Jasmonate Seaweed Composition for In-Plant Cannabinoid Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modulating secondary metabolite production in plants, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, are limited to large-scale cell suspensions and in vitro cultures and do not effectively produce these compounds in planta.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural compositions comprising jasmonate, seaweed, and a surfactant, with specific ratios and concentrations, are applied to Cannabis spp. plants to modulate secondary metabolite production, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cell suspensions and in vitro plant cultures are used to modulate secondary metabolite production, then large-scale production of plant products can be achieved, but the production of secondary metabolites in planta (in the plant) is not effectively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses jasmonate as an intermediary substance to transfer the elicitor signal from external application to internal plant metabolic pathways. The jasmonate composition acts as a mediator that triggers endogenous secondary metabolite production in planta without requiring cell suspension or in vitro culture systems, thereby bridging the gap between external stimulation and internal production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables plants to self-produce secondary metabolites through endogenous pathways when exposed to the jasmonate composition. Rather than relying on external cell suspension systems to produce metabolites, the plant itself activates its own metabolic pathways to generate cannabinoids, terpenes, and other secondary metabolites in situ, making the plant self-sufficient for metabolite production.
2Productivity
If conventional agricultural practices are used, then plant growth can be maintained, but secondary metabolite production (cannabinoids and terpenes) is not sufficiently increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single agricultural composition: jasmonate (for metabolite induction), surfactant (for delivery and penetration), and potentially other adjuvants. This merged formulation integrates elicitation, delivery, and enhancement functions into one application, simplifying the process while maximizing secondary metabolite production compared to conventional single-function agricultural practices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters of plant metabolism by applying jasmonate, which alters the plant's hormonal balance and activates defense-related metabolic pathways. This parameter change in the plant's physiological state triggers increased production of secondary metabolites without requiring complex external production systems, thereby enhancing productivity through biochemical parameter modification.
3Productivity
If in vitro cultures are used for metabolite production, then production capacity can be scaled, but the complexity of the production system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and applies only the essential elicitor component (jasmonate) that triggers metabolite production, removing the need for complex in vitro culture systems, cell suspension infrastructure, and associated equipment. By taking out just the key signaling molecule and applying it directly to intact plants, the invention achieves metabolite production capacity without the overwhelming system complexity of in vitro production facilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are agricultural compositions comprising a jasmonate, a seaweed and a surfactant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions for altering secondary metabolite production in a plant or plant part.