Plant growth enhancement composition containing silica water and melosila nummuloides extract as active ingredients

Abstract

The present invention relates to the plant growth-promoting effects of silicon water and Melosira extract, and specifically to silicon water and Melosira extract provided under optimized conditions for promoting the growth of plants (beans). An eco-friendly composition comprising silicon water and Melosira extract according to the present invention exhibits the effect of promoting plant growth.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the plant growth-promoting effects of silicon water and Melosira extract, and specifically, to silicon water and Melosira extract provided under optimized conditions for promoting plant growth. Background Technology

[0002] Jeju Lava Seawater refers to seawater that has flowed underground through the basalt layers of Jeju Island. It is found primarily in parts of the western and eastern regions of the island and contains high concentrations of minerals. Furthermore, while ordinary seawater is exposed to unstable environments such as domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, and port pollution, resulting in high costs for processing into industrial materials, lava seawater undergoes natural purification and filtration by volcanic rock layers. This process adsorbs heavy metals and blocks harmful substances, thereby ensuring safety, stability, and economic efficiency. Additionally, the cost of extraction is incomparably lower compared to deep sea water sourced from the open ocean.

[0003] The inventor of the present application confirmed that attached diatoms are collected along with the lava seawater during the process of aquaculture using Jeju lava seawater, and established a method for mass cultivation by making these attached diatoms dominant (Registered Patent No. 10-1861972). Attached diatoms can be utilized as a valuable resource as a substitute energy source for feed in the aquaculture industry or as a basic material in various industrial fields such as medicine, environment, and bio-industry.

[0004] These diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) belong to the phylum Chrysophyta within the phytoplankton of the microalgae group and live and reproduce in oceans and lakes (Li et al., 2014). Diatoms are a major species contributing to carbon fixation globally and account for approximately 40% of the primary production generated in the ocean through photosynthesis (Nelson et al., 1995).Diatoms hold significant industrial value as they are widely utilized as feed organisms during the seed production of bivalves and crustaceans. Among them, the marine diatom *Melosira* is reported to be a resource applicable to food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal and fish nutrition, as it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), omega-3 (ω-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and polyphenols. Accordingly, the applicant, regarding Registration No. 10-1710301 "Method for Sea Cucumber Cultivation Using Attached Diatoms Isolated from Jeju Island Lava Seawater," Registration No. 10-1712317 "Method for Isolation and Mass Culture of Attached Diatoms from Jeju Island Lava Seawater," and Registration No. 10-1788507 "From Attached Diatoms Isolated from Jeju Island Lava Seawater" Efforts to utilize diatoms in various fields, such as "Method for extracting silica and silica isolated using the same", Registration No. 10-1968823 "Diatomaceous silica hemostatic agent using attached diatoms isolated from Jeju Island volcanic seawater and method for manufacturing the same", Registration No. 10-1861972 "Cultivation apparatus for attached diatoms and cultivation method using the same", Registration No. 10-1968878 "Functional feed additive for enhancing immunity of flounder using micro-attached diatoms derived from Jeju Island volcanic seawater and method for manufacturing", Registration No. 10-2252410 "PDRN extracted from attached diatoms and method for extracting the same", Registration No. 10-2284039 "Method for separating and purifying water-soluble silicon from silica derived from diatoms", and Registration No. 10-2389503 "Method for separating and purifying fucoxanthin derived from diatoms" It continues.

[0005] In particular, the inventor has filed Registration No. 10-2284039 "Method for separating and purifying water-soluble silicon from silica derived from diatoms" and Application No. 10-2021-0114741 "Composition having anti-obesity effect containing Melosira extract as an active ingredient," thereby utilizing Melosira primary extract as an anti-obesity biomaterial. Furthermore, in the present invention, the inventor intends to utilize water-soluble silicon from a secondary extract, which is derived from the biosilica remaining in the residue after the Melosira primary extraction, as an organic agricultural material. Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0032193 (March 7, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an eco-friendly plant growth-promoting composition using silicon water and Melosira extract. means of solving the problem

[0008] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a plant growth-promoting composition comprising silicon water as an active ingredient.

[0009] In addition, the present invention can provide a plant growth-promoting composition comprising a Melosira extract as an active ingredient.

