Sustainable snail control system for agriculture using plant-based biopesticides

Abstract

A sustainable snail control system for agricultural and horticultural applications, comprising a biopesticide formulation derived from Pongamia pinnata plant extracts, wherein the biopesticide formulation is prepared by extracting bioactive compounds from the leaves and / or seeds of Pongamia pinnata using one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, methanol, or combinations thereof, followed by concentrating the extract to obtain an active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is mixed with suitable carriers and excipients to create a stable, environmentally friendly, and ready-to-use formulation capable of causing 100% mortality in adult snails (Order: Pulmonata) upon contact or ingestion,without having harmful effects on non-target organisms or leaving toxic residues in the environment.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of agricultural pest control and, more particularly, to an environmentally friendly and sustainable slug control system specifically developed for agricultural and horticultural applications. The invention relates to the development and application of a biopesticide formulation derived from plant extracts, in particular from Pongamia pinnata, for the effective and environmentally friendly control of slugs (order: Pulmonata), a notorious pest in many crop production systems. Background of the invention

[0002] Agricultural production systems around the world are under constant threat from a variety of pests, of which snails have emerged as increasingly destructive pests, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Snails, primarily from the order Pulmonata, are herbivorous mollusks known for their feeding habits and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Their presence in cultivated fields often causes significant damage to young seedlings, tender plant parts, and leaves, resulting in direct yield losses and sometimes total crop failure. The damage caused by snails is particularly severe in crops such as rice, vegetables, ornamentals, and horticultural crops, where moist soils and irrigation conditions create a favorable habitat for their reproduction.

[0003] The escalating problem of snail infestation has traditionally been addressed through the use of synthetic chemical molluscicides, including formulations based on metal aldehyde, copper salts, and other chemical compounds designed to either kill or repel these pests. However, the use of such chemical agents has raised a number of environmental and ecological concerns. The persistence of chemical residues in soil and waterways, as well as the potential toxicity to non-target organisms such as beneficial soil microflora, earthworms, pollinators, and aquatic species, has necessitated a serious review of conventional snail control methods. Furthermore, human exposure to chemical molluscicides, either directly through handling or indirectly through contaminated products, raises legitimate concerns about health risks and long-term exposure risks.

[0004] In recent years, the limitations of chemical control strategies have been further exacerbated by the increasing development of resistance in snail populations, rendering many traditionally used molluscicides increasingly ineffective. As a result, there has been an increased search for alternative, environmentally friendly pest control strategies compatible with sustainable agricultural practices, integrated pest management (IPM) systems, and organic farming guidelines.

[0005] In this context, botanical pesticides have emerged as promising candidates due to their ecological safety, biodegradability, and selective toxicity. These biopesticides, derived from naturally occurring plant compounds, offer the advantage of minimal residual toxicity, rapid degradation in the environment, and a lower likelihood of resistance development in target pest populations. Among the various plants studied for their pesticidal properties, Pongamia pinnata, a legume native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, has received considerable attention due to its rich phytochemical profile and its traditional use in ethnomedicine and pest control.

[0006] Pongamia pinnata is known to produce a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including karanjin, pongamol, flavonoids, tannins, and other secondary metabolites with potential pesticidal, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities. However, its molluscicidal properties remain relatively understudied, particularly in the context of snail control in agriculture. In light of this gap, the present invention aims to systematically investigate, extract, and formulate a biopesticide from Pongamia pinnata specifically designed for effective snail control.

[0007] The background to this invention lies in the convergence of two pressing needs of modern agriculture: the need to effectively control snail populations to avoid crop damage, and the need to do so using methods that do not endanger the environment or human health. Through a series of laboratory experiments, field studies, and formulation optimization trials, the inventors of the present application identified and validated the molluscicidal potential of Pongamia pinnata extracts. These studies not only confirmed the snail-killing efficacy of the extract but also demonstrated its safety profile with respect to non-target organisms and its compatibility with environmentally sound agricultural practices.

[0008] Consequently, the development of a plant-based biopesticide from Pongamia pinnata represents a significant advance in the field of environmentally friendly pest control. This innovation not only addresses the technical challenges of snail control in agriculture but is also consistent with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a sustainable snail control system specifically developed for applications in agriculture and horticulture. The biopesticide formulation is derived from the extracts of Pongamia pinnata, a plant known for its diverse bioactive compounds. This invention harnesses the molluscicidal properties of Pongamia pinnata's phytochemicals to provide an effective, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic solution for controlling snail populations in crop production.

[0010] The discovery underlying this invention is the result of systematic research into plant compounds suitable for pest control, with particular attention to mollusks, which have traditionally been difficult to control due to their nocturnal feeding habits, their ability to hide in moist soil crevices, and their resistance to many chemical molluscicides. Extensive laboratory studies revealed that extracts from the leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata have potent activity against adult snails, killing them completely within a relatively short period of application. This result was subsequently confirmed by controlled field trials in snail-infested agricultural areas.

