Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Sustainable pest and disease management has become a major priority in modern agriculture due to increasing concerns regarding environmental degradation, pesticide resistance, and other adverse effects of synthetic pesticides. Although microbial biocontrol agents have emerged as promising alternatives, their application is limited by poor environmental stability, short shelf life, and inconsistent field performance. Advanced formulation strategies, particularly nanochitosan-based delivery systems, have gained attention as a means of overcoming these limitations. This review examines recent advances in nanochitosan-based microbial formulations, focusing on synthesis, physicochemical characterisation, bioefficacy, and validation. Quantitative findings demonstrate enhanced bioefficacy against insect pests and plant pathogens. Nanochitosan-coated Nomuraea rileyi metabolites recorded an LC₅₀ of 1.67 µg and an LT₅₀ of 2.17 h against Spodoptera litura. Similarly, nanochitosan–Metarhizium anisopliae composites showed a decline in LC₅₀ from 170.01 ppm at 3 days to 14.44 ppm at 7 days against Plutella xylostella. Chitosan nanoparticles containing Bacillus velezensis metabolites achieved 100% inhibition of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro. Overall, nanochitosan enhanced insecticidal and antimicrobial activity through improved stability, persistence, adhesion, and controlled delivery. However, the evidence is predominantly laboratory- and greenhouse-based, with limited information on storage stability, field performance, biosafety, and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, formulation optimisation and safety evaluations are required before commercialisation.