Ensifer adhaerens Bacterial Strains for Nematicidal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling phytoparasitic nematodes are hindered by the toxicity and aggressiveness of chemical treatments, and existing biological alternatives, such as certain Sinorhizobium species, lack nematicidal activity against specific nematode species, necessitating new ecological alternatives for effective biological control.

Innovation Solution

The use of Ensifer adhaerens bacterial strains, specifically E. adhaerens strains B742, B758, and B760, which exhibit nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne nematodes, either in pure culture, biomass form, or as part of a phytosanitary product, applied to plants, seeds, or soil to inhibit nematode egg hatching and development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical treatments are used to control phytoparasitic nematodes, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but toxicity and treatment aggressiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and treatment aggressiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of control mechanism from chemical to biological, using Ensifer adhaerens bacteria that produce nematicidal compounds. This parameter change maintains control effectiveness while eliminating the harmful toxicity and aggressiveness associated with chemical treatments, as the biological agent acts through specific metabolic products rather than broad-spectrum toxic chemicals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary biological agent (Ensifer adhaerens bacteria) that mediates between the farmer and the nematode problem. These bacteria serve as a natural intermediary that produces nematicidal substances, providing a middle ground between chemical nematicides and complete lack of control, thereby maintaining effectiveness while reducing harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Sinorhizobium species are used as biological control agents, then ecological friendliness is improved, but nematicidal activity against specific nematode species is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveecological friendlinessVSAvoidnematicidal activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the species parameter from Sinorhizobium to Ensifer adhaerens, which fundamentally alters the nematicidal capability. Ensifer adhaerens produces specific nematicidal compounds that effectively target Meloidogyne species, thereby changing the parameter of biological activity while maintaining ecological friendliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the biological control approach by identifying and isolating specific strains of Ensifer adhaerens (such as strains B742, B758, B760) that possess the desired nematicidal properties. This segmentation allows for the selection and deployment of specific functional variants rather than using the entire genus broadly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These strains demonstrate significant nematicidal efficacy, with E. adhaerens strain B758 showing 79.12% reduction in Meloidogyne javanica egg hatching and 65.38% reduction in nematode reproduction in vivo, offering a viable biological control method for managing phytopathogenic nematodes.

Implementation Method 1

bacteria from the species Ensifer adhaerens with nematicidal activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNematicidal activity:

Implementation Method 2

with or without the aid of toxic metabolites, causes tissue disintegration and cell death

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectToxic metabolites:

Data Source

PatentEP3258785B1Ensifer adhaerens with nematicidal activity
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 FUTURECO BIOSCI
  • EP3258785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3258785B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3258785B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to strains of a microorganism from the species Ensifer adhaerenshaving nematicidal activity and to methods for obtaining a biomass of said microorganisms. The invention also provides methods for biologically controlling nematodes and for treating and preventing plant infection caused by nematodes based on the use of a microorganism from the species Ensifer adhaerensor of phytosanitary products obtained therefrom.