[0011] The invention further describes the process for producing the biopesticide, in which the appropriate plant parts of Pongamia pinnata are harvested and then dried, pulverized, and extracted with water, methanol, ethanol, or combinations thereof. The extraction process is carefully optimized to preserve the bioactive components responsible for the molluscicidal effect while removing the non-essential components. The resulting extract is then formulated into a concentrate that can be diluted and applied directly to crop fields, nurseries, or other environments where snails are present.

[0012] After application, the biopesticide exerts its effect by interfering with the snails' physiological systems. The phytochemicals contained in the formulation disrupt the normal function of the snails' nervous and muscular systems, leading to paralysis, dehydration, and ultimately death. The mechanism of action is believed to involve damage to cell membranes, inhibition of essential enzymatic activities, and disruption of osmoregulation functions, resulting in a rapid decline in snail populations.

[0013] A key advantage of this invention is its selective toxicity. While the formulation is highly effective against snails, it has negligible toxicity to non-target organisms, including beneficial soil fauna, aquatic life, and pollinators. This selectivity makes the biopesticide particularly suitable for use in integrated pest management systems where maintaining ecological balance is paramount.

[0014] The biopesticide derived from Pongamia pinnata can be administered in various forms depending on the specific agricultural scenario. In addition to liquid spray formulations, the invention envisions the development of granular formulations and slug bait systems that enable targeted delivery of the biopesticide in areas of high slug activity. This versatility of application ensures that the invention can be seamlessly integrated into various crop protection systems without the need for specialized equipment or procedures.

[0015] Another notable aspect of the invention is its biodegradability. Unlike synthetic molluscicides, which can persist in the environment for extended periods and pose contamination risks, the plant-based formulation degrades naturally over time, leaving no harmful residues in the soil or water. This property is consistent with organic farming standards and makes the invention particularly suitable for ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, rice paddies, and agricultural land adjacent to aquaculture.

[0016] The present invention therefore offers a comprehensive solution to the problem of snail infestation in agriculture, combining efficacy, environmental safety, and economic feasibility. The use of Pongamia pinnata extract not only utilizes a renewable plant resource but also promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides. Furthermore, the innovation contributes to the value-added use of Pongamia pinnata, which, despite its widespread distribution and availability, has traditionally been underutilized.

[0017] This invention provides farmers and agricultural practitioners with a novel tool for effectively controlling snail populations while adhering to ecological and health safety standards. The system developed within this invention can be adapted to different crops and geographical conditions, offering scalability and adaptability for different farming systems.

[0018] In summary, this invention provides a novel, scientifically validated, and environmentally safe snail control system for agricultural and horticultural applications that utilizes the molluscicidal properties of Pongamia pinnata extracts. It not only meets a critical need in pest management but also advances the goals of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management by providing a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical molluscicides. Detailed description of the invention

[0019] The present invention aims at a sustainable and environmentally friendly snail control system specifically developed for agriculture and horticulture, using a biopesticide formulation derived from the plant Pongamia pinnata. This invention is a timely and important response to the growing challenges associated with snail infestation in crop production and the simultaneous demand for environmentally friendly pest control alternatives.

[0020] The invention is based on a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical properties of Pongamia pinnata, a tree species native to the Indian subcontinent and other tropical regions. This plant has long been known for its diverse therapeutic properties in traditional medicine and for its pesticidal activity against a wide range of insect pests. However, its molluscicidal potential, particularly in controlling crop-damaging snails, had been relatively under-researched until the development of the present invention.

[0021] The core of the invention lies in the extraction and formulation of a biopesticide that harnesses specific bioactive compounds from the leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata. These compounds, including karanjin, pongamol, flavonoids, tannins, and other secondary metabolites, have been scientifically proven to exert toxic effects on snails while posing minimal risk to non-target organisms. The invention describes an optimized process for producing the biopesticide that ensures the maximum concentration of molluscicidal components is retained in the final product.

[0022] In the practical implementation of this invention, the plant material, consisting primarily of the leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata, is collected and subjected to a series of processing steps aimed at preserving the integrity of the bioactive compounds. First, the plant parts are cleaned and shade-dried to prevent the degradation of sensitive phytochemicals. The dried material is then ground into a fine powder using mechanical mills. This powdered material is then subjected to solvent extraction with water, ethanol, methanol, or a combination thereof. The selection of the solvent and the extraction conditions, including temperature, time, and solvent-to-material ratio, are carefully controlled to maximize yield and efficacy.

[0023] The resulting extract is filtered to remove insoluble plant residues and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove the solvent, producing a semi-solid or liquid concentrate. This concentrate forms the active ingredient of the biopesticide formulation. To facilitate application and improve field performance, the concentrate is blended with suitable carriers and excipients, including emulsifiers, wetting agents, and stabilizers, to produce a stable and user-friendly product.

[0024] The formulated biopesticide can be stored under ambient conditions without significant loss of efficacy, making it suitable for practical use by farmers and agricultural professionals. The product can be diluted with water to the desired concentration and applied as a foliar spray or soil fertilizer in areas with slug infestation. Application methods may vary depending on the crop, severity of the infestation, and environmental conditions.

