Fungicidal effect of chitosan via inducing membrane disturbance against Ceratocystis fimbriata.

•Chitosan induced leakage of intracellular components (e.g., K+) of C. fimbriata.•FDA-PI staining visualized decreased cell viability under the effect of chitosan.•Massive DiBAC4(3) accumulation indicated the dissipation of membrane potential.•Chitosan decreased the activity of H+/K+ ATPase.•The fluorescence distribution and intensity of FITC was changed by chitosan.