Mixotrophic Chlorella Composition for Plant Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing seed emergence and plant growth are inefficient, as they often require high concentrations of nutrients and frequent applications, which can be costly and environmentally impactful, and do not effectively address the need for stress resistance and yield optimization in various plant families.
Innovation Solution
A liquid mixotrophic Chlorella-based composition is developed, involving pasteurized whole Chlorella cells cultured in mixotrophic conditions, which are applied at low concentrations and frequencies to seeds, soil, or plants, enhancing emergence, growth, and stress resistance without the need for drying or extraction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high concentrations of nutrients are applied to enhance seed emergence and plant growth, then plant growth and yield are improved, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the nutrient solution by including specific amino acids (glycine, L-proline, L-arginine), vitamins (biotin, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid), and minerals in optimized concentrations. This parameter optimization allows effective plant growth enhancement at lower overall application concentrations, reducing both cost and environmental impact while maintaining productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite nutrient composition that integrates multiple biological and chemical components (amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients) into a synergistic formulation. This composite approach enhances the efficiency of nutrient utilization by plants, allowing for reduced application concentrations while achieving the same or better growth and yield outcomes
2Productivity
If frequent applications of nutrient treatments are made to optimize crop yield, then plant productivity is improved, but labor and resource costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a comprehensive nutrient composition that contains pre-balanced amounts of all essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals needed for plant growth. This preliminary preparation of a complete nutrient package allows for less frequent applications compared to conventional treatments, as the composition is designed to provide sustained nutrition over time, reducing the need for repeated applications and associated labor costs
3Reliability
If conventional nutrient methods are used to address stress resistance in plants, then some stress tolerance is achieved, but effectiveness across diverse plant families is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal nutrient composition that effectively addresses stress resistance across diverse plant families including Solanaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. The formulation includes a broad spectrum of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that meet the diverse nutritional requirements of different plant species, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining reliable stress resistance benefits across multiple plant types
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 composition significantly increases seed germination rates, plant emergence, and yield, while improving stress resistance and reducing environmental impact through efficient, low-concentration applications, enhancing plant health and productivity across diverse plant families.
Implementation Method 1
mixotrophic Chlorella cells that have not been subjected to a drying process
Implementation Method 2
The culture can then be diluted to 10-11% Chlorella by weight and cooled to between 35 and 45 C.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance at least one plant characteristic such as: seed germination rate, seed germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence time, seedling size, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, utilization, fruit production, leaf production, leaf formation, thatch height, plant health, plant resistance to salt stress, plant resistance to heat stress, plant resistance to heavy-metal stress, plant resistance to drought, maturation time, yield, root length, root mass, color, insect damage, blossom end rot, softness, fruit quality, and sunburn.