Astigmatid Mite Eggs as Nutrient Source for Arthropod Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological control compositions face challenges such as short shelf life, phytotoxicity, allergenicity, and population instability due to the use of whole astigmatid mite populations, which affect the effectiveness and safety of arthropod biological control agents.

Innovation Solution

The use of astigmatid mite eggs as a nutrient source for arthropod biological control agents, which can be treated to enter a sub-lethal stage to extend shelf life and prevent hatching, providing a stable and long-lasting nutritional source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If whole astigmatid mite populations are used as food source, then arthropod biological control agents can be reared, but shelf life is short and population stability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidpopulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the astigmatid mite population by using only eggs instead of the complete population (eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults). This segmentation provides a more stable and longer-lasting food source for arthropod biological control agents, as eggs do not undergo the same population fluctuations and decomposition issues as whole mite populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the developmental stage parameter of the food source from mixed stages (eggs, larvae, nymphs, adults) to exclusively eggs. This parameter change extends shelf life and improves population stability, as eggs remain stable over time without the metabolic activity and decomposition associated with older life stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If whole astigmatid mite populations are used, then arthropods can be fed, but phytotoxicity and allergenicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearthropod population growthVSAvoidphytotoxicity and allergenicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and uses only the egg stage of astigmatid mites, separating this stage from the harmful larval, nymphal, and adult stages that cause phytotoxicity and allergenicity. This extraction maintains the nutritional value needed for arthropod population growth while eliminating the harmful effects associated with other life stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If astigmatid mite eggs are treated to enter sub-lethal stage, then shelf life is extended, but hatching is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidarthropod fecundity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary treatment to astigmatid mite eggs to induce a sub-lethal stage, which prevents hatching and extends shelf life. This preliminary anti-action (preventing hatching) is beneficial for storage stability while the eggs remain viable and nutritious for arthropod consumption, maintaining productivity when the composition is applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11638417B2Composition comprising arthropods and astigmatid mite eggs

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 CENT INT DETUD SUPERIEURES & SCI AGRONOMIQUES

AI summary

The present invention relates to a biological control composition comprising at least arthropod biological control agents and astigmatid mite eggs. The invention also relates to the use of astigmatid mite eggs as a nutrient source for arthropod biological control agents. The invention also relates to a biological control composition comprising at least one population of arthropod biological control agents, a nutrient source comprising astigmatid mite eggs, and optionally, a support and/or dissemination substrate. Finally, the present invention further relates to a method for rearing arthropods from astigmatid mite eggs as a nutrient source.