Diformylurea-Cobalt Sulfate Formula for Reliable Ethylene Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ethylene inhibition methods, such as using N,N'-diformylurea and cobalt, are limited by intracellular concentration and environmental factors, leading to incomplete ethylene reduction and disruption of hormonal balance, which affects crop yield and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A synergistic agricultural formula combining N,N'-diformylurea and cobalt sulfate is applied at physiologically sensitive times to achieve prolonged and complete ethylene reduction, maintaining hormonal balance and improving crop yield parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If N,N'-diformylurea is applied to inhibit ethylene production, then ethylene levels are reduced, but the inhibition is limited by intracellular concentration and can be overwhelmed by excess reactive oxygen species

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveethylene inhibition capacityVSAvoidethylene inhibition reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines N,N'-diformylurea (a reactive oxygen species scavenger) with cobalt sulfate (an ethylene synthesis pathway blocker) to create a composite agricultural formulation. This composite approach addresses the limitation of single-agent efficacy by using two mechanisms that work synergistically: diformylurea quenches reactive oxygen species signals, while cobalt blocks ACC conversion to ethylene, providing more reliable and complete ethylene inhibition than either agent alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If cobalt is applied to block ACC conversion to ethylene, then ethylene levels are reduced, but environmental factors and physiological phases can overwhelm this mechanism resulting in incomplete inhibition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveethylene inhibition capacityVSAvoidresponse to environmental stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines N,N'-diformylurea (a reactive oxygen species scavenger) with cobalt sulfate (an ethylene synthesis pathway blocker) to create a composite agricultural formulation. This composite approach addresses the limitation of single-agent efficacy by using two mechanisms that work synergistically: diformylurea quenches reactive oxygen species signals, while cobalt blocks ACC conversion to ethylene, providing more reliable and complete ethylene inhibition than either agent alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multiple exogenous applications of N,N'-diformylurea are applied over seven to fourteen day intervals, then ethylene inhibition efficacy is improved, but application cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveethylene inhibition reliabilityVSAvoidapplication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines N,N'-diformylurea (a reactive oxygen species scavenger) with cobalt sulfate (an ethylene synthesis pathway blocker) to create a composite agricultural formulation. This composite approach addresses the limitation of single-agent efficacy by using two mechanisms that work synergistically: diformylurea quenches reactive oxygen species signals, while cobalt blocks ACC conversion to ethylene, providing more reliable and complete ethylene inhibition than either agent alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If single application of ethylene inhibitors is used, then application cost is reduced, but ethylene inhibition is incomplete due to intracellular concentration limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication costVSAvoidethylene inhibition capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines N,N'-diformylurea (a reactive oxygen species scavenger) with cobalt sulfate (an ethylene synthesis pathway blocker) to create a composite agricultural formulation. This composite approach addresses the limitation of single-agent efficacy by using two mechanisms that work synergistically: diformylurea quenches reactive oxygen species signals, while cobalt blocks ACC conversion to ethylene, providing more reliable and complete ethylene inhibition than either agent alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The synergistic formula effectively regulates ethylene levels, enhancing root architecture, flower and fruit retention, and delaying ripening, resulting in improved crop yield and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

N,N'-diformylurea is a proprietary organic molecule that also inhibits ethylene production in plants. It functions by quenching the reactive oxygen species signal that causes the conversion of ACC to ethylene.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReactive oxygen species scavenging: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Elemental cobalt and solutions thereof are well known to reduce ethylene levels in plants. Cobalt works by actively blocking the conversion of ACC into ethylene.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme inhibition: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3358955B1Managing ethylene in plants using an agricultural formula comprising diformyl urea and cobalt sulfate

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LLC

Figure 1

AI summary

A synergistic agricultural formula including at least one diacyl or diaryl urea, such as a Ν,Ν'-diformylurea, and at least metal complex, such as metal complexes of cobalt, nickel, silver or other metals, is applied to plants at physiologically sensitive times resulting in prolonged and complete ethylene reduction. This synergistic agricultural formula gives those skilled in the art the ability to regulate important phenotypical parameters that lead to a variety of important agronomic and horticulture traits which improve crop yield parameters leading beyond that of its individual components.