Abstract
A new copper complex, trans-diaqua-trans-bis [1-hydroxy-1,2-di (methoxycarbonyl) ethenato] copper (abbreviation Cu(II) complex), was synthesized and its plant growth regulation properties were investigated. The results show a sharp dependence of growth regulation activity of the Cu(II) complex on the type of culture and its concentration. New plant growth regulator accelerated the development of the corn root system (the increase in both length and weight) but showed a smaller effect on the development of the wheat and barley root systems. Stimulation of corn growth decreased with increasing Cu(II) complex concentration from 0.0001% to 0.01% (inhibition at high concentrations—0.01%). The development of corn stems was also accelerated but to a lesser extent. Chitosan-coated calcium alginate microcapsules suitable for delivery of Cu(II) complex to plants were prepared and characterized. Analysis of the FTIR spectrum showed that complex molecular interactions between functional groups of microcapsule constituents include mainly electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Microcapsules surface exhibits a soft granular surface structure with substructures consisting of abundant smaller particles with reduced surface roughness. Release profile analysis showed Fickian diffusion is the rate-controlling mechanism of Cu(II) complex releasing. The obtained results give new insights into the complexity of the interaction between the Cu(II) complex and microcapsule formulation constituents, which can be of great help in accelerating product development for the application in agriculture
Highlights
Phytohormones are produced in low concentrations in plants, and many studies are focused on the preparation of synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) suitable for plant growth and development in agricultural practice
Cu(II) complex plant growth-regulating activity, the second part analyzes the molecular interactions between the microcapsule formulation constituents, and the third part discusses the important physicochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with Cu(II) complex
Chitosan-coated calcium alginate microcapsules loaded with Cu(II) complex were prepared and characterized to be used as a device for controlled delivery to the plants
Summary
The advantages of using microcapsules in agriculture are in protecting the encapsulated active agent from degradation (i.e., stabilization), reducing the amount required, and achieving controlled release to regulate growth for the entire crop cycle. This technology is recognized as an effective method for the controlled release of fertilizers [18,19,20]. The main hypothesis of this article is that by encapsulating the Cu(II) complex, which acts as a source of essential trace elements and a plant growth-regulator, we can prepare an improved agroformulation with copper delivery for the entire crop cycle. The presence of micro-and macroelements in microcapsules which simultaneously affect the growth, protect and nourish the plant can provide wider possibilities for application on different plant cultures during their life cycle
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