Alkaline Red Algae Extract for Root-Knot Nematode Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling phytopathogenic nematodes, such as nematode-resistant cultivars, biological control, cultural control, and chemical control, face limitations including harmful side-effects on human health and the environment, necessitating a safer and more effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an aqueous liquid product extracted from agarophyte red algae of the Gelidiaceae family, such as Gelidium sesquipedale, through alkaline extraction, filtration, and neutralization, applied to soil or plants to combat phytopathogenic nematodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical nematocidal products are used to control phytopathogenic nematodes, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but harmful side-effects on human health and the environment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using natural algae extracts that contain bioactive compounds (fucoxanthin, fucoidan) which naturally exhibit nematocidal properties. Instead of synthesizing harmful chemical nematocides, the invention harnesses beneficial natural substances from brown and red algae that kill nematodes while being environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans, thus converting natural materials into effective pest control agents without the harmful side effects of synthetic chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses algae extracts as an intermediary substance between natural materials and nematode control. The extraction process isolates active nematocidal compounds (such as fucoxanthin and fucoidan) from algae, creating a mediator product that delivers nematocidal action without the harmful properties of synthetic chemicals. This intermediary approach allows the beneficial effects of natural substances to be harnessed while eliminating unwanted components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biological control methods are used to combat phytopathogenic nematodes, then safety to human health and environment is improved, but control effectiveness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the extraction conditions (using alkaline solutions at specific pH levels, temperature, and time) to maximize the concentration of nematocidal compounds in the algae extract. By controlling extraction parameters such as pH 8-10, temperature 20-50°C, and extraction time 1-24 hours, the method produces extracts with enhanced nematocidal activity that are more effective than traditional biological control agents while maintaining environmental safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple algae species (brown algae like Fucus vesiculosus and red algae like Gelidium sesquipedale) to create extracts with synergistic nematocidal effects. The combination of different algal species rich in various bioactive compounds (fucoxanthin, fucoidan, polysaccharides) creates a composite extract that enhances control effectiveness while maintaining the safety profile of natural substances
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
Demonstrates significant nematode reduction activity, reducing galls and lesions on plant roots, with the aqueous extract showing efficacy even at low dilutions, thus offering a safer and environmentally friendly nematocidal solution.
Implementation Method 1
extraction by an aqueous alkaline solution of at least one agarophyte red alga
Data Source
AI summary
Use of an extract of at least one agarophyte red alga as a nematocidal agent and method for controlling phytopathogenic nematodesUse of an aqueous liquid product resulting from extraction by an alkaline aqueous solution of at least one agarophyte red alga of the Gelidiaceae family, such as Gelidium sesquipedale, as an agent for controlling phytopathogenic nematodes. The extraction product is in particular the aqueous phase obtained by extracting the said at least one agarophyte red alga by an alkaline aqueous solution, followed by filtration to recover the said aqueous phase, which may then have been concentrated, dehydrated or freeze-dried, and then redissolved in water for application.