In-Furrow Pyrethroid and Fertilizer Composition for Corn Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling corn pests, such as cutworms and rootworms, are inadequate in preventing yield loss in agricultural crops, as they do not provide sufficient and sustained protection against these yield-robbing insects.
Innovation Solution
Applying a pyrethroid insecticide in combination with a pop-up fertilizer around the time of planting, specifically in-furrow, using a composition that includes pyrethroid insecticides like permethrin and fertilizers with an N:P:K ratio, along with surfactants like phosphated arylphenol alkoxylate and alkylamine alkoxylate, to form an insecticidal composition that enhances pest control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insecticide application methods are used, then some pest control is achieved, but sufficient and sustained protection against yield-robbing insects is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines insecticide application with fertilizer application into a single integrated system. The application device delivers both insecticide and fertilizer simultaneously or in close sequence to the same treatment zone, merging two separate agricultural operations into one unified process that improves reliability while maintaining duration through coordinated delivery of both substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies insecticide in advance during planting operations, before pests can cause significant damage. By incorporating insecticide application into the planting process itself, the treatment is established preliminarily when the crop is most vulnerable, providing sustained protection throughout the growing season rather than requiring multiple subsequent applications.
2Reliability
If multiple separate applications of insecticide and fertilizer are made, then adequate nutrition and some pest control are achieved, but yield loss from pests still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates insecticide and fertilizer application into a single unified system that delivers both substances through one application device. This merging eliminates the need for separate application operations, reducing overall system complexity while improving pest control reliability through coordinated delivery of both insecticide and fertilizer in the optimal combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The application device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of delivering both insecticide and fertilizer through the same mechanism. This universal device performs multiple agricultural functions (fertilization and pest control) simultaneously, reducing the number of separate systems needed and simplifying the overall application process while maintaining effective pest control.
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
This approach significantly reduces insect damage in corn and other crops by providing improved control of cutworms, rootworms, and other pests, as demonstrated by experiments showing minimal to no damage in treated plots compared to control plots, with effective application rates and formulations optimizing pest management.
Implementation Method 1
The insecticidal composition may include a surfactant, e.g. a phosphated arylphenol alkoxylate surfactant having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 4-8, an alkylamine alkoxylate surfactant having an average degree of alkoxylation of from 2-12
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling insect damage in a plant. In one embodiment, the methods include applying insecticide and at least one fertilizer in-furrow at planting. In particular examples, methods of controlling cutworms in corn include applying tefluthrin and at least one pop-up fertilizer in-furrow at planting.