Purified Bacterial Strains for Broad-Spectrum Plant Pathogen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for environmentally friendly, broad-spectrum methods to control plant pathogens and pests that do not harm the host or consumer, as chemical pesticides have adverse effects and lead to the emergence of resistant strains.

Innovation Solution

The use of purified bacterial strains with specific 16S nucleotide sequences, such as SEQ ID NO:1, and associated genomic DNA sequences, which produce secondary metabolites like albofungin, to control pests and pathogens in plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical pesticides are used to control plant pathogens and pests, then immediate protection and effective pathogen control are achieved, but harmful effects on the environment, host plants, and consumers occur, along with emergence of resistant strains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen control effectivenessVSAvoidharmful effects on environment, host, and consumer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effects of chemical pesticides into beneficial effects by using bacterial strains that naturally produce antimicrobial compounds. The bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas putida) produce substances like albofungin, pseudomonic acid, and other secondary metabolites that kill pathogens without harming the environment or host plants, thus converting the need for harmful chemicals into a beneficial biological solution.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bacterial strains as intermediary agents between the plant and the pathogen. These bacteria act as mediators that produce antimicrobial compounds to control pathogens, replacing the direct use of chemical pesticides. The bacteria serve as a biological intermediary that provides pathogen control while being environmentally friendly and safe for the host plant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If chemical pesticides are continuously used to control resistant pathogens, then pathogen control is maintained, but an endless cycle of developing new pesticides and facing resistance emerges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen control effectivenessVSAvoidcycle of developing new pesticides

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service principles by using bacteria that autonomously produce antimicrobial compounds. The bacterial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas putida) naturally synthesize substances like albofungin and pseudomonic acid without requiring external chemical inputs. This self-sustaining biological system eliminates the need for continuous development of new chemical pesticides, breaking the cycle of resistance and new pesticide deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bio-based control methods are used, then environmental friendliness and safety are improved, but broad-spectrum effectiveness and reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendliness and safetyVSAvoidbroad-spectrum control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by selecting bacterial strains that possess multi-functional capabilities. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, and Pseudomonas putida can control multiple types of pathogens (fungi, bacteria, oomycetes) through different antimicrobial compounds. This multi-functionality ensures broad-spectrum effectiveness while maintaining environmental friendliness and safety, resolving the contradiction between bio-based approach and broad-spectrum control.

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

These bacterial strains effectively inhibit and kill various pathogens and pests, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides by conferring resistance to plants without harmful residues.

Implementation Method 1

said strain produces albofungin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecondary metabolite production: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

These bacterial strains effectively inhibit and kill various pathogens and pests

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial activity:

Data Source

PatentUS20260083134A1Means and methods for controlling pathogens and pests in plants

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 APHEA BIO NV

AI summary

The current invention relates to a purified bacterial strain suitable for controlling a pest or pathogen in a plant, said strain comprises at least one 16S nucleotide sequence that is at least 99.7% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. The present invention also relates to a purified bacterial strain comprising at least one 16S nucleotide sequence that is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said strain comprises in its genomic DNA at least one sequence that is at least 95% identical to a sequence chosen from SEQ ID NO: 3 to 12. The current invention also relates to an agricultural active formulation comprising a purified bacterial strain, and to the use of such purified bacterial strain. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a pest or pathogen in plants.