This, however, comes at the expense of a great deal of energy. In addition, during stressful conditions, plants may not be able to synthesize amino acids at the rate required for normal growth and development. If plants are unable to synthesize enough amino acids during stressful conditions, enzymes within the plant hydrolyze reserve proteins - if they are present. In turfgrass, that means cannibalizing the structural proteins of the roots. This, in part, accounts for the reduced root system in the summer months or during other adverse conditions.
Turf professionals can supplement plants with foliar and radicular applications.
Nutramax's studies indicate that increasing the concentration of amino acids is one of the natural responses of plants to stressful conditions. Amino acids activate resistance or defense mechanisms, regulate osmotic pressure, make the cell membrane more permeable and act as solutes in the cytoplasm. Additionally, they increase the synthesis of proteins and chlorophyll and other organic compounds, enhance seed germination and root development, and act as organic nitrogen and carbon sources. Plants save energy when treated with amino acids because they do not have to perform thousands of chemical reactions to obtain their own. The saved energy results in healthier plants with an increased carbohydrate reserve that can withstand stress and disease.