[0010] In addition, the Melosira extract in the present invention may contain 1.31% by weight of silicon dioxide (SiO2) relative to the total composition.

[0011] In addition, the silicon dioxide in the present invention may be characterized as being extracted from microalgae.

[0012] In addition, the microalgae in the present invention may be Melosila nummuloides.

[0013] In addition, the plant in the present invention may be characterized as being a soybean sprout or a mung bean sprout.

[0014] In addition, the composition of the present invention can increase the total length, hypocotyl diameter, root length, number of fine roots, or fresh weight of soybean sprouts.

[0015] In addition, the silicon water in the present invention may be characterized by having a silicon concentration of 250 to 500 mg / L.

[0016] In addition, the composition in the present invention may be characterized by being processed by a nanobubble device. Effects of the invention

[0017] The eco-friendly composition comprising silicon water and Melosira extract according to the present invention can exhibit the effect of promoting plant growth. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] Figure 1 shows the steps for preparing a Melosira raw material for preparing a plant growth-promoting composition containing Melosira extract. Figure 2 shows the process of obtaining a composition according to the present invention from meloshirah powder (raw material). Figures 3 and 4 show the process of an efficacy test of a plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 show the process of a phytotoxicity symptom experiment of a plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] The terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this invention.

[0022] As an embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention provides a plant growth-promoting composition comprising silicon water as an active ingredient.

[0023] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention may provide a plant growth-promoting composition comprising a Melosira extract as an active ingredient.

[0024] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the Melosira extract may contain 1.31% by weight of silicon dioxide (SiO2) relative to the total composition.

[0025] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the silicon dioxide in the present invention may be characterized as being extracted from microalgae.

[0026] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the microalgae in the present invention are Melosira ( melosila nummuloides It can be.

[0027] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the plant in the present invention may be characterized as being soybean sprouts or mung bean sprouts.

[0028] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the composition of the present invention can increase the total length, hypocotyl diameter, root length, number of fine roots, or fresh weight of soybean sprouts.

[0029] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the silicon water in the present invention may be characterized by having a silicon concentration of 250 to 500 mg / L.

[0030] As another embodiment according to the present invention, the composition in the present invention may be characterized by being processed by a nanobubble device.

[0032] The present invention will be described in more detail below through specific embodiments. These embodiments are intended solely to illustrate the present invention, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not to be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments.

[0034] Example 1. Preparation of a plant growth-promoting composition containing Melosira extract

[0035] Example 1-1. Melosira raw material preparation step

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates the steps for preparing the raw material of Melosira for the production of a plant growth-promoting composition containing Melosira extract. According to Figure 1, first, the original seed (0.1g wet Melosira, moisture content 85% / L) is inoculated in a culture facility and cultured for 7 days. The cultured Melosira is then collected and shipped to a factory for processing into Melosira powder. The received Melosira undergoes washing and desalting processes. Specifically, the raw material is washed after stirring for 30 minutes in fresh water at a volume 10 times the weight of the raw material, and then the seawater salt remaining in the wet raw material is desalinated through washing with fresh water. After desalting, the raw material undergoes dehydration and drying (65℃), followed by grinding to produce the Melosira powder used as the raw material of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1-2. Steps for preparing a plant growth-promoting composition

[0039] The process of obtaining a composition according to the present invention from Melosira powder (raw material) is shown in FIG. 2. According to FIG. 2, first, Melosira powder is weighed, then water, sulfur, and sodium hydroxide are mixed with the respective weighed amounts and allowed to settle for 24 hours to recover the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention. The specific composition ratio of the composition of this embodiment is as shown in Table 1 below.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041]

[0043] Example 2. Confirmation of plant growth-promoting effect

[0044] Example 2-1. Background of Selection of Soybean Sprouts (Mung Bean Sprouts)

[0045] Soybean sprouts or mung bean sprouts are widely known as a source of protein and vitamins due to their high palatability and low price, and are frequently used as a side dish in the general diet. However, considering that soybean sprouts have a market size of 1 trillion won annually, yet problems such as spoilage or the use of harmful pesticides have been exposed due to the small scale and technological weakness of the cultivation industry, and that they are easy to cultivate in a laboratory environment due to their short growth period, they were selected as the subject of the experiment.

