That year, Jack was working on his experimental farm in Nebraska. On a hot summer day, he quietly observed the rape flowers standing in the field. This isn't the first year, and Jack has been trying to figure out the secret weapon that can improve crop yield and quality.
On this day, Jack collected the pollen of several rape plants as usual and prepared to take them back to the lab for chemical analysis. At first, everything was the same, until a very tiny spike in matter was detected, and Jack's heart began to beat wildly.
He quickly activated the mass spectrometer and quickly locked on to the molecular formula of the mysterious compound. A series of experiments have shown that this new compound can not only make plant metabolites, but also promote photosynthesis and regulate nutrient transport.
Jack named the compound "Brassin" and couldn't wait to start a series of trials in the field......
Jack excitedly compiled the experimental data into a paper and submitted it to the Journal of Plant Physiology. For a time, brassinin has attracted widespread attention from the academic community. A number of leading experts began to review Jack's research in full.
Two renowned plant physiologists, John and Mary, also joined the effort. They soon confirmed through experiments that brassinin not only has the function of promoting cell division and tissue growth, but also improves the plant's resistance to external adversity, which is a "generalist".
After listening to the report of John and Mary, the International Plant Hormone Society made a decision to formally establish this newly discovered signaling molecule in plants as the sixth largest group of plant hormones, alongside auxin.
The new member of the plant hormone family indicates that mankind has a deeper understanding of the plant growth regulation network. The charm and potential of brassinin have just revealed the tip of the iceberg.
The discovery of brassinin has opened up a whole new field of research, and hundreds of scientists have joined in the in-depth exploration of this plant hormone. However, the content of natural brassinin is too low, and it is not practical to extract a large amount of brassinin from plants such as rapeseed for supply.
"We have to develop low-cost, synthetic brassin, so that we can really benefit farmers. Jack made up his mind. After nearly 20 years of unremitting efforts by him and his team, various experiments were repeated, and finally the first batch of artificial brassinin products was born in 1998.
Affectionately known as "brassin" by farmers, these products have rapidly changed the state of agricultural production in countries such as China. In the fields where brassinin is used, there is a good harvest of grain, abundant fruits, and beautiful scenery of high quality and high yield.
Data show that the correct use of brassinin can increase yields by more than 15% on average in most crops.
Jack was heartened to see his research shine in the field. Brassinin completes the plant hormone family, and brassinin makes its application promising.
Unlike other pesticides that can only perform a specific function, brassinin has almost all the attributes of an "all-round warrior": it promotes the growth of roots, promotes the vigor of stems and leaves, and makes flowers bear more, bigger and fuller fruits; In addition, it helps the plant store more nutrients and grow nutrient-rich crops.
"I found that the brassin-treated tomatoes not only have a high yield, but also have a particularly sweet and juicy flesh. "Every year, I choose to add brassin, which can not only increase the yield, but also greatly improve the taste of the fruit, which is well received by customers."
In addition to promoting the growth of puffed fruits, brassinin also has a significant effect on reducing the damage of other pesticides and improving the ability to resist stress. In 2017, Anhui Province was hit by a drought that was not seen in a century, and the loss of fields with the correct use of brassinin was less than that of other regions.
Brassin allows crops to thrive in extreme weather.
Brassin acts like an all-round plant nanny, helping crops thrive in tough environments. Under its care, the harvest and hope do not seem far away.
Although brassinin is effective, it needs to be used with caution. Li Ding, a professor at China Agricultural University, explained in detail the correct use of brassin.
"The commercial brassinin products we see now are basically 0.01% water. This concentration is sufficient to exert an effect.
Generally speaking, dilution 1000-5000 times and spraying is sufficient.
Specific to the period, Professor Li Ding said that spraying at the seedling stage helps to build a solid foundation, and the use of focus before and after flowering gradually bears fruit, and it is best to spray another round when the green fruits are expanded.
However, overuse is not recommended during some important menstrual periods, which may cause excessive accumulation of streptavidin.
He also mentioned that although brassinin is powerful, it does not provide mineral nutrients on its own. Therefore, it is best to apply some foliar fertilizer with complete phosphorus and potassium, so that the nutrition and hormone can be used to significantly improve the yield and quality.
The correct use of brassinin can make this plant "nanny" play its due role and help the harvest. Professor Li Ding said.
We have reason to believe with confidence that the combination of brassinin and other pesticides will produce even better synergies.
Pierce CE, the chief scientist of Bath Photosynthesis, has launched a series of trials of mixing brassinin with fungicides and insects. Preliminary results showed positive growth-promoting and toxicity-reducing effects between them.
"Brassin is like a symbiotic messenger that can create a harmonious symbiotic relationship with many types of pesticides.