[0025] A notable feature of this invention is its mode of action against snails. Upon contact with or ingestion of biopesticide-treated surfaces, snails exhibit symptoms of physiological disturbance, including reduced mobility, excessive mucus secretion, paralysis, and eventual mortality. The molluscicidal effect is believed to be due to the disruption of key metabolic pathways, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, damage to cell membranes, and disruption of the snails' osmoregulation processes. These diverse mechanisms of action reduce the likelihood of resistance development and ensure rapid efficacy.

[0026] To further illustrate the invention, experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the biopesticide derived from Pongamia pinnata against adult snails of the order Pulmonata, known agricultural pests. In controlled laboratory bioassays, adult snails were exposed to varying concentrations of the biopesticide extract. The results consistently showed 100 percent mortality of adult snails within a period of 24 to 48 hours at certain concentration thresholds, thus confirming the efficacy of the formulation.

[0027] Subsequently, field trials were conducted on agricultural land known for heavy snail infestation, particularly in rice paddies and vegetable gardens. In one example, a 1-hectare snail-infested rice field was selected for testing. The biopesticide was applied at a concentration of 5% (v / v) using a backpack sprayer to ensure even coverage of the field, particularly around the base of plants and moist soil surfaces where the snails were most active. Observations recorded over a seven-day period showed a drastic reduction in the snail population, with mortality over 90% observed within the first three days and complete control achieved within one week.

[0028] An important feature of the field trials was the assessment of effects on non-target organisms. Soil samples were analyzed for microbial activity and earthworm populations before and after application of the biopesticide. The results showed no significant adverse effects on beneficial soil organisms, confirming the selectivity of the invention. Furthermore, residue analysis demonstrated that the biopesticide degraded within a short period of time and left no detectable residues on plant tissue or in the soil, thus meeting food safety standards.

[0029] The invention also allows for variations in formulation to suit different application types. For example, granular formulations have been developed for use in dryland agriculture, where liquid sprays may be less effective. In this embodiment, the concentrated extract was adsorbed onto inert carriers such as clay granules or agricultural lime, allowing for a slow release of the active ingredients over time. This method has proven particularly effective in vegetable and ornamental gardens, where localized slug infestations require targeted treatment.

[0030] In another embodiment, bait formulations containing attractants and Pongamia pinnata extract were developed to attract snails to a treated area. This approach proved beneficial for minimizing biopesticide waste and reducing environmental exposure while effectively concentrating snail populations for control.

[0031] The versatility of the invention is also underscored by its compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The biopesticide can be seamlessly combined with other biological control agents, such as predatory beetles or parasitic nematodes, without compromising their effectiveness. This compatibility increases the ecological sustainability of the invention and supports its application in organic farming systems where the use of chemical pesticides is limited.

[0032] The commercial viability of the invention is also worth mentioning. The raw material, Pongamia pinnata, is abundant in many parts of Asia and Africa and grows in both cultivated and wild forms. Its use in the present invention thus offers the opportunity to enhance an underutilized plant resource and provide potential income opportunities for rural communities engaged in the collection and processing of plant material.

[0033] In summary, the present invention represents a novel, scientifically validated, and practically feasible solution for snail control in agriculture using a biopesticide derived from Pongamia pinnata. Its environmentally friendly profile, proven efficacy, safety for non-target organisms, and environmental compatibility make it a superior alternative to conventional chemical molluscicides. The invention not only addresses the technical problem of snail infestation in crop production but also contributes to the general goals of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and rural economic development.Through the various embodiments described herein, the invention provides a comprehensive, adaptable and scalable solution that can be adapted to different agricultural conditions and pest control requirements.

Claims

[1] A sustainable snail control system for agricultural and horticultural applications, comprising a biopesticide formulation derived from Pongamia pinnata plant extracts, wherein the biopesticide formulation is prepared by extracting bioactive compounds from the leaves and / or seeds of Pongamia pinnata using one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, methanol, or combinations thereof, followed by concentrating the extract to obtain an active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is mixed with suitable carriers and excipients to create a stable, environmentally friendly and ready-to-use formulation capable of causing 100% mortality in adult snails (Order: Pulmonata) upon contact or ingestion,without having harmful effects on non-target organisms or leaving toxic residues in the environment. [2] The snail control system according to claim 1, wherein the bioactive compounds extracted from Pongamia pinnata include karanjin, pongamol, flavonoids, tannins and other secondary metabolites having molluscicidal activity against snails. [3] A snail control system according to claim 1, wherein the formulation is suitable for multiple application methods, including foliar spray, soil drench, granular formulation or bait-based formulation, depending on the environmental conditions and site-specific requirements of the snail infestation. [4] The snail control system of claim 1, wherein the formulation exhibits rapid molluscicidal activity characterized by symptoms in snails selected from the group consisting of paralysis, excessive mucus secretion, reduced mobility, feeding inhibition, and mortality within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. [5] The snail control system of claim 1, wherein the formulation demonstrates environmental safety by exhibiting biodegradability in soil and aquatic environments without adversely affecting beneficial soil microorganisms, earthworms, or other non-target species. [6] A snail control system according to claim 1, wherein the Pongamia pinnata-derived biopesticide formulation is compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs and can be used together with biological control agents for improved snail control in organic or conventional agriculture.