In the heart of Siberia, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of plant protection and the potential of mechanochemical methods. Natalia G. Vlasenko, a leading researcher at the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture and Chemicalization of Agriculture, part of the Siberian Federal Scientific Center of Agro-Biotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has published a study in the Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture (translated from Russian as ‘Sibirskiy Zhurnal Zhiznennykh Nauki i Sel’skogo Khozyaystva’) that could revolutionize the way we approach crop protection and growth regulation.
The study, titled “Biological activity of binary triazole preparations on soft spring wheat,” delves into the world of triazole derivatives—tebuconazole and propiconazole—and their impact on soft spring wheat. The research is a response to the growing need for integrated plant protection against diseases, pests, and weeds, which is a critical element of agricultural technology.
Vlasenko and her team explored the use of mechanochemical methods to develop multicomponent and polyfunctional seed dressings for grain crops. These methods involve the mechanical activation of solid particles to increase their reactivity and solubility. The compositions obtained through this technology, in the form of solid dispersions, showed increased solubility and a wide range of biological activity.
One of the most intriguing findings was the strong retardant effect of the experimental compositions on the sprouts of soft spring wheat of the Novosibirskaya 31 variety. “The use of mechanochemical modification methods for a number of triazole derivatives made it possible to obtain compositions that significantly inhibited root formation and shortened sprouts, caused abnormal germination of grains,” Vlasenko explained. This ultimately affected the germination process and the accumulation of biomass in sprouts and seedlings.
The study also investigated the addition of known growth stimulators like floroxan and biostimulants such as silica to mitigate the retardant effect. However, these additions did not remove the retardant effect, although floroxan had previously shown a softening effect when used with compositions based on tebuconazole.
The implications of this research are profound for the agricultural sector. The development of multicomponent drugs using mechanochemical methods could address critical issues of resistance, solubility, and the expansion of biological activity. This could lead to more effective and environmentally friendly plant protection products, ultimately increasing crop yields and quality.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agriculture, Vlasenko’s research offers a promising avenue for innovation. The study not only highlights the potential of mechanochemical methods but also underscores the importance of continued research in this field.
In the words of Vlasenko, “The obtained results confirm the prospects for the development of multicomponent drugs using mechanochemical methods to solve the problems of resistance, solubility, and expansion of biological activity.” This research is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and its potential to transform the agricultural landscape.
As we look to the future, the work of Vlasenko and her team serves as a beacon of hope and innovation, paving the way for more sustainable and effective agricultural practices. The study, published in the Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture, is a significant contribution to the field and a call to action for further exploration and development.