UDC 635.64: 544.773.432
https://doi.org/10.25630/PAV.2026.13.29.006
Alekseeva K.L., Smetanina L.G., Aripova F.K., Gribchenko I.B., Goncharova E.P.
The effectiveness of Plantumgel, developed at the Novosibirsk State Technical University, was evaluated in the Moscow region for growing tomatoes in a film-covered ground greenhouse. Plantumgel is a natural hydrogel containing a gel based on modified chitosan and starch, a bacterial component (bacteria of the genus Bacillus), humic acids, amino acids, and microelements. The product has high water-holding capacity and provides a prolonged release of nutrients and biologically active compounds throughout the growing season. Unlike synthetic hydrogels based on acrylamide and acrylic acid polymers, Plantumgel is environmentally safe, does not accumulate in the soil, and has no negative impact on the environment. Plantumgel was applied once to the seedlings when planting them in their permanent location. The application rate was 0.2 g per hole, with an irrigation water consumption of 300 ml per plant. The plot area was 5 m², the experiment was replicated three times, and the placement of treatments was randomized. Phenological observations and disease distribution were conducted using standard methods. Yield was measured by weight on a plot-by-plot basis. Product quality was assessed using standard methods: dry matter content was assessed using the thermostat-weight method, sugar content using the Bertrand method, and vitamin C content using the I.K. Murri method. All experimental data were processed using the Microsoft Office Excel application package. The study found that a single application of Plantumgel to the seedling hole when planting seedlings at a rate of 0.7 g/m² enhanced tomato growth and development, increased resistance to gray mold, increased tomato yield by 18.7-23.4% compared to the control, and improved their biochemical composition and taste. The product meets modern environmental safety requirements and can be recommended for organic vegetable production.
Key words: chitosan-based hydrogel, application regulations, protected ground tomato, fruit yield
- Azopkov M.I. Polyacrylamide increases field seed germination and carrot yield in non-irrigated conditions. Potato and vegetables. 2012. No7. P. 21.
- Godunova E.I., Gundyrin V.N. The role of hydrogel in improving the moisture capacity of winter wheat by half-steam in the zone of unstable humidification of the Stavropol Territory. Achievements of science and technology of the agro-industrial complex. 2025. Vol. 9. No5. Pp. 57–59.
- Water-saving technology of potato cultivation using modern meliorants. A.E. Novikov, V.A. Tseplyaev, S.Ya. Semenenko, A.N. Tseplyaev. Izvestia NV AUK. 2025. No1(79). Pp. 13–21. DOI: 10.32786/2071-9485-2025-01-01.
- Danilova T.N., Tabynbaeva L.K. Polymer gels for controlling water availability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in various environmental conditions. Agricultural biology. 2019. No54(1). Pp. 76–83 (doi: 10.15389/agrobiology.2019.1.76rus).
- Maksimova Yu.G., Shchetko V.A., Maksimov A.Y. Polymer hydrogels in agriculture (review). Agricultural biology. 2023. Vol. 58. No1. Pp. 23–42. doi: 10.15389/agrobiology.2023.1.23rus
- Zinchenko A., Sakai T., Morikawa K., Nakano M. Efficient stabilization of soil, sand, and clay by a polymer network of biomass-derived chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2022. No10(1). P. 107084 (doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.107084).
- Litvinov S.S. Methodology of field experience in vegetable growing. Moscow. RAAS. 2011. 648 p.
PDF(Rus)
For citing: Environmentally friendly Plantumgel preparation for tomatoes. K.L. Alekseeva, L.G. Smetanina, F.K. Aripova, I.B. Gribchenko, E.P. Goncharova. Potato and vegetables. 2026. No4. Pp. 20–22. https://doi.org/10.25630/PAV.2026.13.29.006 (In Russ.).
