A CHELATE is a chemical compound composed of a metal ion and a chelating agent, i.e. a substance whose molecules can form several coordinate bonds to a single metal ion. A CHELATING AGENT is a multidentate ligand that forms one or more ring structures with a single metal ion, improving its solubility, biodisponibility, and protecting it from unwanted reactions in the soil and in the plant. KEY+ was developed following the use of biostimulants in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the agricultural industry in mineral complexation.

Metals such as iron, zinc, and manganese are beneficial because they enhance the metabolism of plants, which positively affects the life and health of the plant. Because of their high solubility and absorption rate, plants with adequate levels of these metal ions require less chemical input (fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, etc.), allowing the metals to be transferred to the soil and improving the soil health. Chelated metals, like those found in KEYLAN, are highly competitive in form and require less metal to be used for the plant.

While amino acids and peptides are both known to bind metal ions, amino acids have a lower stability which results in unreliable results. In addition, vegetal protein-derived peptides released by enzymatic proteolysis form stronger ligands for complexation with divalent metals. After further development, we established the precise time to introduce the metals in the process to perform the chelation at the highest level. The result is the most optimal chelation effect while maintaining the integrity of the Plant Stimulating Peptides and their biostimulant activity.