Cinnamaldehyde-Allicin Emulsion for Nematode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nematicides are toxic to non-target organisms and the environment, and there is a need for effective, cost-efficient, and non-phytotoxic alternatives to control plant parasitic nematodes, as existing chemical and biopesticide solutions pose environmental and health risks.

Innovation Solution

A synergistic emulsifiable oil suspension formulation comprising cinnamaldehyde and allicin in specific ratios, combined with soybean oil, an emulsifier, solvent, rheological additive, and non-ionic surfactant, applied to plants or soil to control nematodes effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical nematicides are used to control plant parasitic nematodes, then nematode control efficacy is improved, but environmental safety and non-target organism protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenematode control efficacyVSAvoidtoxicity to non-target organisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using natural plant extracts (cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon oil and allicin from garlic extract) instead of synthetic chemical nematicides. This parameter change maintains nematode control efficacy while reducing toxicity to non-target organisms and environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two natural plant-derived compounds (cinnamaldehyde and allicin) in a composite formulation. This composite approach synergistically enhances nematode control while maintaining the environmental safety and low toxicity characteristics of natural plant extracts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If higher application rates of nematicides are used, then nematode control efficacy is improved, but phytotoxicity and environmental impact worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenematode control efficacyVSAvoidphytotoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of cinnamaldehyde (0.05-2.0% w/v) and allicin (0.01-0.5% w/v) to achieve effective nematode control at low application rates. This parameter optimization prevents phytotoxicity while maintaining control efficacy, as demonstrated by the absence of phytotoxic effects in greenhouse trials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If repeated applications of synthetic nematicides are used, then nematode control is maintained, but environmental contamination and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenematode control durationVSAvoidenvironmental contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes naturally occurring plant extracts that decompose into harmless substances after performing their nematicidal function. The natural degradation properties of cinnamaldehyde and allicin provide self-limiting environmental impact, eliminating the need for repeated applications and preventing cumulative environmental contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs short-lived natural plant extracts that degrade quickly in the environment after providing nematode control. This disposable approach with natural compounds avoids long-term environmental persistence and contamination associated with synthetic nematicides, while the low cost of plant extracts makes repeated applications economically feasible if needed.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2349293B1Cinnamaldehyde-allicin compositions and their method of use
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 VALENT BIOSCIENCES CORP

AI summary

The invention generally relates to mixtures of cinnamaldehyde (cinnamic aldehyde) and allicin (10%) in emulsifiable suspension formulations at ratios ranging from 1 : 1 to 20: 1 for protecting plants from damage by nematodes, fungal pathogens, insects and mites. The nematicidal compositions described are easily flowable, easily mixable in water and have low volatility and exhibit no phytotoxicity. Methods of applying the compositions for agriculture use are disclosed.