Vitamin B5
(Pantothenic Acid)
This vitamin acts as a cofactor
for enzymes involved in fatty acid
synthesis and lignin biosynthesis. Pantothenic acid is a precursor
of coenzyme A, which has a huge
role in cellular respiration.
Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is a major antioxidant
that absorbs harmful radiation from
the sun. It helps plants tolerate stress
from oxidation and high-salt conditions. An additional role as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism has
been identified as well. The vitamin
is also involved in the biosynthesis of
antibiotics to fight pathogens.
and growth rates during developmental stages. It also contributes
to DNA biosynthesis.
Vitamin B12
(Cyanocobalamin)
Unique among vitamins, vitamin
B12 cannot be synthesized by
plants. It can only be produced
by micro-organisms. Although
it is found in kelp, the seaweed
obtains it from symbiotic bacteria.
Plant-based sources of B12 include
seaweed, kimchi and wild mushrooms.
Chemically speaking, vitamin B12 is
a coenzyme needed to synthesize
methionine, an amino acid.
Vitamin C
(Ascorbic Acid)
Plants can synthesize their
own vitamin C, which is
involved in many plant cell
chemical reactions. Most
animals can also make it,
except for primates and
bats. Vitamin C has two
main roles in plants. As
a cofactor, it carries and
transfers electric charge
in chemical reactions
such as phytohormone synthesis. As an
antioxidant, it acts as a scavenger of free
radicals and toxic chemicals such as
ozone and hydrogen peroxide, which in
effect protects enzymes.
“Commercially bred crops can use
more vitamins than are supplied
by nature, so supplementation can
be extremely beneficial.”
Vitamin B7
(Biotin)
Also called vitamin H, biotin
is a cofactor for a few select
enzymes and has a role in fat and
carbohydrate metabolism.
Vitamin B9
(Folic Acid)
Folic acid is a precursor of amino acids
and other biomolecules. It also stimulates the growth of beneficial microbes.
When exposed to seedlings and cuttings, folic acid improves germination
Vitamin D
(Calciferols)
Calciferols are natural plant steroids
that are precursors to cholesterol,
which most plants contain a small
amount of. Derivatives of calciferols
are compounds that defend the
plant when it is wounded. They
also have a regulatory function and
have been shown to stimulate root
growth. Humans can synthesize calciferols from sunlight, but still need
to obtain more from their diet.
Vitamin E
(Tocopherol)
Along with carotenoids, vitamin E
is the most abundant antioxidant in
chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis.
Its presence increases stress tolerance
in plants. It also contributes to signaling between plant cells. Vitamin E
can only be produced by organisms
capable of photosynthesizing (plants,
algae and some bacteria).
Vitamin K
(Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K is found in the dark green leaf
tissues of plants, so it only makes sense
that it plays a role in photosynthesis as
a redox cofactor. It also assists in the
formation of sulfur-containing bonds in
the amino acid cysteine. It is also found
in cyanobacteria, and a close relative is
found in red algae and diatoms.
Cold-pressed kelp contains all 13 of
these vitamins, but in small amounts.
Foliar spraying the kelp is a quick way
to give your plants a multivitamin. Ask
your local hydro shop which specialty
products contain sources of these
vitamins to obtain the many benefits of
their application.
to the full-sun fields of
Andrew Schell has 15 years of technical gardening experience, from warehouse operations in Los Angeles
and a plethora of lab experience, Andrew lends his
Humboldt County. With a biochemistr y degree from Humboldt State University
for Humboldt Who