Emanuel Epstein (1918–2022) , a prominent  plant physiologist and soil scientist who specialized in the  mineral nutrition of plants  . His culture medium is a standard in plant research, particularly for studies of nutrient uptake and deficiency.

Important contributions:

1. Epstein Medium :
   – A  hydroponic nutrient solution containing all essential macro- and micronutrients in optimal ratios.
   – Used to specifically study the influence of individual nutrients (e.g., iron, potassium) on plant growth.
2. Book "Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives"  (1971):
   – A standard work on nutrient uptake and utilization in plants.
3. Research on ion uptake :
   – Epstein coined the concept of  “two-phase ion uptake”  (passive diffusion + active transport mechanisms).

Biography of Emanuel Epstein

• Born :  October 18, 1918  (in Berlin, Germany)
• Died :  November 12, 2022  (in Davis, California, USA)

• Epstein remained active in scientific research until old age.
• At  the age of 93, he published  a groundbreaking study on  iron uptake in plants .
• His long life also reflects his passion for research and teaching.

Quote:  "Plants are the silent architects of life – understanding their nutrient uptake is the key to the future of humanity."

Typical composition of Epstein culture medium

The medium usually contains:

• Macronutrients :
  Ca(NO₃)₂, KNO₃, KH₂PO₄, MgSO₄, (NH₄)₂HPO₄
• Micromaterials :
  Fe-EDTA, H₃BO₃, MnSO₄, ZnSO₄, CuSO₄, MoO₃
• pH buffering :
  Often adjusted to pH 5.5–6.0 with MES or citrate.

Application in research

The medium is used to:

1. To induce nutrient deficiency symptoms  (e.g. chlorosis in iron deficiency).
2. To characterize transport proteins  for ions in plant roots.
3.  To test transgenic plants for their nutrient efficiency.

Culture medium according to Emanuel Epstein (1918–2022)

• One liter of ready-made solution contains
  1 mM KNO3
  1 mM Ca(NO3)2
  1 mM NH4H2PO4
  1 mM (NH4)2HPO4
  1 mM MgSO4
  0.02 mM Fe-EDTA
  0.025 mM H3BO3
  0.05 mM KCl
  0.002 mM MnSO4
  Trace elements:
  0.002 mM ZnSO4
  0.0005 mM CuSO4
  0.0005 mM MoO3

Source among others: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrokulturd%C3%BCnger

Modified nutrient medium according to Epstein, quoted from Nicole Geißler: Investigations on the salt tolerance of Aster tripolium L. and its influence by increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, Gießen, 2006 (Note: The substances are listed in the source without water of crystallization; because the data are in mM, both raw materials with and without water of crystallization can be used)