Diflubenzuron Application for Nut Yield Enhancement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively enhance yield in nut-bearing plants, particularly during critical stages of bud break and early nut formation.

Innovation Solution

Application of an effective amount of diflubenzuron or its metabolite CPU, represented by specific structural formulas, to nut-bearing plants between bud break and early nut formation to promote yield, potentially combined with fungicides for dual benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used for pest control, then pest damage is reduced, but nut yield enhancement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenut yieldVSAvoidyield enhancement effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies diflubenzuron at specific concentrations (0.25-5.0 fl oz per acre) during critical growth stages (bud break to early nut formation) to transform the chemical parameter of chitin synthesis inhibition into a beneficial effect on nut yield, rather than simply controlling pests. This parameter change approach converts a pest control mechanism into a yield enhancement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies diflubenzuron during bud break and early nut formation stages, before the nuts reach full development. This preliminary action during critical early stages prevents potential yield limitations from developing, rather than addressing problems after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If diflubenzuron is applied at higher rates, then pest control improves, but cost and potential phytotoxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidchemical application cost and potential plant damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sub-lethal or partial doses of diflubenzuron (0.25-5.0 fl oz per acre) that are sufficient to influence chitin synthesis in a way that enhances yield, but not so high as to cause phytotoxicity or excessive cost. This partial action achieves the desired effect without the negative consequences of full-strength application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the application rate parameter from conventional high rates to optimized lower rates (0.25-5.0 fl oz per acre), transforming the dose-response relationship to achieve yield enhancement without the negative effects of higher concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly increases nut yield by 5-35% compared to untreated plants, as demonstrated in field research trials, while controlling pests and diseases, thus improving overall crop health and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

acts by interfering with the production/deposition of chitin, one of the main components of the insect exoskeleton

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChitin synthesis inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

Diflubenzuron may also be rapidly degraded by eucaryotic microorganisms, such as, Fusarium sp. Cephalosporium sp. Penicillium sp., and Rhodotorula sp. Cleavage of the urea bridge of diflubenzuron yielded metabolites

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic degradation: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS11641859B2Enhanced yield in nut bearing plants

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 UPL CORPORATION LTD(MU)

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for promoting the yield of a nut-bearing plant, comprising contacting the nut-bearing plant or a part thereof with an effective amount of a compound of formula (I):wherein the variables in Formula I are defined as described herein.