Nematicide Composition Using DMSO and Surfactants for Soil Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for killing nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes in soils, such as methyl bromide, are either ineffective or environmentally harmful, leading to increased ozone layer destruction and resistance issues, with no viable alternatives available despite the ban on methyl bromide.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a quaternary compound, dimethyl sulfoxide, ammonium lauryl sulfate, papain, and grapefruit peel and seed extracts is used to penetrate and kill nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes, leveraging the cell-penetrating and surfactant properties of these components to achieve effective nematode and rhizome control without the environmental hazards of methyl bromide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If methyl bromide is used to kill nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes, then effective pest control is achieved, but ozone layer destruction occurs and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the harmful methyl bromide with a composition of naturally derived compounds (quaternary compound from plant sources, grapefruit peel and seed extracts, papain enzyme) that achieve the same pest control function without ozone depletion. The harmful chemical is substituted with beneficial natural substances that maintain effectiveness while eliminating environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite formulation combining multiple natural compounds (quaternary compound, dimethyl sulfoxide, ammonium lauryl sulfate, papain, grapefruit peel and seed extracts) to achieve synergistic pest control effects. This composite approach replaces the single harmful chemical methyl bromide with a multi-component natural alternative that addresses both nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes effectively.
2Reliability
If current nematicides are used in compact soils, then nematode control is attempted, but the compounds cannot reach their target and effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dimethyl sulfoxide and ammonium lauryl sulfate as intermediary substances that facilitate the penetration of the quaternary compound through compact soil to reach nematodes. These intermediaries act as carriers or solvents that enable the active ingredient to traverse difficult soil structures and reach its target effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the nematicide formulation by using a water-soluble quaternary compound combined with penetration-enhancing agents. This parameter change allows the composition to effectively move through compact soils where traditional hydrophobic nematicides fail to reach their target.
3Reliability
If methyl bromide is used to kill nut sedge rhizomes, then effective weed control is achieved, but the cost increases and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive methyl bromide with a more economical composition derived from natural sources. The quaternary compound, grapefruit extracts, and papain can be produced or sourced at lower cost, providing an affordable alternative that maintains effectiveness against nut sedge rhizomes while reducing treatment expenses.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If quaternary compound is used alone to kill nematodes and rhizomes, then the compound is safe to humans and environment, but it cannot effectively penetrate and kill the targets in compact soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safe quaternary compound with penetration-enhancing substances (dimethyl sulfoxide, ammonium lauryl sulfate) and natural extracts (grapefruit peel and seed extracts, papain). This combination maintains the safety profile of the quaternary compound while adding the functional capability to penetrate compact soils and effectively kill nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes.
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
The solution effectively kills nematodes and nut sedge rhizomes, outperforming existing herbicides and reducing the need for methyl bromide, thereby minimizing ozone layer damage and providing a safer alternative for agricultural use.
Implementation Method 1
dimethyl sulfoxide is known to transfer through the cell wall of animals some compounds that are combined with and applied together to the skin of the animal
Implementation Method 2
Ammonium lauryl sulfate is a well-known surfactant that has been used in soils to ameliorate the soil structure
Implementation Method 3
Papain is a well-known proteolytic enzyme that is used to tenderize meats
Implementation Method 4
the grapefruit peel and seed have compounds that act as very superior surfactants and can aid the quaternary compound to enter the nut sedge rhizome and the nematode and kill it
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for and a method to kill nematodes, weeds, weed seeds and weed rhizomes in soils.