Field trials showed that Zn-EPS significantly improved plant growth and yield compared to conventional zinc sulphate.
| Photo Credit:
RAJESH N
Coimbatore-based Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has been granted a patent for a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture. The patent, titled “Exo-Polysaccharide-Based Chelated Zinc Fertiliser for Enhancing the Bioavailability of Zinc in Plants”, was awarded by the Controller of Patents, Government of India, under Patent Number 574341.
The innovation — developed by a team led by G Yazhini, along with S Thiyageshwari, R Anandham, D Selvi, S Marimuthu, A Manikandan, and L Chithra — introduces a first-of-its-kind chelated zinc fertiliser using an eco-friendly ligand — exopolysaccharide (EPS). Extracted from the bacterial cell wall of Bacillus paralicheniformis isolated from rice rhizosphere in sodic soils, the EPS binds zinc ions to create Zn-EPS, a biodegradable micronutrient fertiliser containing 16.8 per cent zinc.
Sustainable solution
Field trials showed that Zn-EPS significantly improved plant growth and yield compared to conventional zinc sulphate. These are often applied through foliar sprays, especially when zinc deficiency symptoms appear, as they are more readily absorbed by the plant compared to traditional zinc sulphate. Its natural chelating properties enhance zinc delivery and overcome limitations of synthetic chelators, offering a sustainable solution for nutrient management.
The patent process was coordinated by TNAU’s Patent Cell under D Suresh Kumar with N Natarajan as consultant.
More Like This
Published on December 3, 2025