[0047] Example 2-2. Culture Conditions

[0048] To confirm the growth-promoting effect of the composition according to the present invention on soybean sprouts, an experiment was conducted under the culture conditions shown in Table 2 below.

[0049] [Table 2]

[0050]

[0051] Specifically, the size of the soybean sprout cultivation container (width × length × height) was set to 29 × 29 × 30 cm, and the temperature of the cultivation facility was maintained at 20℃, average humidity at 90%, and dark conditions were maintained. The seeds were washed 24 hours prior to treatment with the plant growth-promoting composition (product name: Cionette Power) according to the present invention and then soaked for 3 hours. Additionally, the watering was performed 6 times a day at 4-hour intervals, and cultivation was carried out by watering for 4 minutes per session.

[0053] Example 2-3. Investigation Method and Investigation Items

[0054] The method and items for investigating the efficacy and phytotoxicity of the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0055] [Table 3]

[0056]

[0057] [Table 4]

[0058]

[0060] Examples 2-4. Results of efficacy test

[0061] The process of testing the efficacy of the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4, and the specific results are as follows.

[0063] A. Battlefield

[0064] [Table 5]

[0065]

[0066] As shown in Table 5 above, the results of the investigation into the total length of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention showed that compared to the untreated control, the immersion treatment and watering treatment increased by 34.2% and 16.8%, respectively, confirming statistical significance.

[0068] B. Storage facility

[0069] [Table 6]

[0070]

[0071] As shown in Table 6 above, the results of the hypocotyl length survey of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention showed no difference in the soaking treatment compared to the untreated control, and a decrease of 3.1% in the watering treatment.

[0073] C. Diameter of the axial length

[0074] [Table 7]

[0075]

[0076] As shown in Table 7 above, the hypocotyl diameter of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention increased by 1.7% and 4.3% in the immersion and watering treatments, respectively, compared to the untreated control, confirming statistical significance in the watering treatment.

[0078] D. Root

[0079] [Table 8]

[0080]

[0081] As shown in Table 8 above, the results of the root length survey of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention showed that compared to the untreated control, the immersion treatment and watering treatment increased by 112.5% ​​and 60.7%, respectively, confirming statistical significance.

[0083] E. Segeunsu

[0084] [Table 9]

[0085]

[0086] As shown in Table 9 above, the number of fine roots of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention increased by 9.1% and 1.3% in the immersion and watering treatments, respectively, compared to the untreated control, confirming statistical significance in the immersion treatment.

[0088] B. Body weight

[0089] [Table 10]

[0090]

[0091] As shown in Table 10 above, the results of the fresh weight survey of soybean sprouts cultivated with the plant growth-promoting composition according to the present invention showed an increase of 10.1% and 8.9% in the immersion and watering treatments, respectively, compared to the untreated control, confirming statistical significance.

[0093] Example 2-5. Weakness test results

[0094] The symptoms of phytotoxicity when soybean sprouts are cultivated using the composition according to the present invention were investigated and are shown in FIGS. 5, FIGS. 6 and Table 11.

[0095] [Table 11]

[0096]

[0097] The experiment to check for symptoms of weakness was conducted a total of three times within 7 days after dispensing, and it was confirmed that no symptoms of weakness appeared.

[0099] Example 3. Comparative experiment for setting optimal conditions

[0100] A comparative experiment was conducted to establish optimal conditions for promoting plant growth. In the following examples, the experimental crop is soybean (bean sprout), and the size of the cultivation container is 61 × 44 × 25.5 cm in width × length × height, which is a common condition.

[0102] Example 3-1. Comparison of Effects According to Silicon Water Treatment

[0103] Silicon (Si) exists in the form of silicon dioxide (silica, SiO2) in the residue after the first extraction of melosilla. Silicon dioxide has a melting point of 1650°C, which presented a technical problem in that it is difficult to dissolve in water. However, the inventors have made it possible to produce the above-mentioned water-soluble silicon through a proprietary technology (Registered Patent No. 10-2284039) regarding a method of producing water-soluble silicon (silica) by dissolving silica in water. First, 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in a greenhouse in one cultivation container under dark conditions. Specifically, the soybeans were divided into a control group (2 L of water) and an experimental group (1.5 L of water + 0.5 L of silicon water (2,000 mg / L), containing 500 mg / L of silicon relative to the total volume). After soaking for 5 hours, the germination rate was measured, and watering was performed 24 times a day (at 1-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. After 4 days, the soybean sprouts were harvested and the degree of growth was compared.

