Evaluation of Siderophores Generated by Bacteria and Their Possible Application as Fe Biofertilizers.

The application of synthetic iron chelates to overcome iron deficiency in crops is leading to a high impact on the environment, making it necessary to find more friendly fertilizers. A promising alternative is the application of biodegradable iron chelates, such as those based on siderophores. In the present work, seven bacterial strains of the genus were selected for their ability to secrete pyoverdine, a siderophore with a high affinity for iron, which could be used as a biofertilizer.

Beneficial Effect of Root or Foliar Silicon Applied to Cucumber Plants under Different Zinc Nutritional Statuses.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient involved in a large variety of physiological processes, and its deficiency causes mainly growth and development disturbances, as well as oxidative stress, which results in the overproduction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A possible environmentally friendly solution is the application of silicon (Si), an element that has shown beneficial effects under abiotic and biotic stresses on many crops. Si could be applied through the roots or leaves.