The Efficiency of Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment with Trace Element Solutions

This article analyzes the results of four-year research which examined the effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment (soaking, spraying) of white cabbage seeds with trace element solutions of various concentrations. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions at the Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Department of Omsk State Agrarian University with a mid-season-ripening, medium-yielding and high-yielding variety of white cabbage (Sibiryachka 60) found in the Omsk region. 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.05% solutions of ZnSO4 ⋅ 7H2O and 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.05% solutions of H3BO3 were used in the experiment. The cabbage seeds were soaked in water (control) and in trace element solutions for 6-12-24 hours. The germination energy and germination capacity of the seeds, the zinc distribution, and the biometric indicators of the seedlings and of the cabbage transplant seedlings were determined. The optimal concentrations of the trace element solutions and the optimal duration of pre-sowing treatment were established, which stimulated the development of seedlings and increased seed germination by 5-9%. It was noted that, compared with the control, 2 times more plants reached the 6-leaf phase by the time of planting when transplant seedlings were treated with a boric acid solution in the optimal concentration, and 3.6 times more plants did when fertilized with zinc. Based on the results the following is recommended for implementation in production: soaking seeds in a 0.03% solution of Н3ВО3; soaking seeds in a 0.04% solution of ZnSO4; soaking time - 6 hours; a 1:2 ratio of seeds to the solution; and concentration of solutions per element for boron – 0.005% and zinc – 0.01%. Keywords: white cabbage, seeds, micro-fertilizers, pre-sowing treatment

Controlled Release of Zinc from Soy Protein-Based Matrices to Plants

Controlled release systems are increasing their presence on the market. However, their use is not generating a great impact on horticultural production, mainly due to their price, which makes crop production more expensive. This work proposes a cheaper alternative for the manufacture of these devices. Thus, an agri-food byproduct (soy protein isolate) and a thermomechanical processing were used to create devices (matrices) that can compete in price with the use of conventional fertilizers (0.50–2.00 €/kg). First, different processing methods were evaluated to obtain the matrix with the most optimal mechanical, functional (zinc and water retention/release, biodegradability) and morphological (zinc distribution) properties for the supply of zinc (micronutrient). This was achieved by incorporating an ethanol immersion step into the processing to remove the plasticizer before its use in horticulture. Finally, the efficiency of these matrices was verified in crops (lettuce and peppers), improving up to 60% the assimilation of zinc by plants that conventional fertilization achieves. In addition, these matrices allow a 33% reduction in the water used during cultivation. This work has opened a new possibility of creating more efficient devices for the incorporation of fertilizers into crops, also having an affordable price for industrial use.

A metalloproteomic analysis of interactions between plasma proteins and zinc: elevated fatty acid levels affect zinc distribution

Serum albumin is the major zinc carrier in blood plasma. Fatty acid binding to albumin regulates its zinc-binding ability and alters plasma zinc speciation.

Altered zinc balance in the Atp7b−/− mouse reveals a mechanism of copper toxicity in Wilson disease

Copper accumulation in the Atp7b−/− model of Wilson disease impacts zinc distribution.