Mentha Extract Herbicidal Compositions Synergy
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new herbicides that are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can effectively control problem weeds without promoting herbicide resistance, particularly in crops like corn, soybeans, and rice, as existing herbicides face challenges in discovering new modes of action and are often derived from petroleum sources.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel herbicidal compositions using extracts from Mentha species, such as peppermint, spearmint, and corn mint, combined with other plant extracts like caraway and dill, which work synergistically with synthetic or organic herbicides to enhance herbicidal effect and overcome resistance in weeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If petroleum-derived synthetic herbicides are used, then herbicidal efficacy is achieved, but environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing petroleum-derived synthetic herbicides with plant-derived extracts containing carvone, menthol, and menthone. This substitution maintains herbicidal efficacy while improving environmental sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality, as the active ingredients are naturally occurring compounds from renewable plant sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite herbicidal formulations combining multiple plant-derived extracts (carvone-containing oils, menthol-containing oils, menthone-containing oils) rather than relying on a single synthetic compound. This composite approach enhances herbicidal efficacy through synergistic effects while maintaining environmental friendliness and reducing dependence on petroleum sources.
2Reliability
If existing herbicide modes of action are used, then current weed control is achieved, but resistance development in weeds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the herbicidal action into multiple independent mechanisms by using different plant-derived compounds (carvone, menthol, menthone) that target different biochemical pathways in weeds. This multi-target approach prevents resistance development because weeds cannot develop a single metabolic resistance mechanism that would be effective against all components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite formulation combines multiple plant-derived extracts with potentially different modes of action, creating a multi-mechanism herbicidal system. This versatility ensures effective control across different weed species and resistance levels while maintaining adaptability to various agricultural conditions.
3Ease of operation
If single herbicide applications are used, then simplicity of application is maintained, but herbicidal resistance in weeds develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple herbicidal compounds (carvone-containing oils, menthol-containing oils, menthone-containing oils) into a single integrated plant extract composition. This unified formulation maintains application simplicity as it can be applied as one product, while simultaneously providing multiple modes of action that prevent resistance development.
4Reliability
If new herbicide modes of action are discovered, then effective control of problem weeds is achieved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages nature's existing biochemical diversity by utilizing plant-derived compounds that have evolved natural herbicidal properties. This approach bypasses the lengthy and expensive process of de novo herbicide discovery and development, as the active ingredients (carvone, menthol, menthone) are naturally occurring substances that can be extracted and formulated with relatively simple processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are compositions and methods relating to herbicidal compositions. In particular, the invention relates to herbicidal compositions comprising a Mentha sp. plant extract composition that can be utilized alone or with other carvone and/or menthol or menthone containing plant extracts. Further, the composition acts in synergy with commercial herbicides. Also provided are methods of using herbicidal compositions for treatment of weeds, grasses, and photosynthetic organisms. In particular, the component acting in synergy with the commercial herbicide is a Mentha sp., and may also include dill, clove, caraway extract, and combinations thereof.