Fertilizer Specialties
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates consisting of long chains of sugar units. Within biostimulants, polysaccharides are used because of their role as elicitors, their influence on root–soil interactions, and their ability to activate stress and defense mechanisms in plants.
What are polysaccharides?
Polysaccharides (Polysaccharides) are high-molecular organic compounds that naturally occur in plants, algae, microorganisms, and fungi. In biostimulants, they are used because of their biological recognizability and functional activity.
- High-molecular carbohydrates
- Consist of repeated sugar units
- Biologically active in low concentrations
- Recognizable by plant defense and signaling systems
Polysaccharides as elicitors
Many polysaccharides function as elicitors recognized by plants as signaling substances. This recognition activates internal defense and stress pathways without actual damage occurring.
Influence on stress response
Abiotic stress
Under abiotic stress conditions, polysaccharides help in activating protective mechanisms that help keep physiological processes stable.
Biotic stress
In cases of pathogen attack, polysaccharides support the activation of defense responses and increase plant resistance.
Polysaccharides and root–soil interaction
In the rhizosphere, polysaccharides influence the interaction between roots, soil, and microorganisms. They can contribute to a favorable root environment and improved nutrient availability.
Effects on plant physiology
Due to their signaling function, polysaccharides influence various physiological processes, including cell wall strengthening and regulation of stress pathways.
Polysaccharides in biostimulant formulations
Polysaccharides are often used as a functional component because of their eliciting effect and good compatibility with other biostimulant raw materials.
- Support of natural defense
- Activation of stress response without damage
- Compatible with other biostimulants
- Applicable in various cultivation systems
Effect on plant performance
Correctly applied polysaccharides contribute to:
- Increased plant resistance
- Better stress tolerance
- More active root–soil interaction
- Maintenance of physiological balance
Overview: role of polysaccharides
| Aspect | Contribution of polysaccharides |
|---|---|
| Elicitor function | Activation of defense and stress pathways |
| Stress response | Prepared adaptation to stress |
| Rhizosphere | Improved root–soil interaction |
| Plant physiology | Regulation of internal processes |
| Formulation | Functional biostimulant raw material |