AMECSYSTEM® technology works with AMEC®, a novel molecule developed by Codiagro after working for many years with carboxylic acids, that is now available in Chile through AMecological.
AMEC® is the result of several years of research with carboxylic acids and the joint work between Codiagro and the Department of Experimental Sciences of the University of Jaume I (UJI) in Castellon, Spain.
The process begins with the triple selection of carboxylic acids based on:
a) Low molecular weight (3 to 5 carbons).
b) Affinity with the nutrient that will be complexed.
c) Affinity with the means of entry to the plant (foliage or root).
To complete the optimum development of the AMEC® molecule, an electro biochemical process (patented by Codiagro) that strengthens the links between the nutrients and the carboxyl is applied to the selected carboxyl. This ensures a greater degree of mobility and permanence of the modified molecule within the plant's flow, which facilitates delivering the nutrient where it is required.
AMEC® is an advanced and environmentally safe technological innovation that has allowed temporarily altering a large number of metabolic processes of fruits and vegetables that benefit producers, such as: increasing crop production, improving quality parameters, and prolonging the plant's lifespan.
Unlike the synthetic growth regulators and phytohormones, the AMEC® molecule induces temporary physiological changes that, when used repeatedly, promote an increase in yields and a wide response to adverse environmental conditions.
Apart from providing essential nutrients for the plant, AMEC® promotes cumulative effects on the plants, including the following:
• It works as an antiperspirant. The foliage loses significantly less water during the initial vegetative growth due to the better forming and structuring of the young plant tissues; a result of the strengthening of the cell membranes of the new tissue caused by the increased calcium pectates and the synthesis of wall phenols and glycoproteins in the middle lamella.
• Photosynthetic activator; significantly increases CO2 fixation and, consequently, photosynthetic rate.
• Efficient use of water (UEA). Efficient use of water is described as the ratio between the photosynthetic rate expressed in CO2 fixation and transpiration rate. Increased efficiency results in increased formation of photo-assimilates or plant biomass and, therefore, in the possible increase in production.
• Increase in the quality and quantity of photo-assimilates. The combined action between AMEC® acids and nutrients, such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus result in an increased availability and mobilization of reserves in the form of free sugars in the cytoplasm, accompanied by a high rate of available energy due to a greater photosynthetic activity.
This increase in sugars leads to having a higher availability of polyols, such as sorbitol, mannitol and inositol that join the carbohydrate flow in the phloem. The osmotic gradient induced in the phloem requires additional water from the xylem, thus promoting the roots' nutritional absorption, transport, and distribution, especially to the organs that need it the most. Therefore, the polyols contribute to the transport of sugars and also act as powerful agents against any kind of stress. In Rosaceae, the formation of sorbitol and subsequent hydrogenation in fruit especially contributes to the increase of Brix degrees in the fruits.
• Inhibiting degrading enzymes: one of the most extensive and important alterations induced by AMEC® is altering the activities of the chlorofilasa (Chlase), protease (Prot) and total peroxidases (TPOX) degrading enzymes; enzymes that are involved in the plants' senescence process. Since AMEC inhibits them, it extends the plant's metabolic activity period and productivity.
• Increasing the Phenyl-PAL-Lyase-'Ammonite enzyme activity that activates the plant's biochemical response to exogenous pathogen attacks through a rapid formation of phenols and phytoalexins. This improves the plant's self-defense system and increases its tolerance to other stresses.
AMEC® is considered an organic molecule because:
• It is composed of elements naturally occurring in plants and it's not a hormone.
• It is biodegradable and does not leave any kind of specific residues in the final products (leaves, flowers, fruits).
• It is innocuous, i.e. it is in no way toxic to the plants or the environment, at recommended doses.
• Since it is a safe molecule, it can also be classified as a GRAS compound, which are generally recognized as environmentally safe.
In short, AMEC®:
• Increases the plants osmotic potential: they absorb nutrients and water more efficiently through their roots.
• Increases water use efficiency in relation to the production of photosynthates.
• Increases photosynthetic capacity by increased CO2 fixation.
Regarding soils, AMEC® allows:
• Better assimilation of nutrients
• Increased water absorption.
• Greater control over the effects of salinity.
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