Cucurbitaceae Plant Extract Induces Systemic Resistance Against Nematodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural methods for controlling plant pathogens and pests, such as nematodes, often rely on chemical agents that are non-selective, toxic, and environmentally persistent, posing risks to beneficial organisms and human health, while seeking sustainable and effective alternatives is urgent due to regulatory constraints and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A plant extract derived from Cucurbitaceae plants, particularly from the genera Cucurbita or Cucumis, is used to induce systemic defense in plants, activating their immune system to combat pathogens and pests without direct contact, thereby reducing infection and promoting plant health through systemic resistance activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical agents are used to control plant pathogens and pests, then control effectiveness is improved, but toxicity to beneficial organisms and human health increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity to beneficial organisms and human health

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes specific compounds from plant sources (azadirachtin from Azadirachta indica, limonene from citrus peels, carvacrol from Thymus vulgaris) to create bio-based control agents. This replaces synthetic chemical agents with naturally derived substances that maintain effectiveness while reducing toxicity to beneficial organisms and human health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs plant-derived compounds as intermediary substances that mediate between the need for effective pathogen/pest control and the requirement for environmental safety. These natural compounds act as biocides that are effective against target organisms but have reduced harmful effects on non-target organisms compared to synthetic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If chemical agents are applied to control plant parasitic nematodes, then nematode infestations are reduced, but environmental persistence and accumulation in water table or food chain increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes biodegradable plant-derived compounds that are effective against nematodes but do not persist in the environment. These substances are metabolized and broken down naturally, preventing accumulation in water tables and food chains while maintaining control effectiveness during the treatment period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If nematicidal soil fumigants such as chloropicrin and methyl bromide are used, then nematode control is highly effective, but toxicity and carcinogenic effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and carcinogenic effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts harmful synthetic chemicals into beneficial natural alternatives by using plant-derived compounds that provide nematicidal activity without the severe toxicity and carcinogenic effects of traditional fumigants. The harmful substances are replaced with substances that are effective against nematodes but safe for human health and environmental integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If chemical agents are used for plant protection, then pathogen control is improved, but disruption of beneficial microorganism populations occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen control effectivenessVSAvoiddisruption of beneficial microorganism populations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs plant-derived compounds that exhibit selective activity - being effective against target pathogens and pests while having minimal impact on beneficial microorganisms. This local quality approach ensures that the control agent affects only the intended targets and preserves the beneficial microbial communities in the soil and on plant surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20220272989A1Plant extract for controlling parasitic nematodes

Publication Date: 2022.09.01 UNIV GENT

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of agricultural pathogen control through induction of systemic plant defense. More specifically the invention relates to extracts of a plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae and their use for protecting plants against plant pathogens, in particular parasitic nematodes The invention also provides compositions comprising the same, methods of making the same, and methods of controlling plant disease.