Nematode-antagonistic Biocontrol Compositions for Sustainable Pest Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling nematode pests in agriculture are inadequate in providing effective and sustainable pest control, as they often lead to pest resistance and do not fully address phytotoxicity and environmental concerns, necessitating the development of improved combinations of biocontrol agents to enhance pest management.

Innovation Solution

A combination of nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agents, including nematophagous fungi and bacteria from the genus Bacillus, such as Pasteuria species and Bacillus firmus, is used to control nematode pests, providing synergistic effects that enhance pest control and plant growth characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pesticides and nematicides are used to control nematode pests, then pest control effectiveness is achieved, but pest resistance develops and environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm and pest resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes naturally occurring biocontrol agents (Pasteuria nishizawae and Bacillus firmus) that convert biological processes into beneficial pest control. These agents naturally infect and kill nematodes, transforming biological activity from potentially harmful to beneficial, while avoiding the environmental harm and resistance issues associated with synthetic chemicals

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary organisms (Pasteuria nishizawae spores and Bacillus firmus bacteria) that act as mediators between the plant and nematode pest. These intermediaries provide protective effects against nematodes while also offering plant growth promotion benefits, thereby reducing the need for direct chemical intervention and minimizing environmental harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If single biocontrol agents are used to control nematodes, then some pest control is achieved, but control effectiveness and duration are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidduration of pest control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two distinct biocontrol agents (Pasteuria nishizawae and Bacillus firmus) into a single composition. Pasteuria provides direct nematicidal activity through spore germination and nematode infection, while Bacillus firmus provides additional nematicidal effects and plant growth promotion. This combination creates synergistic effects that enhance both control effectiveness and duration compared to single agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional biocontrol composition where Pasteuria nishizawae provides primary nematicidal activity, Bacillus firmus provides supplementary nematicidal effects and plant growth promotion, and the combination offers both immediate and prolonged protection. This multi-functionality extends the duration of action and broadens the spectrum of control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If higher application rates of pesticides are used to maintain effectiveness, then pest control is improved, but environmental exposure and worker safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidworker exposure and environmental contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces harmful synthetic pesticides with beneficial biocontrol agents that naturally occur in the environment. Pasteuria nishizawae and Bacillus firmus provide pest control through biological mechanisms rather than toxic chemical action, thereby eliminating worker exposure risks and environmental contamination while maintaining effective nematode control

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

Solution Approach 2:

The biocontrol agents in the patent are self-replicating and self-sustaining organisms that provide ongoing pest control without requiring repeated high-rate applications. The spores and bacteria multiply and persist in the soil, providing prolonged protection and reducing the need for additional applications that would increase environmental exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2696691B1Pesticidal compositions comprising a nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agent
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG

AI summary

Combinations suitable for agricultural use can include (I) a nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agent and (II) one or more agents selected, independently of each other, from any one of (A) to (H): (A) at least one fungicide; (B) at least one insecticide; (C) at least one synthetic nematicide; (D) bacterium of the genus Bacillus; (E) Harpin; (F) Isoflavones; (G) Plant growth regulators; and/or (H) Plant activators.