New technique boosts wheat yields by more than 1.5 times
The technique involves treating soft wheat seeds with a chitosan solution, followed by drying and treatment with an aqueous glyoxal solution. Researchers said the combination improves plant growth characteristics and enhances resistance to serious diseases under the challenging climatic conditions of northwestern Russia.
The researchers said the biological treatment can also reduce the chemical burden on soil. Chitosan, derived from chitin, acts as a natural protective agent against fungi and bacteria, while glyoxal enhances plants' defenses against pests, making agricultural production more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The development comes as Russia recently recorded a record grain harvest of 113.5 million tons, while agricultural research worldwide is increasingly focusing on biological alternatives to support food security.
