Hydrolyzes chitin and may play a role in defense against fungal pathogens containing chitin. Random endo-hydrolysis of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide (1->4)-beta-linkages in chitin and chitodextrins. Expressed in roots, leaves, sheaths and meristems. By fungal elicitor and wounding. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. Chitinase class I subfamily.