MISIS scientists have figured out how to accelerate the growth of wheat

MISIS University scientists have developed a unique polymer substrate that accelerates the growth of wheat seeds. It is assumed that their development will be actively used in crop production and seed production. Also, this material can be used as a covering material to protect seedlings from birds and wind.

As Victor Cherdyntsev, head of the Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the University of MISIS, explains, the biodegradable composition of the polymer material is not only a substrate, but also a nutrient medium.

“The raw material for the production of protective mulching films and nonwovens for growing crops consists of polymers created on the basis of petroleum products,” Viktor Cherdyntsev explains. – One of the features of such materials is their biodegradability. It is important that in the soil the material is freely destroyed by microorganisms without causing damage to the environment.

Studies have already shown that the height of sprouts grown on polymer substrates is, on average, 1 cm higher than on samples where such covering material was not used.

According to Yulia Tertyshnaya, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Physicochemical Compositions of Synthetic and Natural Polymers, Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, the substrates themselves are a supplier of carbon dioxide and heat to the seeds, since wheat seeds degrade under the influence of water and enzymes, accelerating germination. Decomposition products can replace nutrient mineral supplements that are applied to the soil.

Mona Platonov.

Photo by the NUST MISIS press service