Growth Stimulating and Fungicidal Properties of Succinic Acid Complexes with Silver, Copper and Boron Ions During Pre-Sowing Treatment of Soybean Seeds
Abstract
The synthesis of novel monoligand metal complexes involving the succinic acid anion is a topic of keen interest when exploring compounds with multifaceted biological properties, such as antimicrobial and antifungal activities. In this context, the exploration of complexes involving copper, silver, and boron ions becomes particularly intriguing. Succinic acid, serving as a natural analog of salicylic acid, exhibits the potential to enhance plant systemic resistance against pathogens when combined with antimicrobial elements. This not only bolsters the mechanisms of defense but also augments production processes, promotes growth, and ultimately leads to higher crop yields. For pre-sowing treatment of soybean seeds, complexes of succinic acid with copper, silver and boron ions were used, synthesized in this work to study the biostimulating and fungicidal action. The resulting complexes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The research delved into the biological efficacy of succinates concerning soybeans with the aim of enhancing germination rates while mitigating the presence of phytopathogens and dwarfism. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provided confirmation of the establishment of novel bonds between metal ions and the oxygen atoms within the carboxyl group of succinic acid. The succinic acid monoligand complexes with copper, silver, and boron ions exhibited distinct surface morphologies with a monoclinic crystal structure, as revealed through scanning electron microscopy analysis. These complexes demonstrated dual effects, both stimulating and fungicidal in nature, significantly enhancing germination rates by 19.7-24.4 times and reducing susceptibility to phytopathogenic organisms like Fusarium and Alternaria tenuis Nees by 2.75-8.66 times when compared to the control sample. Furthermore, the complexes led to a reduction in dwarfism by 1.44-7.0 times.