financialFreedom #10BusinessesYOUCanStartTodayWith1000In2021 #2022 #businessIdeasForTeens #businessIdeasYouCanStartWithNoMoney #businessIn2022 #businessIdeas2022 #businessIdeasUnder1000 #smallBusinessIdeas #biotech #biotechStartup #startUp