Fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD Inhibitor Weed Control Formulations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current post-emergent weed control methods require widespread herbicide application, even in areas without weed infestations, and existing herbicides may not effectively control broadleaf weeds of varying heights.

Innovation Solution

Agricultural formulations combining fluthiacet-methyl with HPPD inhibitors, such as mesotrione, in specific weight ratios, applied as sprays or granules, to target weeds of average heights between 4 to 8 inches, potentially enhanced with additional crop protection agents like atrazine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If post-emergent weed control is used to apply herbicide only where weed infestation is present, then herbicide application efficiency is improved, but weed control effectiveness deteriorates for broadleaf weeds of varying heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveherbicide application efficiencyVSAvoidweed control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluthiacet-methyl with HPPD inhibitors (mesotrione, sulcotrione, topramezone, or tembotrione) to create a synergistic herbicide mixture that effectively controls broadleaf weeds of varying heights (4-8 inches), resolving the contradiction between targeted application efficiency and control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite herbicide formulations containing fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD inhibitors in specific weight ratios (1:2 to 1:60, preferably 1:10 to 1:40, most preferably 1:15 to 1:35), creating a composite material that provides superior weed control across different weed heights while maintaining application efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If pre-emergent control is used to apply herbicide throughout the field before weed germination, then weed control coverage is improved, but herbicide application efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary application in non-infested areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweed control coverageVSAvoidherbicide application efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The synergistic combination of fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD inhibitors enables the herbicide to be applied post-emergence with targeted precision, achieving both comprehensive coverage and application efficiency by eliminating the need for blanket pre-emergent applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If single herbicide formulations are used for broadleaf weed control, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but herbicidal activity deteriorates against weeds of varying heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidherbicidal activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite herbicide formulations with fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD inhibitors in optimized weight ratios, providing enhanced herbicidal activity against broadleaf weeds of varying heights while maintaining practical formulation simplicity through predefined mixture ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the weight ratio parameters of fluthiacet-methyl to HPPD inhibitor combinations (ranging from 1:2 to 1:60, with preferred ranges of 1:10 to 1:40 and most preferably 1:15 to 1:35) to achieve maximum herbicidal efficacy across different weed height categories

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

The combination of fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD inhibitors effectively controls broadleaf weeds of specific heights with reduced crop injury and increased herbicidal activity, including resistance to glyphosate-resistant weeds, while optimizing application efficiency and efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

Inhibition of this enzyme has profound effects on plants, affecting the formation of homogentisic acid which is a key precursor for the biosynthesis of both tocopherols (vitamin E) and plastoquinone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme inhibition: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

affecting the formation of homogentisic acid which is a key precursor for the biosynthesis of both tocopherols (vitamin E) and plastoquinone, a critical co-factor in the formation of carotenoids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiosynthesis disruption:

Data Source

PatentUS9439435B2Method for controlling weeds using formulations containing fluthiacet-methyl and HPPD herbicides
Publication Date: 2016.09.13 FMC CORP

AI summary

Methods for controlling weeds in a crop by applying to weeds having an average height ranging from about 4 inches to about 8 inches a herbicidally effective amount of a composition that includes (a) fluthiacet-methyl and (b) a p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor are presented.