Vigilancia Tecnológica

Methods of promoting seed germination and plant growth using melanin, or a melanin precursor, derivative, or analog are provided. The methods described herein require water, melanin, or a melanin precursor, derivative, or analog, and a source of electromagnetic energy, such as visible or invisible light energy, to catalyze the electrolysis of water. The electrolysis of water causes the release of diatomic hydrogen and oxygen into the soil, resulting in acceleration of seed germination and plant growth. Also provided soilless growth medium compositions includes, but are not limited to, cotton, peat moss, wood bark, cellulose (i.e., organic cotton wool), pumice, coconut coir, vermiculite, foam, perlite, plastic or polystyrene pellets, and polymer-based gels.