Algal Extract Detoxifies Crops Under Selective Herbicide Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Selective herbicides, although effective in controlling weeds, cause significant stress and toxicity to crops, leading to reduced yields and chlorophyll-related issues, necessitating a composition that minimizes these negative effects.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining a selective herbicide with an algal extract, preferably from brown algae like Ascophyllum nodosum, and/or manganese and silicate, which reduces the herbicide's toxicity and promotes healthier crop growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If selective herbicides are used to control weeds, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but crop toxicity and yield reduction worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidcrop toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an algal extract as an intermediary substance that mediates between the selective herbicide and the crop. The algal extract contains protective compounds that reduce the herbicide's toxic effects on the crop while allowing the herbicide to maintain its weed control effectiveness. This intermediary substance buffers the harmful interaction between the herbicide and the cultivated plants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the herbicide application by adding algal extract components. This changes the overall chemical profile of the treatment, introducing protective substances that alter how the herbicide interacts with the crop. The parameter change involves adding specific organic compounds from algae that modify the toxicity profile while preserving herbicidal activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If selective herbicides are applied to ensure weed control, then weed management is improved, but crop yield worsens due to stress and chlorophyll degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed managementVSAvoidcrop yield

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies algal extract in combination with the selective herbicide to provide beforehand cushioning protection to the crop. The algal extract contains protective compounds that are applied prior to or simultaneously with the herbicide, creating a protective buffer that cushions the crop against the upcoming herbicide stress. This prevents severe chlorophyll degradation and maintains better crop health and yield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If conventional selective herbicide treatment is used, then weed control is achieved, but crop health deteriorates with yellowing and stress symptoms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed controlVSAvoidcrop health quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite herbicidal treatment by combining selective herbicide with algal extract. This composite material integrates the weed-killing properties of the herbicide with the protective and nourishing properties of the algal extract. The composite formulation maintains weed control effectiveness while improving crop health quality by preventing yellowing and stress symptoms through the beneficial compounds in the algae.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The combination of algal extract and manganese/silicate significantly reduces phytotoxicity and enhances crop yields by mitigating the harmful effects of selective herbicides, as demonstrated in greenhouse experiments with soybean varieties.

Implementation Method 1

an algal extract, preferably with manganese and/or silicate, makes it possible to minimize the toxicity of a selective herbicide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetoxification:

Implementation Method 2

The composition according to the invention also comprises either manganese or a silicate or a mixture of manganese and silicate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNutrient supplementation:

Data Source

PatentUS11800874B2Composition comprising a selective herbicide and an algal extract, use of an algal extract for detoxifying plants subjected to treatment with a selective herbicide

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 LAB GOEMAR SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a selective herbicide, an algal extract and manganese and/or a silicate, to the use of an algal extract, optionally combined with manganese and/or a silicate, to detoxify plants subjected to a treatment by a selective herbicide and to a method for selective herbicide treatment of a crop comprising the simultaneous, combined or sequential application of a selective herbicide and an algal extract, optionally combined with manganese and/or a silicate.