Biologically active nanomaterials in production and storage of arable crops

Abstract

Obtaining high-quality environmentally safe crop products, which would ensure the necessary level of human health, is the main task of biological farming. Nowadays, the leading role is given to long-term ecological (adaptive) plant breeding, designed to promote the most complete use of bioclimatic resources and mobilise the internal biological potential of plants. The realisation of the potential of varieties and hybrids is largely determined by the organisation of seed production, the varietal and sowing qualities of seeds. An equally important component of the solution to the problem is biopreparations, making possible a fuller realisation of the genetic potential of various varieties and hybrids of vegetable crops, yield increase (30-40%), biosynthesis of biologically active polymers (25-45%) and plant protection after a single treatment of seeds. The paper presents the effect of various types of nanomaterials, such as iron, cobalt and copper, copper oxide and cobalt oxide nanopowders, on the carrot variety 'Nantskaya 4' and potatoes of the 'Latona' variety. The influence of nanomaterials on the morphological and physiological parameters of plants, yield, the crop structure and chemical composition of carrots and potatoes, as well as the content of vitamins C and PP in potato tubers, has been studied. The safety of vegetable production has been established due to lowering the chemical load during the vegetative period, since the preparations have a prolonged action, are used in low concentrations and can replace traditional micro fertilisers, growth stimulants, and pesticides. Based on the research, the introduction of biologically active nanomaterials into intensive technology for growing these crops is recommended. Using the biopreparations developed by the authors, the consumer receives significant savings in the process of growing major vegetable crops: an increase in yield and quality, which will lead to some increase in the total number of products and profitability of production.