[0104] [Table 12]

[0105]

[0106] According to the experimental results above, compared to the control group (silicon 500 mg / L), the biomass increased by 3.57%, total length by 20.21%, hypocotyl length by 9.97%, and root length by 30.34% in the experimental group (silicon 500 mg / L). Since these values ​​were higher in the experimental group (silicon 500 mg / L) compared to the control group (no treatment), the significance of growth enhancement when treated with silicon water can be confirmed.

[0108] Example 3-2. Comparison of Effects According to Silicon Concentration

[0109] 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, 0.5 L of silicon water (2,000 mg / L silicon) was added to 4 L of water in which a nanobubble device was operated for 1 hour per container, and the soybeans were soaked for 5 hours. Afterward, the germination rate was measured, and watering was performed 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. After 4 days, the soybean sprouts were harvested and the degree of growth was compared.

[0110] [Table 13]

[0111]

[0112] According to the experimental results above, compared to Example 3-1 (silicon 500 mg / L), the fresh weight in Example 3-2 (silicon 250 mg / L) increased by 8.62%, but the total length decreased by 7.87%, the hypocotyl length by 9.75%, and the root length by 6.31%, confirming the significance of growth promotion according to silicon concentration.

[0114] Example 3-3. Comparison of Effects of Supplying Melosira Extract and Nanobubble Device

[0115] Under dark conditions, 2.7 kg of soybeans were planted in two cultivation containers, with two containers placed at the upper, middle, and lower positions of the cultivation device. Specifically, the soybeans were immersed for 5 hours in 4 L of water (2,000 mg / L silicon) in which a nanobubble device was operated for 1 hour, and then the germination rate was measured. The soybeans were then watered 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. The water used for watering was collected and circulated, and a Melosira extract was supplied once a day for watering treatment. The composition ratio of the Melosira extract according to the present invention is as shown in Table 14 below. After 4 days, the soybean sprouts were harvested, and the degree of growth was compared and shown in Figure 15.

[0116] [Table 14]

[0117]

[0118] [Table 15]

[0119]

[0120] According to the experimental results above, compared to Example 3-2, when Melosira extract was supplied, the fresh weight increased by 17.46% in the upper section, 20.63% in the middle section, 19.05% in the lower section, and an average of 19.05%; the total length decreased by 9.29% in the upper section, but increased by 9.77% in the middle section and 14.99% in the lower section, increasing by an average of 5.16%; the hypocotyl length increased by 25.88% in the upper section, 33.64% in the middle section, and 12.63% in the lower section, increasing by an average of 32.57%; and the root length increased by 9.1% in the upper section, but decreased by 9.42% in the middle section and 3.67% in the lower section, decreasing by an average of 0.57%, thus confirming the growth-promoting effect when Melosira extract is supplied.

[0122] Examples 3-4. Comparison of effects between treatment with silicon water and Melosira extract and the untreated group

[0123] 2.7 kg of soybeans were grown in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, the germination rate was measured after soaking the soybeans in 4 L of water per container for 5 hours, and watering was performed 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. After 4 days, the soybean sprouts were harvested and the degree of growth was compared.

[0124] [Table 16]

[0125]

[0126] According to the experimental results above, compared to Example 3-2 (supply of 250 mg / L silicon), the fresh weight decreased by 12.70%, total length by 11.94%, and root length by 36.35% in the untreated group, while the hypocotyl length increased by 18.42%. Additionally, compared to Example 3-3 (supply of 250 mg / L silicon and Melosira extract), the fresh weight decreased by 26.67%, total length by 16.26%, hypocotyl length by 10.68%, and root length by 35.99% in the untreated group, confirming that treatment with silicon water and Melosira extract has a growth-promoting effect compared to the untreated group.

