Multi-Mode Fungicidal Composition for Aphanomyces Root Rot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fungicides are ineffective in controlling Aphanomyces root rot, a significant limitation in pea and legume production, due to the pathogen's longevity and ability to spread throughout the root system, leading to severe crop losses and difficulty in symptom identification.

Innovation Solution

A fungicidal composition comprising triazole fungicides, acylalanine fungicides, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) is used to control phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, particularly Aphanomyces, by applying ipconazole, metalaxyl, and carboxin to seeds, foliage, or the locus of legume crop plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fungicides are used to control root rot, then other fungal pathogens like Fusarium are controlled, but Aphanomyces root rot remains ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefungicidal effectivenessVSAvoidbroad-spectrum coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three different fungicides with distinct modes of action: a triazole fungicide (ipconazole) that inhibits sterol synthesis, a phenylpyrrole fungicide (metalaxyl) that targets oomycetes like Aphanomyces, and a carboxamide fungicide (carboxin) that inhibits succinate dehydrogenase. This combination approach merges the specific effectiveness of each active ingredient to achieve both broad-spectrum coverage and reliable control against Aphanomyces root rot

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite fungicidal formulation containing multiple active ingredients (ipconazole, metalaxyl, and carboxin) along with carriers and adjuvants. This composite material leverages the synergistic effects of different chemical classes to overcome the limitations of single-ingredient fungicides, providing both broad-spectrum activity and specific efficacy against Aphanomyces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If single-ingredient fungicides are used, then application is simple, but control of Aphanomyces and other root rot pathogens is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoiddisease control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fungicidal active ingredients into a single pre-mixed formulation, maintaining ease of application while dramatically improving effectiveness. The combination of ipconazole, metalaxyl, and carboxin in one product allows farmers to apply a single solution that targets multiple pathogens simultaneously, including Aphanomyces, Fusarium, and other soil-borne diseases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If fungicides are applied early in the season, then prevention is possible, but Aphanomyces spreads throughout the season causing late-season losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective periodVSAvoidseason-long control
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-ingredient formulation that provides continuous protective action throughout the growing season. The different modes of action and persistence characteristics of ipconazole, metalaxyl, and carboxin work together to maintain effective concentrations in the soil and on plant roots over an extended period, addressing both early prevention and late-season protection needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 composition effectively reduces root rot infection, enhances plant health, and increases crop yield by up to 5% by inhibiting the growth and spread of Aphanomyces and other phytopathogenic fungi, particularly in legume crops.

Implementation Method 1

a triazole fungicide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriazole fungicide mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

an acylalanine fungicide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcylalanine fungicide mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuccinate dehydrogenase inhibitor mechanism:

Data Source

PatentUS12628826B2Fungicidal composition
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 UPL CORPORATION LTD(MU)

AI summary

Described herein are fungicidal compositions and methods of controlling and/or suppressing phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens and maintaining crop health. Particularly described are fungicidal compositions and methods of controlling the phytopathogenic fungi and the Aphanomyces fungus-like pathogen and maintaining crop health in crops susceptible to infection.