Algae Crop Protectant Composition for Residue-Free Sunburn Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunburn protection methods for crops, such as those using kaolin clay or calcium carbonate, leave visible residues and require additional cleaning, are costly and inefficient, especially in large-scale applications, and are not effective during rainy weather or overhead irrigation.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising algae, particularly Spirulina platensis, are used to protect crops from heat stress and sunburn, offering residue-free protection and can be supplied as liquid, powder, or granulated products, often combined with osmoprotectants, elicitors, and binding agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If kaolin clay or calcium carbonate products are used for sunburn protection, then crops are protected from sunburn, but visible residues are left on the crop surface requiring additional cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the protective coating by using algae-based compounds instead of traditional kaolin or calcium carbonate. This parameter change eliminates the harmful residue effect while maintaining the protective function against sunburn.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material formulation by combining algae-based active ingredients with compatible carriers and adjuvants to create a unified protective composition. This composite approach ensures residue-free protection while maintaining efficacy under various weather conditions.
2Productivity
If overhead irrigation or rainy weather occurs, then crops receive water, but existing protective coatings are washed off reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The algae-based protective composition is designed to be self-retaining on the crop surface through biological adhesion mechanisms. The composition actively maintains its protective function even during overhead irrigation or rainy weather without requiring additional applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the protective coating to enhance its wash resistance. The algae-based formulation creates a more adherent, flexible coating that remains effective during and after rainfall or irrigation events.
3Reliability
If protective netting is used for sunburn protection, then crops are protected from sunburn, but infrastructure costs are high especially for large acreages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical protective system (protective netting) with a chemical/biological solution (algae-based protective composition). This substitution eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure while providing effective sunburn protection through application to the crop surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protection delivery mechanism from physical barrier (netting) to biochemical protection (algae composition). This parameter change in the protection approach eliminates infrastructure costs while maintaining protective effectiveness against sunburn.
4Reliability
If overhead cooling systems are installed, then crops are protected from sunburn, but significant investments are needed to install, operate and maintain the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical overhead cooling system with a biological protective composition applied to the crop surface. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive cooling infrastructure while providing effective sunburn protection through the algae-based formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cost-effective, easily applicable biological protection (algae composition) instead of expensive, complex mechanical cooling systems. The protective composition can be applied economically and maintains effectiveness without requiring significant infrastructure investment.
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
Algae-based compositions effectively protect crops from sunburn without residue issues, maintaining efficacy under various weather conditions and reducing the need for post-harvest cleaning, while being cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.
Implementation Method 1
compositions comprising algae or mixtures thereof for use as a crop treatment against heat stress, especially sunburn heat stress
Implementation Method 2
protects them from sunburn and heat stress
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the compositions comprising algae, specifically Spirulina platensis and Chlorella, and their use for the treatment of crops, such as fruits. vegetables and arable crops against heat stress, especially sunburn.