Controlled release of zinc by polymeric nanogels for plant nutrition

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element required for the growth and development of all livingorganisms, including humans and plants.[1] Zinc stimulated the activity of enzymes forprotein synthesis and energy production which plays an important role in seed development,and zinc-deficient plants show a delayed maturity[2]. In crops, Zn deficiency causes stuntedgrowth, yield reductions, widespread infestation by various diseases and pests, and lowerfertilizer use efficiency.[3] The availability of Zn in soil to plants is influenced by manyfactors such as the redox conditions, pH, contents of organic matter, phosphate[4]. Zinccompounds as sulfate, chloride, and nitrate are the most commonly used Zn fertilizers.[5]However, when these fertilizers are applied to Zn-deficient calcareous soils, only a smallamount becomes available to plants due to the high pH in these soils increases the binding ofZn in oxides and hydroxides. Thus, one elegant strategy is use polymeric materials to increasethe availability of Zn by plants. In this sense, this project proposes the use of nanogles basedon polyetheramine and bisepoxide as controlled release of Zn. Here, this study will evaluatedthe use of a polyetheramine-PEO as formulation containing Zn for seed treatment.