Microencapsulated Pendimethalin for Flooded Rice Weed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to effectively control aquatic weeds in flooded rice fields without causing injury to the rice plants or reducing yield, particularly in regions where herbicide-resistant weeds are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
Applying a herbicidally effective amount of pendimethalin in the form of microcapsules to the aquatic environment after rice seedlings have germinated, allowing the active ingredient to settle into the weed germination zone while avoiding damage to the rice plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If herbicides are applied to control aquatic weeds in flooded rice fields, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but rice plant injury and yield reduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pendimethalin in microencapsulated form, changing the physical state and release characteristics of the herbicide. The microencapsulation modifies the delivery parameters, enabling controlled release that maintains herbicidal effectiveness while reducing phytotoxicity to rice plants
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsule acts as an intermediary carrier between the herbicide and the target environment. This intermediate structure protects the rice plants from direct exposure to high concentrations of the herbicide while still allowing effective weed control through controlled release
2Reliability
If pendimethalin is applied to control weeds in flooded rice fields, then weed control is achieved, but the herbicide causes injury to rice plants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of pendimethalin delivery through microencapsulation. This formulation approach modifies the release kinetics and concentration profiles, achieving effective weed control while reducing harmful effects on rice plants
Solution Approach 2:
The microencapsulated formulation creates localized controlled release zones, concentrating the herbicidal action where needed while limiting exposure to rice plants. This spatial and temporal localization of herbicide release reduces overall phytotoxicity
3Productivity
If pre-emergence herbicide application is used to control weeds, then weed competition is reduced, but herbicide drift and environmental contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The microencapsulated formulation changes the physical properties of the herbicide, improving its adhesion and retention characteristics. This reduces drift potential and environmental contamination while maintaining effective pre-emergence weed 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 method provides effective pre-emergence weed control for common grass weeds in flooded rice fields, such as Echinochloa species and Leptochloa fusca, without harming the rice plants, thus maintaining yield and reducing water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the active ingredient to settle into the weed germination zone
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling undesirable vegetation in an aquatic environment in which a rice plant is growing. In the method of this invention, a herbicidally effective amount of pendimethalin or of a composition comprising pendimethalin is applied to the aquatic environment before emergence of the undesirable vegetation and after germination of the rice seedlings. The method is particularly suitable for weed control in flooded rice fields.