At the National University of Science and Technology MISIS, sources familiar with the conversation confirmed to Gazeta.ru that Russian researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer substrate designed to boost wheat growth. This new material functions not only as a substrate but also as a nutrient medium, and as it breaks down, it can take the place of certain mineral supplements that crops typically rely on during early development.
Tests show that wheat grown on polymer substrates reaches notable advantages. On average, sprouts are around one centimeter taller than those in standard control groups, and both root mass and root length increase significantly for seedlings nurtured on these nonwoven materials. The substrates act as a source of carbon dioxide and heat for the seeds, accelerating germination as they degrade under the combined influence of water and wheat enzymes. In closed soil conditions, the material is expected to disappear within four to six months, leaving no persistent residue behind. These observations come from Yulia Tertyshnaya, a senior researcher at the Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who led the study and spoke about the results to socialbites.ca (citation: Gazeta.ru).
Biopolymer-based compositions show promise for both pre-sowing seed treatments and the production of coating materials. Such coatings can shield seeds from environmental stressors such as birds and wind while simultaneously creating a microclimate favorable to germination and subsequent plant development. The approach aims to reduce seedling vulnerability in the early stages and support uniform growth as crops establish themselves in the field (citation: Gazeta.ru).
In creating the material, researchers incorporated polylactide PLA and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate PHB as the foundational polymers. They then blended natural rubber and nitrile butadiene rubber, employing electrospinning to produce ultrafine fibers. The applied electrostatic forces act on a charged jet of the polymer solution, stretching it until the resulting biomaterials acquire a cohesive, sticky structure that helps form a robust yet biodegradable network for seed growth. This method highlights how carefully chosen biopolymers and processing techniques can yield an engineered substrate that supports early-stage plant development while remaining environmentally friendly (citation: Gazeta.ru).
Experts emphasize that the practical applications extend beyond germination enhancement. The polymer substrates could serve as a temporary, nutrient-rich medium during seedling establishment and as a protective coating that reduces water loss and guards against environmental hazards. As research continues, researchers are exploring optimization of degradation rates, nutrient release profiles, and compatibility with various crop varieties, with the goal of translating these materials from laboratory settings to field-scale use (citation: Gazeta.ru).