Chitosan, derived from chitin, has gained significant attention for its diverse applications, including in agriculture. This study focused on synthesizing chitosan-based analogues with enhanced insecticidal properties while maintaining their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Various modification techniques, such as acetylation, quarterisation, and grafting of specific moieties, were employed to incorporate functional groups onto the chitosan backbone. Spectroscopic and physicochemical analyses confirmed the successful integration of desired functional groups. Bioassays were conducted on agricultural pests to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the modified chitosan analogues, encompassing toxicity assessments, feeding inhibition studies, and larval growth inhibition assays. Extensive research was conducted to assess the impact of these analogues on non-target organisms and the environment, ensuring their safety and environmental compatibility. The results revealed promising insecticidal activity of the chitosan analogues against the tested pests, with varying effectiveness depending on the modification technique and target species. Chemical modification proved crucial in enhancing the efficacy of the chitosan analogues compared to native chitosan.

Key words: Chitosan, foliar application, insecticidal potential, pest control, mode of action.