[0128] Examples 3-5. Comparison of effects when supplying only Melosira extract

[0129] 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, the soybeans were soaked in 4 L of water per container for 5 hours, and the germination rate was measured. Watering was performed 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. The water used for watering was collected and recirculated, and watering was performed once a day with a supply of Melosira extract. After 4 days, soybean sprouts were harvested and their growth was compared.

[0130] [Table 17]

[0131]

[0132] According to the experimental results above, compared to the untreated state in Examples 3-4, when treated with Melosira extract, the fresh weight increased by 16.36% and the root length by 18.65%, but the total length decreased by 0.77% and the hypocotyl length decreased by 13.75%.

[0134] Examples 3-6. Comparison of Effects According to Nanobubble Device Supply

[0135] 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, the soybeans were soaked in 4 L of water per container for 5 hours, and the germination rate was measured. The soybeans were then watered 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. The water was collected and treated with a nanobubble device for 1 hour every day, followed by recirculating watering. After 4 days, the soybean sprouts were harvested and their growth was compared.

[0136] [Table 18]

[0137]

[0138] According to the experimental results above, compared to the untreated state in Examples 3-4, when the nanobubble device was supplied, the biomass increased by 23.64%, total length by 16.49%, hypocotyl length by 3.73%, and root length by 35.58%, thereby confirming the growth-promoting effect of the nanobubble device.

[0140] Examples 3-7. Comparison of Effects of Silicon Water Treatment and Nanobubble Device Supply

[0141] 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, 0.25 L of silicon water (2,000 mg / L) (117.647 mg / L silicon) was added to 4 L of water per container, and the soybeans were soaked for 5 hours to measure the germination rate. Then, watering was performed 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. The water was collected and treated with a nanobubble device for 1 hour every day, followed by recirculating watering. After 4 days, soybean sprouts were harvested and their growth was compared.

[0142] [Table 19]

[0143]

[0144] According to the experimental results above, compared to Examples 3-6, which were treated only with a nanobubble device, when treated with silicon water and a nanobubble device, the fresh weight increased by 1.47%, total length by 8.13%, and root length by 18.44%, while the hypocotyl length decreased by 0.87%. This confirms that treating with silicon water and a nanobubble device together has a greater growth-promoting effect than treating with a nanobubble device alone.

[0146] Examples 3-8. Comparison of Effects of Supplying Silicon Water, Meloscia Extract, and a Nanobubble Device

[0147] 2.7 kg of soybeans were cultivated in two cultivation containers under dark conditions. Specifically, 0.25 L of silicon water (2,000 mg / L) (117.647 mg / L silicon) was added to 4 L of water per container, and the soybeans were soaked for 5 hours to measure the germination rate. Then, watering was performed 12 times a day (at 2-hour intervals) for 40 seconds each time. The water used for watering was collected and treated with a nanobubble device for 1 hour every day. After supplying Melosira extract twice a day, recirculating watering was performed. After 4 days, soybean sprouts were harvested and their growth was compared.

[0148] [Table 20]

[0149]

[0150] According to the experimental results above, compared to Examples 3-7, in which only silicon water and a nanobubble device were supplied, when silicon water, Meloscia extract, and a nanobubble device were supplied, the total length increased by 7.22%, the hypocotyl length by 8.38%, and the root length by 6.11%, while the fresh weight decreased by 1.45%. This confirms that supplying silicon water, Meloscia extract, and a nanobubble device has a significant growth-promoting effect.

[0152] Optimal embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and specification as described above. Specific terms have been used herein, but they are used only for the purpose of describing the invention and are not intended to limit the meaning or the scope of the invention as described in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A plant growth-promoting composition comprising silicon water and Melosira extract as active ingredients, wherein the composition is treated by a nanobubble device. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the Melosira extract contains 1.31% by weight of silicon dioxide (SiO2) relative to the total composition. Claim 4 A plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 3, characterized in that the silicon dioxide is extracted from microalgae. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, microalgae are Melosira ( melosila nummuloides A plant growth-promoting composition characterized by being ) Claim 6 A plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the plant is soybean sprouts or mung bean sprouts. Claim 7 A plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition increases the total length, hypocotyl diameter, root length, number of fine roots, or fresh weight of soybean sprouts. Claim 8 A plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the silicon water has a silicon concentration of 250 to 500 mg / L. Claim 9 delete

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