Marine Algae–Carboxylic Acid Compositions for Eco-Friendly Nematode Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for combating nematodes in agriculture are expensive, environmentally harmful, and ineffective against emerging resistant strains, necessitating the development of alternative, eco-friendly solutions.

Innovation Solution

A nematostatic composition comprising marine algae or their extracts combined with carboxylic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, or lactic acid, which disrupt nematode recognition and development, reducing their access to plant roots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical nematicides are used to combat nematodes, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using carboxylic acids (formic, acetic, lactic, citric, oxalic, propionic, or malic acid) instead of traditional toxic nematicides. These acids provide nematostatic activity while having reduced environmental persistence and toxicity, thus maintaining control effectiveness while reducing environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines carboxylic acids with marine alga extracts to create a composite nematostatic composition. This composite approach enhances the overall efficacy against nematodes while utilizing naturally derived components that are more environmentally benign than synthetic nematicides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional nematicides are used, then nematode control is effective, but resistance development in nematodes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidnematode resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple carboxylic acids with different chemical structures and modes of action, along with marine alga extracts containing various bioactive compounds. This multi-component approach with diverse mechanisms makes it harder for nematodes to develop resistance compared to single-mode synthetic nematicides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By combining carboxylic acids with marine alga extracts, the invention creates a composite formulation with multiple active components that can target nematodes through different mechanisms, thereby reducing the risk of resistance development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If fumigation products are used for nematode control, then nematode mortality increases, but cost increases and applicability is limited to high-value crops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode mortalityVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses carboxylic acids that are generally cheaper than traditional fumigation products and can be applied to a broader range of crops including field crops, vegetable crops, and perennial crops, not just high-value crops. The formulation provides cost-effective nematode control for diverse agricultural applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If marine alga extract and carboxylic acid composition is used, then nematode mobility is reduced, but the mechanism of action needs verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode mobility reductionVSAvoidmechanism understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes how the composition naturally disrupts nematode recognition and mobility through the inherent properties of carboxylic acids and marine alga extracts. The formulation works through natural biochemical interactions that reduce nematode ability to locate and penetrate plant roots, providing self-service nematostatic protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 inhibits nematode mobility and colonization, improving plant health and yield while minimizing pesticide use, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides.

Implementation Method 1

disrupt nematode recognition and development, reducing their access to plant roots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRecognition disruption:

Implementation Method 2

The composition effectively inhibits nematode mobility and colonization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMobility inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS20250275541A1Nematostatic compositions, and use thereof in agriculture

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 AGRO INNOVATION INT

AI summary

The invention relates to nematostatic compositions comprising (i) a marine alga or a marine alga extract and (ii) a carboxylic acid, preferably selected from formic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, propionic acid and malic acid, preferably formic acid; and use thereof.