Cationic Porphyrin Foliar Herbicides for Selective Weed Killing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cationic porphyrins, such as Zn-TMPyP and TMPyP, are non-selective biocides that either inhibit or destroy plant growth when applied in vitro, making it difficult to predict their effects on plants in field or greenhouse conditions, and their use as selective herbicides is unpredictable.
Innovation Solution
The application of cationic porphyrins, specifically Zn-TMPyP and TMPyP, as selective foliar herbicides by foliar spraying in greenhouses, which selectively target and kill adventitious plants while preserving plants of agronomic interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cationic porphyrins are applied by foliar spraying, then selective herbicidal activity is achieved (adventitious plants killed, crops preserved), but unpredictable harmful effects occur when applied in vitro to plant roots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching the administration route from root application (in vitro) to foliar spraying (in vivo), which fundamentally alters the interaction between the cationic porphyrins and the plant tissue. This parameter change transforms the harmful biocidal effect into a selective herbicidal effect, where adventitious plants are killed while crops are preserved.
2Productivity
If conventional herbicides are used, then broad-spectrum weed control is achieved, but high concentrations are required and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the photosensitizing properties of cationic porphyrins which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through photooxidation. This mechanism acts as a strong oxidant that kills plant cells, providing herbicidal activity at much lower concentrations compared to conventional herbicides. The photodegradability of these compounds further reduces environmental persistence and impact.
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
Zn-TMPyP and TMPyP demonstrate selective herbicidal activity against adventitious plants without affecting plants of agronomic interest, even at low concentrations, and are photodegradable, reducing environmental impact and toxicity to non-target organisms.
Implementation Method 1
Photosensitizers (PS) are molecules capable of inducing, by virtue of a light stimulus and in the presence of oxygen, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs)
Implementation Method 2
Moreover, TMPyP and Zn-TMPyP are advantageously photodegradable, thus making it possible to limit their long-term effect.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of cationic porphyrins such as zinc tetra(N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin tetrachloride and tetra(N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin tetrachloride or a mixture thereof, as selective foliar herbicidal agent.