Methylobacterium Compositions for Root Lesion Nematode Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate in effectively controlling Root Lesion Nematodes (RLN) damage to plants and reducing their populations in soil, leading to issues such as reduced plant growth, yield, water-deficit tolerance, and chlorosis.

Innovation Solution

The use of isolated Methylobacterium sp., specifically strains like NLS0021, NLS0038, NLS0042, NLS0934, NLS0062, NLS0069, and NLS0089, or their derivatives, in the form of compositions, cell-free culture supernatants, or concentrates, applied to plants or soil to inhibit RLN activity and reduce their populations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to control Root Lesion Nematodes, then some level of nematode control is achieved, but the control is inadequate and plant damage persists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of RLN controlVSAvoidplant damage from RLN
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the biological parameter by introducing specific Methylobacterium species and strains with proven nematicidal activity. These bacteria produce antibiotics and other compounds that specifically target nematodes, transforming the control mechanism from conventional inadequate methods to a biologically active solution that reliably reduces RLN populations and protects plants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The Methylobacterium sp. acts as an intermediary organism between the plant and the nematode pest. The bacteria colonize the rhizosphere and directly interact with nematodes through antibiotic production and other mechanisms, providing protective mediation that blocks the harmful interaction between nematodes and plant roots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If plant growth and yield are to be improved, then better plant health is needed, but current RLN infestations reduce growth and yield

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplant yieldVSAvoidRLN-induced growth reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Methylobacterium sp. to the soil and plant rhizosphere before nematode damage occurs. The bacteria establish themselves in the rhizosphere environment first, creating a protective barrier that prevents nematode infection and allows plants to grow without subsequent damage, thereby preserving yield potential

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful nematode-infested environment into a beneficial situation by introducing Methylobacterium sp. that produce nematicidal compounds. The bacteria transform the toxic nematode presence into an opportunity for biological control, where the nematodes become the target of bacterial antibiotics rather than direct plant predators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250366477A1Methods and compositions for controlling root lesion nematodes
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 NEWLEAF SYMBIOTICS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising Root-Lesion Nematode (RLN)-inhibitory Methylobacterium sp., as well as cell-free culture supernatants, fractions, and concentrates obtained from the Root-Lesion Nematode (RLN)-inhibitory Methylobacterium sp. Also provided are related methods for controlling RLN infections of plants, and methods of making the compositions.