MIT Unveils How Lanthanides in Fertilizer Strengthen Crops Against UV Stress

Breakthrough study shows rare-earth seed coating enhances chlorophyll and improves resilience in key crops

MIT researchers have uncovered a novel benefit of a common fertilizer additive—lanthanides—that could significantly improve crop resilience against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental stress.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that applying trace amounts of lanthanide elements—specifically lanthanum—through seed coatings helped plants such as barley, soybean, corn, and chickpea better withstand UV stress and establish stronger early-stage growth.

Lanthanides are rare-earth elements that have long been used in fertilizers in countries like China. However, this marks the first time researchers have demonstrated how these elements interact directly with chlorophyll to enhance plant function.

“This is the first example of a thorough study showing the effects of lanthanides on chlorophyll, and their beneficial effects to protect plants from UV stress,” said Benedetto Marelli, Associate Professor at MIT and co-lead of the study.

A Scientific First

The research team developed a nanoscopic seed-coating technique that delivers lanthanides efficiently during the earliest phases of plant development. Once inside the plant, the lanthanide ions integrate with the chlorophyll structure, partially replacing magnesium—the central atom responsible for absorbing light. This process not only restores but, in many cases, improves the pigment’s ability to photosynthesize under environmental stressors.

Key Findings:

• Chlorophyll Recovery: Lanthanide ions, especially lanthanum, successfully replaced missing magnesium in damaged chlorophyll molecules, boosting light absorption and stability.
• UV Resistance: Treated plants showed improved tolerance to harmful ultraviolet radiation during early growth stages.
• Improved Germination: Seedlings with lanthanide coatings displayed better germination consistency and biomass development across multiple crops.
• Efficient Delivery: Seed coating was found to be a more effective method of lanthanide delivery than soil application.

Wider Implications

The discovery opens up potential for more climate-resilient farming, particularly as global temperatures rise and UV exposure becomes more intense. Additionally, lanthanum—one of the most effective elements used in the study—is abundantly available as a byproduct of rare-earth mining, making the solution both scalable and cost-effective.

“Given that lanthanum is often considered a low-value byproduct in rare-earth extraction, this could add significant value to waste streams,” noted lead author Giorgio Rizzo.

What’s Next?

The MIT team is now preparing for expanded greenhouse and open-field trials to verify the results under real-world agricultural conditions. They also aim to investigate broader physiological impacts of lanthanides in plants, and the safety of long-term use.

Source:
MIT