Nematicidal Composition Using Natural Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nematicides for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes are often toxic and environmentally harmful, with limited effective alternatives for managing pests like root-knot and cyst nematodes, which cause significant yield losses in agriculture.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a composition containing compounds of formula 1, optionally methyl benzoate, a surfactant, and a carrier, applied to treat areas to effectively kill nematodes, oomycetes, and fungi, utilizing compounds such as methyl 2-nitrobenzoate, methyl 2-methoxybenzoate, and benzyl benzoate, which are naturally occurring or synthesized for their nematocidal properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional nematicides are used to control plant-parasitic nematodes, then nematode mortality is improved, but environmental safety and non-target organism protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode mortalityVSAvoidenvironmental toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of nematicides by using naturally occurring compounds (terpenes, phenolics, alkaloids) instead of synthetic chemicals. These natural compounds achieve nematode control through biochemical mechanisms while degrading faster in the environment, reducing persistence and toxicity to non-target organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs short-living natural compounds that degrade rapidly in the environment after performing their nematicidal function. These compounds are replaced continuously rather than persisting long-term, reducing environmental accumulation and chronic toxicity effects on soil ecosystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If methyl bromide is used as a soil sterilizer to control nematodes and other pathogens, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but ozone layer protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidozone depletion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful ozone-depleting component (methyl bromide) from the soil sterilization process, replacing it with natural compounds that provide similar pest control functionality without the harmful environmental side effects. The beneficial nematicidal action is retained while the harmful ozone-depleting property is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the search for effective pest control into a benefit by discovering that natural compounds can achieve similar or superior nematicidal activity without the harmful environmental impacts of methyl bromide, including ozone depletion and non-target organism damage.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If alternative nematicides such as dimethyl disulfide, ozone, or other compounds are used to replace methyl bromide, then environmental safety is improved, but toxicity or flammability issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidtoxicity and flammability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal approach by using multiple classes of natural compounds (terpenes, phenolics, alkaloids) that provide broad-spectrum nematicidal activity. This diversity allows selection of compounds with optimal safety profiles for different application scenarios, avoiding the need to compromise on environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If steam is used to sterilize soil for nematode control, then nematode mortality is improved, but cost and energy consumption worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode mortalityVSAvoidenergy cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (steam sterilization requiring high energy input) with a chemical/biological system using natural nematicidal compounds. This substitution achieves similar nematode control effectiveness through biochemical mechanisms at much lower energy costs and without the need for high-temperature equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20220183287A1Methods for killing pests

Publication Date: 2022.06.16 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods for killing pests such as nematodes, oomycetes, and fungi, involving treating an object or area with an effective amount of a composition containing at least one compound of formula 1, wherein R1 is CH3, C2H5, C3H7; saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched, or halogen substituted alkyl; and wherein R2 are independently H, halogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkyl halide, aldehyde, ketone, ether, ester, amine, or amide; optionally methyl benzoate, optionally a surfactant, and optionally a carrier.