Bacillus Subtilis Nematicidal Composition for Root Nematode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling phytonematodes are inefficient and environmentally harmful, necessitating the development of safer and more effective biological control agents.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising Bacillus subtilis strain DSM 32324, which forms biofilms and produces secondary metabolites like surfactin and dimethyl disulphide, is used to inhibit nematode penetration and reproduction on plant roots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical nematicides are used to control phytonematodes, then nematode population is reduced, but environmental harm increases and toxicity to humans and non-target organisms worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental harm and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful role of bacteria into a beneficial one by using Bacillus subtilis and other beneficial bacteria to produce nematicidal substances, antibiotics, and enzymes that control nematodes. Instead of using toxic chemical nematicides, the invention employs bacterial metabolites like surfactin, fengycin, and iturin that selectively target nematodes while being environmentally friendly and safe for non-target organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beneficial bacteria as intermediary organisms that mediate between the plant and the nematode pest. These bacteria colonize the rhizosphere and produce substances that indirectly control nematodes by disrupting their life cycle, preventing egg hatching, and inhibiting juvenile penetration, thereby reducing nematode populations without direct chemical contact with the plant or environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biological control agents are used to replace chemical nematicides, then environmental safety improves, but control efficacy may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidnematode control efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple beneficial bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens) into a synergistic formulation that merges their individual nematicidal mechanisms. This combination approach consolidates multiple modes of action including antibiotic production, enzyme secretion, and competitive exclusion, thereby achieving high control efficacy comparable to or exceeding chemical nematicides while maintaining environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite biological control formulation containing multiple bacterial species and their metabolites. This composite approach integrates different biochemical mechanisms (surfactin, fengycin, iturin, chitinase, glucanase) into a single formulation that works synergistically to control various nematode species, ensuring both environmental safety and high efficacy through the combined action of multiple bioactive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If single-strain bacterial preparations are used for nematode control, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but control effectiveness against mixed nematode species is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidbroad-spectrum control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a multi-functional bacterial formulation where each bacterial strain contributes different mechanisms of nematicidal action. Bacillus subtilis produces surfactin and fengycin, Bacillus licheniformis produces iturin and chitinase, and Pseudomonas fluorescens produces antibiotics and siderophores. This multi-functionality allows the single formulation to effectively control diverse nematode species including root-knot, cyst, and lesion nematodes through various biochemical pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 Bacillus subtilis strain effectively reduces nematode infestation by up to 60-65% through direct and indirect antagonism, promoting plant health and inducing systemic resistance.

Implementation Method 1

which forms biofilms and produces secondary metabolites like surfactin and dimethyl disulphide, is used to inhibit nematode penetration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiofilm formation:

Implementation Method 2

produces secondary metabolites like surfactin and dimethyl disulphide, is used to inhibit nematode penetration and reproduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibiosis:

Implementation Method 3

promoting plant health and inducing systemic resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduced systemic resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS20250302048A1Nematicidal Composition Comprising Bacillus Subtilis

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 CHR HANSEN AS

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising Bacillus subtilis with nematicidal effect against phytonematodes on plants and/or its habitat, to its use, to a process for its preparation, to the use of Bacillus subtilis, to preventing, controlling, combating and/or conferring induction of resistance to phytonematodes and to a kit. Particularly, the invention relates to Bacillus subtilis (DSM 32324).