Press room (updated at 01/18/2012 11.38 a.m., only italian language)
A few hours ago (12/12/2011) at the Industrial Union of Turin, the presentation of functionalised nanosponges, materials of organic origin capable of considerably improving the growth and conservation of plants and agricultural products in general took place.
Nanosponges are an extraordinary example of research resulting from the collaboration between company of excellence, Sea Marconi and Green Has Italia, and the University (Facoltà di Agraria di Torino).
Functionalised nanosponges (patent applied for by Sea Marconi) are macro molecules derived from starch with innovative and surprising capacities of capturing and releasing in a controlled manner nutritive substances (iron, zinc or other active principles) required for the development of agricultural products. The effects of such technology consist in a reduced use of weed killers and fertilisers, thus healthier cultivations, with a faster growth, an enhanced production and qualities of the products. Thus, thanks to nanosponges it is possible to apply a smaller amount of active principles improving the conservation through time, being able to resist longer the flushing action of atmospheric agents.
I The results of the use of nanosponges are emphasised by a drastic reduction of the yellowing of the leaves (ex. photo 1) and an enhanced growth of the plant (up to 20% or higher dry weight) in comparison with the treatment with current products on the market. The researches done on cut flowers show a substantial extension of the life of the ornamental quality of the flower (ex. photo 2) with respect to those treated with current products on the market.
The meeting today has just touched just a few lines of study, however several other research projects at European and international level are planned for a wide range of cultivation of vegetable organisms in field and greenhouse conditions, including algae and micro algae and agricultural-energy related cultivations.
At the event, among others, participated also Vander Tumiatti and Michela Tumiatti, respectively founder and main partner and technical director of Sea Marconi; the vice president of Green Has Italia, Lorenzo Gallo; for the University prof. Marco Devecchi, associate of floriculture at the Faculty of Agriculture of Turin.
Other participants were Marco Gay, President of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Industrial Confederation of the Piedmont Region; Roberto Moriondo, director of Innovation, Research and Universities of the Piedmont Region; Alessandro Portinaro, of the CRT bank Lagrange project; Angelo Gerbino, of the Jacobacci & Partner patent office.
