Signature Range

Wilchem’s Signature Range is a collection of amino acid chelates. Amino acids are bidentate chelants – they form two bonds to the nutrient forming a “chelate ring” as can be seen in the example below. The double bond is stronger than a single ionic bond and protects the nutrient allowing for improved compatibility with a wide range of plant protection product.

Amino acid chelates are absorbed differently to other micronutrient fertilisers as they are recognised by the plant as a protein. Foliar micronutrient applications can enter the plant two ways. Via the stoma which is used by the plant for respiration or by direct absorption through the leaf cuticle. The leafcuticle is highly negatively charged making it difficult for positively charged ions to be absorbed. Chelating the positive ions to amino acid creates a molecule of neutral charge that can pass through with no interaction. The nanopores that allow passage through the cuticle are very small. Amino acids, with a low molecular weight, can pass through these pores. Amino acids enter the plant via protein channels. Protein channels use little energy and facilitate rapid uptake. By chelating the nutrient with the amino acid the nutrient can be absorbed through the same protein channel allowing for fast, effective uptake.

A complete range of nutrients are available in this range including Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Calcium, Boron, Molybdenum, Iron, Potassium and Magnesium.