Bicarbonate Salts for Psylloidea Insect Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pesticides are ineffective and toxic for controlling insects of the superfamily Psylloidea, leading to resistance development and environmental harm, while existing fungicides do not adequately address the control of these pests in agricultural and horticultural crops.

Innovation Solution

A water-soluble solution of bicarbonate and carbonate salts, particularly potassium bicarbonate, is used as an active ingredient to control Psylloidea insects, offering a non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution that targets the insects' physical chemistry, reducing resistance development and controlling associated diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pesticides are used to control Psylloidea insects, then some level of pest control is achieved, but the pesticides are toxic and cause resistance development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and resistance development
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pest control agent by using bicarbonate and carbonate salts instead of conventional synthetic pesticides. This parameter change results in a substance that is effective against Psylloidea insects but has minimal toxicity and does not induce resistance, directly resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs bicarbonate and carbonate salts that decompose into harmless substances (carbon dioxide, water, and salts) after exerting their pest control function. This disposable approach ensures the active ingredient does not persist in the environment, eliminating long-term toxicity and resistance issues while maintaining effective pest control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If existing fungicides are used, then fungal diseases are controlled, but they are ineffective against Psylloidea insects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefungal disease controlVSAvoideffectiveness against Psylloidea insects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies bicarbonate and carbonate salts as multi-functional agents that can control both fungal diseases and Psylloidea insects. By applying this universal substance, farmers can address multiple pest and disease issues with a single product, resolving the contradiction between specialized effectiveness and broad adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional insecticides are used repeatedly, then pest populations are reduced, but resistance develops and effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest population reductionVSAvoidlong-term effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the natural properties of bicarbonate and carbonate salts that do not select for resistance mechanisms in insects. The salts work through physical-chemical mechanisms (pH change, cell membrane disruption) that are difficult for pests to develop resistance against, ensuring long-term effectiveness without the resistance problems that plague conventional insecticide programs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 bicarbonate and carbonate salts demonstrate excellent insecticidal activity against Psylloidea, including Pear Psylla, with minimal toxicity and ecotoxicity, achieving up to 90% reduction in egg-laying and killing larvae, maintaining effectiveness over time due to negligible resistance development.

Implementation Method 1

it is accepted that the salts cause a change in the pH of the leaf surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH change:

Implementation Method 2

cause a damage of the cell wall membrane of the fungal spores as a result of which the spores dry out and die

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effectcell wall membrane damage:

Implementation Method 3

cause a disequilibrium between the K- or N-ions in the fungal cells as a result of which the cell wall bursts open

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effection disequilibrium:

Data Source

PatentEP2427060B1New use of insecticides for agricultural and horticultural crops
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 GLOBACHEM NV

AI summary

The invention relates to controlling insects of the superfamily of the Psylloidea in horticultural and/or agricultural crops, by using bicarbonate and carbonate salts.