Bacillus subtilis QST713 Nematicide for Root Knot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chemical nematicides used to control plant parasitic nematodes are ineffective against nematodes that have penetrated the root and pose safety risks due to toxicity, leading to restrictions and bans, necessitating a safer and more effective alternative.

Innovation Solution

Application of Bacillus subtilis QST713, either as a fermentation product or in combination with other pesticides, to inhibit nematode penetration and maturation, reducing root knot nematode eggs and plant penetration, and potentially used in conjunction with other nematicides or as a standalone treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical nematicides are used to control nematodes, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but human safety and environmental safety deteriorate due to high toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidhuman poisoning and death risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical nematicides with a biological control agent (Bacillus subtilis QST713). This substitution eliminates the toxic chemical components while maintaining nematode control effectiveness through biological mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between control effectiveness and human safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a fermentation product of Bacillus subtilis QST713 that can be applied as a biological nematicide. This biological agent degrades naturally in the environment without persistent toxicity, providing effective nematode control while eliminating long-term safety concerns associated with chemical pesticides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If chemical nematicides are used to control nematodes, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but ozone layer protection deteriorates due to ozone depleting effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidozone depleting effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical nematicides with a biological control system based on Bacillus subtilis QST713. This biological alternative does not produce ozone-depleting substances while maintaining effective nematode control, thereby resolving the environmental contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If chemical nematicides are used to control nematodes, then external nematode control is improved, but control against penetrated nematodes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol coverage range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs Bacillus subtilis QST713 as a biological intermediary that can act both externally on nematodes and internally within plant tissues. This dual-action capability allows the biological agent to control nematodes before penetration and also address those that have already penetrated, overcoming the limitation of chemical nematicides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biological control agent Bacillus subtilis QST713 performs multiple functions: it acts as an external nematicide, induces systemic resistance in plants, and continues to provide protection against penetrated nematodes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between external control effectiveness and internal protection capability.

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

Bacillus subtilis QST713 effectively reduces nematode penetration and maturation, providing a safer alternative to chemical nematicides by inducing systemic resistance in plants, thereby controlling plant parasitic nematodes such as root knot and cyst nematodes, while allowing for reduced use of chemical pesticides.

Implementation Method 1

The Bacillus subtilis-based compositions of the present invention reduce eggs of root knot nematodes, decrease root knot nematode plant penetration, and/or inhibit maturation of root knot nematodes that penetrate plants. Merckling et al. discloses that B. subtilis QST713 induces a systemic response from plants.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSystemic resistance induction:

Implementation Method 2

In some embodiments, the Bacillus subtilis QST713 is applied as a fermentation product that includes the Bacillus subtilis QST713, and, optionally, residual fermentation broth.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP2736340B1Biocontrol of nematodes

Publication Date: 2017.12.20 BAYER CROPSCIENCE LP

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AI summary

The present invention provides a method for using a Bacillus strain as a nematicide and related compositions.