Copper Fatty Acid Crop Composition for Low-Metal Pathogen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fungicides and bactericides based on heavy metals like copper pose environmental concerns and risks of developing resistant pathogens, necessitating a more eco-friendly alternative without reducing efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A crop defence composition comprising a copper compound and C16-C20 fatty acid salts of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, or calcium, which synergistically enhances fungicidal and bactericidal effectiveness at reduced concentrations, preventing insoluble salt formation and phytotoxicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper-based compounds are used for fungicidal and bactericidal control, then broad-spectrum effectiveness is achieved, but environmental impact and ecotoxicology concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefungicidal and bactericidal effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact and ecotoxicology

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces fatty acid salts (C12-C24) as intermediary substances that form complexes with copper compounds. These complexes act as mediators that maintain the fungicidal and bactericidal activity of copper while reducing its direct environmental impact and ecotoxicity to non-target organisms and aquatic life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite formulations by combining copper compounds with fatty acid salts to form complexes. This composite approach allows the copper to maintain its bioactivity against pathogens while the fatty acid component modulates its environmental interaction, reducing harmful effects on ecosystems and aquatic organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If higher concentrations of copper compounds are applied to ensure effectiveness, then pathogen control is improved, but risk of developing resistant strains increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen control effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of resistant strain development

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of copper application by forming complexes with fatty acid salts. This parameter change allows the copper to maintain effectiveness at lower concentrations, thereby reducing the selective pressure that drives resistance development in pathogen populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If copper formulations are used to reduce reliance on systemic fungicides, then resistance management is improved, but environmental concerns persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance management capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Fatty acid salts serve as intermediaries that enable copper compounds to function effectively as protective fungicides and bactericides. This intermediary role allows copper to replace systemic fungicides in resistance management strategies while the fatty acid component mitigates environmental concerns through reduced ecotoxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3383177B1Composition for crop care and protection

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 ALPHA BIOPESTICIDES

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AI summary

A crop defence composition comprising a metal complex and a derivative of C12-C24 fatty acid, as well as a process for preparing the same and uses for protecting crop against fungi, oomycetes and bacteria, are disclosed.