Curcin Nematicidal Seed Coating for Season-Long Nematode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nematicides used to combat nematodes in agriculture have undesirable side effects, including high toxicity and environmental impact, leading to restrictions on their use and a need for a safer, sustainable alternative.
Innovation Solution
The use of isolated and purified curcin or curcin-like proteins derived from Jatropha curcas, either naturally or through recombinant technology, as a nematicidal ingredient in a composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nematodes are controlled by existing methods, then nematode populations are reduced, but the methods are not cost-effective and do not provide season-long control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the nematicidal composition into the seed coating process before planting. This allows the protective effect to be established in advance, providing season-long control as the seedling grows and the active ingredients are released over time, eliminating the need for multiple costly applications throughout the growing season.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is designed to be applied once during seed treatment and then provides self-sustaining protection throughout the plant's growth cycle. The controlled release mechanism allows the active ingredients to serve themselves by continuously protecting the plant from nematodes without requiring additional human intervention or application costs.
2Reliability
If nematodes are controlled by existing methods, then some protection is provided, but the methods do not provide season-long control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action through the controlled release formulation in the seed coating. The active ingredients are released continuously over the entire growing season, maintaining effective concentrations against nematodes throughout plant development. This single continuous protective action replaces multiple discrete applications that would otherwise be needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition employs dynamic release characteristics where the active ingredients are gradually released from the seed coating as the seed germinates and the plant grows. This dynamic delivery system adapts to the plant's developmental stages, providing protection when and where it is most needed throughout the season without requiring reapplication.
3Reliability
If a broad spectrum of microbes is used to promote plant growth, then plant health is improved, but harmful organisms such as nematodes may also be promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones in the seed coating: one zone containing nematicidal active ingredients to protect against harmful nematodes, and another zone containing beneficial microbes to promote plant growth. Each component is localized to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, allowing simultaneous protection and growth promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The seed coating formulation acts as an intermediary that mediates between beneficial microbes and harmful nematodes. The physical structure and chemical composition of the coating create a protective barrier that allows beneficial microbes to colonize and benefit the plant while blocking or killing nematodes before they can reach and harm the seedling.
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
Curcin or curcin-like proteins effectively control nematodes with reduced toxicity and environmental impact, demonstrating significant nematicidal activity even at low concentrations, while maintaining soil health.
Implementation Method 1
effective against a broad spectrum of plant-parasitic nematodes including but not limited to Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), Corky root nematodes (Acrobeloides sp.), Reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis), Sting nematodes (Belonolaimus sp.), Spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus sp.), Dagger nematodes (Xiphinema spp.), and Needle nematodes (Longidorus sp.)
Implementation Method 2
The beneficial microbes may suppress harmful organisms through various mechanisms, including competition for resources, production of antibiotics, and induction of plant defense responses.
Implementation Method 3
The composition provides season-long control through controlled release mechanisms that maintain effective concentrations of nematicidal agents throughout the growing season.
Data Source
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AI summary
A nematicidal composition includes curcin or a curcin-like protein as active nematicidal ingredient. The curcin or curcin-like protein is a protein which has at least 90% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. A method of controlling nematodes is also provided.