Effect of Hapten, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, on the Biological Activity of Wheat Lectin

Modulation of the effect of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) with hapten, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), in case of pre-sowing treatment of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Rannyaya 93) seeds, on the biological components of the system ’’plant – soil – microorganisms” was studied. The application of WGA (100 nM) stimulated root formation, biomass production, total chlorophyll content and wheat grain productivity. A positive effect of WGA on the amount of soil nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, their nitrogenase activity and the growth-activating ability of rhizosphere soil was also established. The stimulatory effect of 100 mM GlcNAc on the plants and the soil nitrogen-fixing microorganisms was lower in comparison to wheat lectin. The binding of hapten to the active centers of wheat lectin inhibited the effect of WGA in relation to T. aestivum development parameters and nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil.