Novosibirsk State Technical University has created a two-component gel that ensures seed safety, increases germination energy and field germination. The developed product is biodegradable and safe for the environment. The work is carried out within the framework of the Priority 2030 program.
According to Victoria Betz, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Biopolymer Technologies at NSTU-NETI, the Protect gel is a two-component system. The first component is microgranules of a biodegradable nutrient gel, which contains humic acids, natural growth stimulants, as well as a wide range of micro— and macronutrients necessary for plant nutrition. The second component ensures the formation of a stable coating. They are applied one after the other after a short period of time. The complex forms a porous gel structure on the surface of the seed — the nutrient coating acts as a source of resources for the seedling.
The differences between the product created at the university and traditional mordants and liquid growth stimulants are a two—component system that creates a protective coating shell; prolonged action - the seedling receives nutrition even after the resources of the seed itself are exhausted. In addition, processed seeds can be stored before planting without loss of quality for up to 3 months, provided that the necessary conditions are met — maintaining a certain temperature and humidity.
Laboratory studies have been conducted that have shown that seed treatment with Protect gel reduces germination time, increases germination energy and field germination, stimulates the development of the root system, reduces the damage of seedlings by infectious diseases, ensures uniform seed coverage and stable fixation of the nutrient gel on their surface. For vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots), "Protect" accelerated the passage of the main phenophases by 2-3 days. In addition, the drug reduced the incidence of gray rot in tomatoes by 18.1%, and in cucumber, the incidence of fusarium in the experimental group was completely absent.For wheat, an increase in tillering was recorded by 14.3%; the height of the plant in the experimental group exceeded the control by 28.6%, and the weight was higher by 44.5%. The research results also showed that the components of the drug are safe for seed material and do not inhibit plant development.
The scientists conducted field tests on wheat and rapeseed. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the drug — the treated samples rose earlier than the samples of the control group. In addition, an increase in green mass and a better development of the root system were recorded in the experimental group.
The scientists of NSTU-NETI plan to develop seed treatment technology for its subsequent scaling, conduct extended field trials, and study the synergistic effect when combined with biologics and plant protection products.